Overcoming an "Impossible" Feat by Amber

Overcoming an "Impossible" Feat by Amber - March 2014 Scholarship Essay

One of my greatest academic achievements was simply passing my Pre-AP Physics course my junior year in high school. Not only did I pass, but I also learned to appreciate physics, and what physics has to offer.

When I first signed up for Pre-AP Physics the only thought on my mind was challenging myself. I have always chosen the more difficult courses throughout high school because they have always made life interesting. It makes me feel good knowing that I can make a high grade in an advanced class, and still be involved in my extra-curricular activities. When I chose Pre-AP Physics as my junior science course, I knew I was getting myself into a whole new level of difficult. At least, I thought I knew.

When I walked into my physics class for the first time I felt prepared, excited, and ready to learn something new. After my first week, I walked out of that very same class feeling confused, stressed, and overwhelmed. Physics was going to be a lot more difficult than I originally estimated.

I found myself stressing a lot that year. It seemed like I never got the homework or I could never quite grasp the concept, but I made it through. At some point, I just wanted to give up and let the cards fall where they may. However, Amber Metoyer is no quitter. I have always tried my best to follow through and this was no different. So, I studied harder, longer. I went to tutorials before practice to grasp concepts that, to me, seemed impossible. I practiced the same problems over, and over, and over again. Eventually, I got the hang of it, and Physics wasn't so bad anymore. I never made a 90 or above in that class for my six weeks averages, but I was proud of all the 80’s to 85’s I made in that class because I know I worked really hard for it.

I signed up for AP Physics my senior year. I was determined to get that 90 now that I knew what I was doing. However, due to scheduling issues, I had to change my science course. Even though I am no longer taking Physics, I am really glad that I did. Physics was without a doubt, the hardest course I have ever taken so far. Knowing that I can get through Physics, makes me feel like I can get through anything from here on out. Not because any other course is easier or harder than Physics, but because now when I come to another course (like my AP Calculus class) or even a situation that seems impossible, I think of my junior year when Physics was an unbearable deed that turned into a welcomed learning experience.