Challenges by Yomauree

Challenges by Yomauree - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

Life is full of challenges, and I have always believed that facing them head-on is the best way to grow. One of the most challenging academic experiences I have faced happened during my first semester at Antelope Valley College. As a freshman majoring in Nursing, I knew that the road ahead would be tough, but I was not fully prepared for the level of difficulty I encountered.

From the start, I was excited about my classes and eager to dive into the world of nursing. However, I quickly realized that balancing my coursework with my new responsibilities as a college student was more demanding than I anticipated. One class in particular, Anatomy and Physiology, stood out as especially challenging. The sheer volume of information, coupled with the need to understand complex systems of the human body, was overwhelming.

As someone who had always excelled in high school, graduating with a 4.0 GPA, I was not used to struggling academically. My initial reaction was frustration and self-doubt. I began to question whether I had what it took to succeed in such a rigorous program. But deep down, I knew that giving up was not an option. I had a passion for nursing and a commitment to achieving my goal of becoming a nurse.

The turning point came when I decided to change my approach. I realized that I needed to develop new strategies to manage my time and absorb the material effectively. The first thing I did was seek help. I reached out to my professor, who was incredibly supportive and provided me with additional resources to better understand the course content. I also joined a study group with fellow classmates, which proved to be invaluable. Working together, we were able to clarify difficult concepts and support each other through the challenges of the course.

In addition to seeking help from others, I also took responsibility for improving my own study habits. I started by creating a detailed study schedule, allocating specific times each day to focus on different subjects. This helped me stay organized and ensured that I was dedicating enough time to each class. I also discovered the power of active learning techniques, such as summarizing information in my own words, teaching concepts to others, and using flashcards for memorization. These methods helped reinforce my understanding and retention of the material.

Another important lesson I learned was the value of self-care. During times of stress, it is easy to neglect physical and mental well-being, but I found that taking breaks, exercising, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle were crucial to my academic success. By prioritizing my health, I was able to stay focused and energized, which made studying more effective.

As the semester progressed, I noticed a significant improvement in my performance. My grades in Anatomy and Physiology began to rise, and I felt more confident in my ability to tackle challenging material. The experience taught me that perseverance and adaptability are key to overcoming obstacles. It also reinforced my passion for nursing and my desire to help others through a career in healthcare.

Reflecting on this experience, I am grateful for the challenges I faced, as they taught me valuable lessons about resilience, collaboration, and self-discipline. These skills will undoubtedly serve me well as I continue my studies and eventually enter the nursing profession. I am excited about the future and committed to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

In conclusion, my challenging experience with Anatomy and Physiology during my first semester at Antelope Valley College was a pivotal moment in my academic journey. By seeking help, developing effective study strategies, and prioritizing self-care, I was able to overcome this obstacle and grow as a student. This experience has strengthened my resolve to succeed in the field of nursing and has prepared me for the challenges that lie ahead. I am confident that with determination and hard work, I will achieve my goal of becoming a nurse and making a difference in the world.