Redemption by Ashley

Redemption by Ashley - February 2017 Scholarship Essay

Being in high school has been tough, but after realizing what I am capable of I was able to really achieve my goals. Specifically, my junior year I was getting behind on my school work causing my grades to fall and in the beginning of the year I did not care, which was a mistake. I was failing all my school work, tests, quizzes, assignments, all of it; I just could not grasp the concepts being taught.
By the end of the first semester my GPA was a 2.4 and I could not believe how bad I was doing. When second semester rolled around I started focusing on my school work more than ever because I wanted to redeem myself and graduate with a 3.0. To help me focus I turned off my phone, television, and any other distractions while I worked on homework, classwork, and anything I needed to make up. I also had friends pushing me to keep working; they helped me believe in myself causing me to work harder to make them proud.
Along my path of redemption I also had teachers that pushed me past my limits and made me work harder than ever. One major influence on me was my Government/ Economics teacher, Mr. Toy. He was a harsh grader and gave multiple assignments at one time, however he was good at his job and taught the information in a way I understood. I ended up passing his classes with A's in both courses; after this I never believed in myself more. I felt like if I could get through his class I could do anything and now I know I can.
My hard work started reflecting in my grades as I started getting A's and B's. By first semester senior year I was getting straight A's and currently I have a 2.9, hoping to graduate with a 3.0 in May. I am thankful for having friends that believed in me when no one did because it helped push me towards success. I am also thankful and proud of myself for getting far, which is something I never thought was possible. Being at my lowest point, academically, taught me the value of learning. To truly know something you have to study it on your own time, actually devote yourself to the work and it will reflect in the grades.