Math Sterling Scholar by Alexa

Math Sterling Scholar by Alexa - December 2016 Scholarship Essay

I have been very fond of my time in high school because I know that I gave it my all. Instead of viewing it as my last opportunity to be carefree, like some of my peers did, I viewed high school as a time to prove myself. High school enables you to prove to your parents, to your teachers, to universities, but most of all to yourself that you have what it takes to graduate and go out into the world. I believe I did I prove myself through the many accomplishments I worked hard for. However, there was one that I was most proud of and that was when I was chosen to represent Bonneville High School as their Math Sterling Scholar.
Math has always come easily to me. Since seventh grade I was put into a different math pathway than my peers. Instead of going through the common core, I was one of few that was able to go straight into Algebra and continue through the individual classes rather than the integrated ones. When I got into high school I took Pre-Calculus Honors my sophomore year, AP AB Calculus my junior year, and now AP Statistics my senior year and have received A's in all. I also received a 4 on my AP Calculus exam.
I am so fortunate that it's not hard for me to understand math because I have the opportunity to make it fun for others as well. Math is so frustrating when you don't comprehend a concept, I was frustrated countless times in calculus. The frustration, although, is what makes it so rewarding. The feeling you get when something finally clicks: the "oh yeah" or the light bulb moment, is why I love math so much. It makes you feel smart and reinforces you without saying a thing and I think that's amazing. I wanted to help others feel this way so I decided to begin tutoring fourth graders at H. Guy Elementary School. I have the opportunity to help these kids understand basic concepts so that their foundation of math encourages their love for it as they continue to learn. Through this program, I have learned that I love teaching.
Because of my success, my service, and my love for math I decided to apply for Math Sterling Scholar. Sterling Scholar is a program in the state of Utah that is sponsored by KSL and The Deseret News. It recognizes and awards students for their success in a certain department. After being selected at the high school level you go onto compete with other Math Sterling Scholars for a scholarship. To be selected you have to have a high G.P.A., a high ACT score, and many volunteer hours. After you submit your application, you have to go through an interview with the teachers of the department. After all of this, I was chosen to be the 2016-2017 Sterling Scholar for my favorite subject, math. I was among the smartest students in my class and I was the one selected. I am still so thankful, it made me realize that I do have what it takes to get what I want in life. I was chosen two weeks ago so I have not yet competed but I intend to represent my high school as best as I can.