My essay by Yaredi

My essay by Yaredi - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Yaredi Yaredi, and I am currently a sophomore at Western Kentucky University, majoring in Construction Engineering. As a college student, I have faced my fair share of academic challenges, but one experience stands out as particularly impactful. It taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, seeking help, and the importance of time management.

When I first started college, I was excited and eager to dive into my studies. However, I quickly realized that the transition from high school to college was more difficult than I had anticipated. The coursework was more demanding, and the expectations were much higher. I found myself struggling to keep up with my classes, especially in subjects that required a strong foundation in math and physics. My GPA suffered as a result, and I ended up with a 1.45 GPA at the end of my freshman year.

This was a tough pill to swallow. I had always been a good student in high school, and I was not used to feeling so overwhelmed and lost. I knew that if I wanted to succeed in my major and achieve my goals, I needed to make some changes. I could not let my struggles define me or derail my dreams of working in construction engineering.

The first step I took was to acknowledge that I needed help. It was not easy to admit that I was struggling, but I knew it was necessary. I reached out to my professors and academic advisors to discuss my situation. They were understanding and supportive, and they helped me come up with a plan to improve my academic performance. I also sought help from tutoring services on campus, which provided me with additional support in subjects where I was struggling.

Another important change I made was to improve my time management skills. I realized that I needed to be more organized and disciplined in order to keep up with my coursework. I started using a planner to keep track of assignments, deadlines, and important dates. I also set aside specific times each day for studying and completing homework, which helped me stay on top of my responsibilities.

In addition to seeking help and improving my time management, I also made an effort to actively engage with the material I was learning. Instead of passively listening to lectures, I started taking detailed notes and asking questions when I did not understand something. I also formed study groups with my classmates, which allowed us to collaborate and learn from each other. This approach not only helped me grasp the material better but also made studying more enjoyable.

Throughout this process, I learned the importance of resilience and perseverance. There were times when I felt discouraged and doubted my ability to succeed, but I reminded myself of my goals and why I chose to pursue a degree in construction engineering. I kept pushing forward, even when it was difficult, and gradually, I started to see improvements in my academic performance.

By the end of my sophomore year, I had managed to raise my GPA and gain a better understanding of the subjects that once seemed insurmountable. While I am still working towards reaching my full potential, I am proud of the progress I have made and the obstacles I have overcome.

This challenging academic experience taught me that setbacks are not the end of the road but rather opportunities for growth and learning. It showed me the value of seeking help and the power of determination. I now have a clearer understanding of what it takes to succeed in college and in my future career.

I am grateful for the support I received from my professors, advisors, and peers, and I am committed to continuing to work hard and strive for excellence in my studies. This experience has strengthened my resolve to pursue a career in construction engineering and has given me the confidence to tackle any challenges that may come my way in the future.

In conclusion, facing academic challenges has been a defining part of my college experience. It has shaped me into a more resilient and determined individual, and it has equipped me with the skills and mindset needed to succeed both academically and professionally. I am excited to continue my journey and to see where it will take me, knowing that I have the tools to overcome any obstacles that may arise.