Success is Rooted in Problems by Abraham

Success is Rooted in Problems by Abraham - February 2021 Scholarship Essay

To me success in college has to be 1) reality based 2) socially constructive 3) immediate and controllable. For me I measure my success in college through problem solving, because it reflects reality, I have control over it, and it benefits myself and others. In contrast, being popular is an example that wouldn't be success for me because it's based on the opinions of others, I have no control over it, and it's superstitious. Happiness is intertwined with problem solving. I feel more joy when I have overcome a goal rather than if I were to be given a gift. Since problem solving encompasses my three criteria for success I will explain why it’s so powerful and relevant.
If something is based in reality a result will appear from it. Problems occur everyday and when you solve one you get the result of being relieved of the burden. In college a common problem that occurs is trying to pass a course. Since there are different styles of teaching, different courses and different grading scales a surplus of realistic problems appear. By choosing to measure my success in problem solving I take on the challenge of solving each of these problems. For example, if there’s a professor who writes no notes down and prefers to only lecture I have a problem. The problem is I won’t be present in what the professor is saying because I’m struggling to write everything down. My solution will be to ask the professor if I could audio record their lectures. On my own time I would take notes based on the recording and in class I would be fully focused during the lecture. The feeling of accomplishment I get when I solve these reality based problems increases my confidence which also increases my success in college.
An important part of college is social interaction. Networks are built during college and people skills are put to the test. Both networking and people skills are key tools that can help anyone in succeeding. Whether you’re trying to start your own business or studying to be a doctor. It’s often not what you know but who you know. Problem solving is a socially constructed concept that focuses on an individual's learning that takes place because of their interactions in a group. Problems are a hot bed that brings people together and solving these problems creates networks and sharpens people skills. A common problem in college is final exams. These make it or break it exams are a huge hurdle that brings students together through study groups. When I’m in a study group usually for math, a problem occurs before we even get to solving actual math problems. The problem is how to interact in this study group and figuring out how to create a space where learning could occur. This can be solved by getting to know the people first through conversation. After this problem is solved the learning can occur. The great thing about problem solving being socially constructed is that it benefits other people. I have helped others and they have helped me. By being in study groups my peers and I have solved complex problems and passed finals. I feel success when interacting with others and solving problems together.
Everyday life is based on decisions which have an immediate effect and are controllable. For example choosing to stay home and study instead of going out to party. It is these one second problems and how you choose to solve them that will predict your trajectory in your future. I have been presented with the same problem and I used to be the guy who would go to parties. Making that decision countless times was leading me down a path where I know longer chose to solve problems instead I ran away from them. I realized I was not happy and not being successful because I was not solving problems. I took control of myself and picked up the books. The immediate effects were that I understand what I was learning and I felt happier. The long term effects were getting A’s in my classes. By choosing to measure my success in solving problems I no longer stayed stagnant because doing so would make me feel unaccomplished.
College is an environment where problems breed. They vary from picking the right classes to finding what club to join. These problems are never going to stop. Since I value problem solving and use it to measure my success I look at a college and the problems that come with it as an opportunity to become successful.