Finding Solutions: Overcoming My Chemistry Challenge by Zanniah

Finding Solutions: Overcoming My Chemistry Challenge by Zanniah - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

Junior year of high school was one of the most academically challenging times I’ve faced, and chemistry was at the center of it. As someone who typically excels in school and learns new material quickly, I initially expected chemistry to be no different. However, from the very beginning, I struggled to grasp the concepts. The formulas, periodic table, and scientific terminology were like a foreign language to me. It was frustrating and overwhelming, especially because I wasn’t used to feeling so lost in a subject.
Halfway through the semester, things took a turn for the worse. My chemistry teacher left unexpectedly, and we transitioned to virtual learning with little guidance. Suddenly, I found myself navigating an already difficult subject with minimal instruction. The combination of confusion and isolation was daunting. I felt like I was falling further and further behind, and for the first time in my academic career, I doubted my ability to succeed.
Despite how overwhelmed I felt, I knew I couldn’t give up. I realized that if I wanted to overcome this challenge, I had to take control of my learning. I started by breaking down the material into smaller, manageable pieces. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, I focused on one topic at a time, like balancing equations or understanding chemical bonds.
YouTube became my lifeline. I searched for videos explaining the topics I didn’t understand, often watching multiple versions of the same concept until it clicked. Channels like CrashCourse and Khan Academy were incredibly helpful, as they broke down complex ideas in a way that was easy to follow. I also found online practice problems and quizzes to test my understanding.
In addition to watching videos, I dedicated extra time to studying chemistry every day. I would rewrite my notes, create flashcards, and even explain the concepts out loud to myself as if I were teaching someone else. Repetition became my best friend. Slowly but surely, I began to grasp the material.
I also reached out to classmates who were doing well in the class. We formed a small virtual study group where we helped each other through the tougher topics. Hearing their perspectives and learning how they approached the problems gave me new strategies and confidence.
By the end of the semester, I saw significant improvement. My grades steadily climbed, and more importantly, I regained my confidence in my ability to overcome academic challenges. The experience taught me that while natural talent and quick learning are helpful, perseverance, resourcefulness, and hard work are what truly lead to success.
Looking back, I’m proud of how I handled that difficult time. Chemistry pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me valuable lessons about self-discipline and resilience. Now, when I face new challenges—whether in academics or life—I remind myself of that semester and the steps I took to turn things around.
This experience has prepared me for future obstacles by showing me that challenges are not roadblocks, but opportunities to grow. I know that with the right mindset and effort, I can overcome anything, just like I did with chemistry.