Educational life hasn’t always been easy by Tyra

Educational life hasn’t always been easy by Tyra - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

As a first-generation college student at Prairie View A&M University, I have encountered several challenges on my academic journey. One experience that stands out occurred during my first semester as a Political Science major. Transitioning from high school to college was a significant change, and I quickly realized that the workload and expectations were much higher. One course, in particular, Introduction to Political Theory, proved to be especially demanding.

In high school, I excelled academically, graduating with a 3.9 GPA. However, college presented a different level of difficulty. The pace was faster, and the material was more complex than anything I had encountered before. During the first few weeks of the semester, I struggled to keep up with the readings and lectures. The language and concepts in political theory were new to me, and I found myself feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to approach the subject.

The turning point came after I received a disappointing grade on my first major paper. It was a wake-up call that I needed to change my approach to succeed in this new environment. I realized I could not rely solely on the study habits that had worked for me in high school. I needed to adapt and find new strategies to tackle the challenges of college-level coursework.

First, I sought help from my professor. I attended office hours, where I asked questions about the material I did not understand and sought feedback on my paper. My professor was incredibly supportive, providing guidance on how to structure my arguments and analyze political texts effectively. This experience taught me the importance of seeking help and utilizing available resources.

In addition to seeking help from my professor, I also joined a study group with classmates. Collaborating with peers allowed me to gain different perspectives on the material and learn from others who might have grasped certain concepts better than I had. We met regularly to discuss readings and prepare for exams, which helped me stay on track and feel more confident in my understanding of the subject.

Furthermore, I developed new study habits to manage my time more effectively. I created a detailed schedule that allocated specific times for reading, writing, and reviewing notes. This approach helped me stay organized and ensured that I dedicated enough time to each task. I also learned to break down larger assignments into smaller, manageable parts, which made the workload feel less overwhelming.

Another crucial aspect of overcoming this challenge was building resilience and maintaining a positive mindset. Initially, I was disheartened by my struggles, but I reminded myself that setbacks are a part of the learning process. I focused on my long-term goals and the reasons why I chose to study Political Science. I am passionate about understanding government systems and advocating for social justice, and I knew that overcoming these academic challenges was essential to achieving my aspirations.

By the end of the semester, my hard work and determination paid off. I saw significant improvement in my grades and felt more confident in my ability to tackle complex political theories. This experience taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, adaptability, and the importance of seeking support when needed.

Looking back, I am grateful for the challenges I faced during my first semester. They pushed me to grow both academically and personally. As a Black woman in a predominantly white field, I am determined to excel and make a difference in the world. This experience reinforced my commitment to my studies and my desire to contribute to meaningful change through a career in government or public policy.

In conclusion, overcoming the challenges of my Introduction to Political Theory course was a pivotal moment in my academic journey. It taught me the importance of seeking help, collaborating with peers, and developing effective study habits. Most importantly, it showed me that with resilience and determination, I can overcome any obstacle in my path. As I continue my education at Prairie View A&M University, I am confident that these skills will serve me well in future challenges and help me achieve my goals.