by Zeke

by Zeke - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

One of the toughest academic experiences I faced happened during my sophomore year in calculus. It used to be a subject I really enjoyed, but suddenly, it felt like I was in over my head. My grades started slipping, and with that came a wave of frustration and despair. I had always believed I was good at math, so to find myself struggling was a real blow to my confidence. It was clear I couldn’t just brush it off anymore; I needed help. So, I took a leap and went to talk to my teacher. I can still remember the mix of nerves and relief I felt when I asked for extra resources. To my surprise, my teacher was super supportive and even suggested I try some after-school tutoring.

Let me tell you, those tutoring sessions were a game-changer! Being in a small group with a patient tutor helped me see things from a different angle. I started attending these sessions regularly, and it wasn’t long before I realized I wasn’t alone in this. Many of my classmates felt the same way I did. So, we decided to form study groups. Honestly, this was one of the best decisions I ever made. Studying with friends transformed a daunting task into something much more enjoyable. We would gather, tackle problems together, and share tips. It turned learning into a fun experience rather than a chore, and I found myself looking forward to our sessions.

As I immersed myself in this collaborative environment, my confidence began to soar. Each session brought new insights, and slowly but surely, I began to grasp the material that once baffled me. By the end of the semester, I was thrilled not only to pass calculus but to achieve one of the highest scores in my group! Looking back, I realize this experience taught me something invaluable: the importance of asking for help when needed and the strength that comes from working with others. It instilled a sense of resilience in me that I carry forward in my academic journey. Now, whenever I face a challenge, I remind myself that it's okay to seek support and that sometimes, teamwork really does make the dream work!