Sophomore year by William

Sophomore year by William - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is William Roundtree, and I am currently a junior at Law Enforcement Officers Memorial High School. I am excited about the possibility of attending Florida A & M University to pursue majors in Business, Advertising, and Theatre/Performing Arts. I am writing to share a challenging academic experience I faced and how I managed to overcome it.

During my sophomore year, I encountered a significant academic challenge that tested my perseverance and determination. Balancing my interests in different fields while maintaining a decent GPA was not easy. My GPA was 3.08, and I knew I needed to improve it if I wanted to keep my options open for college. The most challenging part was managing my time and energy between my academic responsibilities and my passion for theatre and performing arts.

One of the toughest courses I took was Algebra II. Math had always been a subject where I struggled, and Algebra II was no exception. The concepts seemed abstract and difficult to grasp, and I found myself falling behind. It was frustrating because I knew that understanding math was crucial for my future studies in business. I realized that if I did not tackle this challenge head-on, it could affect my overall academic performance and my dreams of going to college.

To overcome this, I had to first acknowledge that I needed help. It was not easy to admit that I was struggling, but I knew it was the first step towards improvement. I approached my teacher and asked for extra help. She was understanding and agreed to meet with me after school to go over the concepts I found difficult. These sessions were incredibly helpful, as they allowed me to ask questions in a one-on-one setting and gain a deeper understanding of the material.

In addition to seeking help from my teacher, I also formed a study group with a few classmates who were also having trouble with the class. We met twice a week to review homework assignments and prepare for upcoming tests. Working with my peers not only helped me understand the material better but also provided a sense of camaraderie and support. We encouraged each other and celebrated small victories together, which made the process less daunting.

To further solidify my understanding, I turned to online resources. Websites like Khan Academy offered free tutorials and practice problems that I could work on at my own pace. I dedicated time each evening to watch videos and complete exercises, which reinforced what I learned in class and during my study sessions.

Balancing my time was another challenge. I had to find a way to manage my academic responsibilities while still pursuing my passion for theatre. I learned to prioritize my tasks and create a schedule that allowed me to focus on my studies without giving up on the activities I loved. This meant being disciplined with my time, setting specific goals, and holding myself accountable.

Through hard work and dedication, my efforts eventually paid off. My grades in Algebra II improved, and I gained more confidence in my math skills. This experience taught me the importance of seeking help when needed, collaborating with others, and using available resources to enhance my learning. It also reinforced my belief in my ability to overcome challenges through perseverance and determination.

This challenging academic experience was a turning point for me. It showed me that I am capable of overcoming obstacles and that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. It also prepared me for future challenges I might face in college and beyond. I am now more motivated than ever to pursue my dreams of studying business, advertising, and theatre at Florida A & M University.

In conclusion, facing and overcoming this academic challenge has made me a stronger and more resilient student. It has taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, time management, and the importance of seeking support. I am grateful for the experience, as it has prepared me for the next steps in my academic journey and has given me the confidence to pursue my goals with determination and passion. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and am committed to making the most of them.