Overcoming by Kalancea

Overcoming by Kalancea - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

As a first-time college student at Miami Dade College - North Campus, I have had my share of academic challenges. One experience that stands out is from my first semester, when I took an introductory course in Early Childhood Education, which is my major. Going into the class, I was excited to learn more about a field I am passionate about. However, I quickly realized that the course would be more challenging than I had anticipated.

The challenge began with the course's heavy reading load. Each week, we were assigned multiple chapters from the textbook, along with various academic articles. At first, I struggled to keep up with the readings. I found myself overwhelmed by the amount of information and the academic language, which was more complex than what I was used to in high school. As a result, I started to fall behind, and my grades on quizzes and assignments reflected my struggle.

Realizing that I needed to change my approach, I decided to seek help. I reached out to my professor during office hours, which was a big step for me. I explained my difficulties with the reading material and asked for advice on how to better manage the workload. My professor was understanding and suggested several strategies, such as breaking the readings into smaller sections and summarizing each section in my own words to ensure comprehension. She also recommended joining a study group with classmates to discuss the material, which could help reinforce my understanding.

Taking her advice, I began to implement these strategies. I created a schedule that allocated specific times each day for reading and summarizing the material. This approach helped me manage the workload more effectively and made the content more digestible. I also joined a study group with a few classmates. Meeting once a week, we discussed the readings, shared insights, and clarified any confusing concepts together. This collaborative learning environment was incredibly beneficial and made the material more engaging and relatable.

Another challenge I faced was writing academic papers for the course. My first paper did not receive the grade I hoped for, and the feedback indicated that my arguments were not well-supported by evidence from the readings. Determined to improve, I visited the college's writing center for guidance. The tutors there helped me understand how to structure my papers more effectively and how to incorporate evidence to support my arguments. They also taught me how to properly cite sources, which was something I had not mastered yet.

With their help, I practiced writing more effectively and worked on several drafts before submitting my next paper. This process of drafting and revising taught me the importance of patience and persistence in academic writing. When I received a much better grade on my next paper, it was a huge boost to my confidence.

Throughout this challenging academic experience, I learned several valuable lessons. First, I understood the importance of seeking help when needed. Whether it was speaking with my professor, joining a study group, or visiting the writing center, reaching out for support was crucial to my success. I also learned the significance of time management and breaking tasks into smaller, manageable parts. This approach not only helped me keep up with the workload but also made the learning process more enjoyable.

Moreover, I discovered the power of collaboration. Working with my peers in the study group provided different perspectives and insights that I might not have considered on my own. This experience taught me that learning is often a communal effort and that sharing knowledge with others can enhance our own understanding.

Finally, I learned the value of perseverance. There were times when I felt discouraged and doubted my ability to succeed in the course. However, by staying committed to my goals and continuously working to improve, I was able to overcome the challenges I faced.

This experience has strengthened my resolve to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education. It has shown me that with determination, support, and the right strategies, I can overcome academic challenges and achieve my goals. I am grateful for the lessons I have learned and am excited to continue my journey in education, where I hope to inspire and support young children in their own learning experiences.