Women in Politics by Zoe

Women in Politics by Zoe - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

Every student faces challenges during their academic journey, and I am no exception. One of the most significant challenges I encountered was during my junior year of high school, in my Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics class. I had always been interested in politics and government, which is why I chose to take this course. However, the class turned out to be much more demanding than I had anticipated, testing my abilities and resilience in ways I had not experienced before.

The challenge began with the sheer volume of information we had to absorb. The course required a deep understanding of the U.S. Constitution, the intricacies of federalism, the roles of the three branches of government, and the complexities of civil rights and liberties. On top of that, we had to stay updated with current events and understand their implications on the political landscape. It felt overwhelming, and I struggled to keep up with the pace. The workload was unlike anything I had encountered in my previous classes, and I quickly realized that my usual study habits were not sufficient.

The first few weeks were particularly tough. I found myself spending hours reading and re-reading the textbook, trying to make sense of the dense material. Despite my efforts, my grades on quizzes and assignments were not where I wanted them to be. I felt discouraged and began to doubt my abilities. I knew I had to find a way to overcome this challenge if I wanted to succeed in the class and pursue my interest in political science. I realized that I needed to adapt my approach and find new strategies to tackle the material effectively.

I decided to take a step back and reassess my approach to studying. I realized that my usual methods were not effective for this subject. I needed a new strategy. I reached out to my teacher for advice, and she suggested forming a study group with some of my classmates. I took her advice and organized a small group that met twice a week after school. We would review the material together, discuss our interpretations, and quiz each other on key concepts. This collaborative approach helped me see the material from different perspectives and filled in gaps in my understanding. Working with my peers not only made studying more engaging but also provided a support system that motivated me to keep pushing forward.

In addition to the study group, I also started using supplementary resources. I discovered online platforms that offered video lectures, podcasts, and interactive quizzes on U.S. government and politics. These resources presented the information in a more engaging and accessible way, which helped me grasp the concepts better. I also began to follow political news more closely, connecting what I learned in class to real-world events. This not only made the material more interesting but also reinforced my understanding of the subject. By relating theoretical knowledge to practical examples, I was able to retain information more effectively.

Another key part of overcoming this challenge was improving my time management skills. Balancing the demands of this class with my other responsibilities was difficult at first. I started using a planner to organize my tasks and set specific goals for each study session. This helped me stay focused and make the most of my study time. I learned to prioritize my assignments and break down larger tasks into manageable steps, which reduced my stress and improved my productivity.

Through persistence and the support of my peers and teacher, I gradually improved my performance in the class. My grades started to rise, and I felt more confident in my abilities. By the end of the year, I had not only developed a strong understanding of U.S. government and politics but also gained valuable skills in collaboration, resourcefulness, and time management. These skills have become an integral part of my academic toolkit, helping me tackle challenges in other subjects as well.

This challenging experience taught me the importance of adaptability and seeking help when needed. It reinforced my passion for political science and solidified my desire to pursue a career in international relations or public policy. I realized that challenges are opportunities for growth, and overcoming them can lead to personal and academic development. I am now more prepared to face future challenges with confidence and determination.

As I look forward to attending college, I am excited about the prospect of studying international relations, law, or political science at a university like Indiana University Bloomington, New York University, George Washington University, or Ball State University. I am eager to deepen my understanding of global issues and contribute to meaningful change in the world. I believe that the skills and lessons I have learned from overcoming academic challenges will serve me well in college and beyond.

In conclusion, facing and overcoming the challenge in my AP U.S. Government and Politics class was a pivotal moment in my academic journey. It taught me resilience, the value of collaboration, and the importance of being proactive in seeking solutions. These lessons will undoubtedly serve me well as I continue my education and work towards my future goals. I am grateful for the experience, as it has prepared me to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead with a positive mindset and a determination to succeed.