Aspirations by Alecia

Aspirations by Alecia - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Alecia Bess, and I am a junior at Richwood High School. I have always been passionate about science and medicine, which is why I am interested in studying pharmacy at Louisiana State University or Texas Southern University. My journey through high school has been filled with many rewarding experiences, but it has also come with its fair share of challenges. One particular academic challenge that stands out to me was my experience with chemistry during my sophomore year.

Chemistry is a subject that is crucial for anyone interested in pursuing a career in pharmacy. When I first started my chemistry class, I was excited and eager to learn. However, I quickly realized that it was not going to be as easy as I had hoped. The concepts were complex, and the pace of the class was fast. I struggled to keep up with the lessons, and my grades were not where I wanted them to be. It was a tough time for me because I had always been a good student, and I was not used to feeling like I was falling behind.

The turning point came when we started learning about chemical equations and stoichiometry. No matter how much I studied, I just could not grasp the concepts. I felt overwhelmed and frustrated, and I started to doubt my abilities. I knew that if I wanted to succeed in pharmacy, I needed to overcome this challenge. I decided that I needed to change my approach to learning chemistry.

First, I reached out to my teacher for help. I explained to her that I was struggling and asked if she could offer any additional resources or tutoring sessions. She was very supportive and encouraged me to attend after-school tutoring sessions that she held twice a week. These sessions were incredibly helpful because they allowed me to ask questions in a smaller setting and get more personalized feedback.

In addition to attending tutoring sessions, I also formed a study group with a few classmates who were also having trouble with chemistry. We met once a week to review the material, work on practice problems, and help each other understand difficult concepts. Studying with my peers was beneficial because we were able to learn from each other and offer different perspectives on the material.

I also realized that I needed to improve my study habits. I started dedicating a specific time each day to review my chemistry notes and work on practice problems. I found that breaking down the material into smaller, more manageable parts made it easier for me to understand. I also started using online resources, such as educational videos and practice quizzes, to reinforce what I was learning in class.

As I continued to put in the effort, I began to see improvements in my understanding of chemistry. My grades started to improve, and I felt more confident in my abilities. By the end of the semester, I had not only caught up with the rest of the class, but I had also developed a genuine interest in the subject. I was proud of myself for not giving up and for finding ways to overcome the challenges I faced.

This experience taught me the importance of perseverance and seeking help when needed. It showed me that it is okay to struggle and that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It also reinforced my passion for science and my determination to pursue a career in pharmacy. I learned that challenges are opportunities for growth and that with hard work and dedication, I can overcome any obstacle.

Looking back, I am grateful for the experience because it prepared me for future challenges that I may face in college and beyond. I know that the path to becoming a pharmacist will not be easy, but I am ready to tackle any obstacles that come my way. I am excited about the future and the opportunity to continue my education at a university where I can further develop my skills and knowledge.

In conclusion, my experience with chemistry taught me valuable lessons about resilience, collaboration, and the importance of a strong support system. These lessons will stay with me as I move forward in my academic journey and pursue my dream of becoming a pharmacist. I am committed to working hard and making the most of every opportunity that comes my way.