An academic challenge that I overcame... by Ashley

An academic challenge that I overcame... by Ashley - April 2019 Scholarship Essay

Ashley Medina
Varsity Tutors Scholarship Essay

Throughout my four years of my high school career, have always tried my hardest to be the best student I can possibly be. Simultaneously I have tried to involve myself in my school as much as possible. Along with being a part of the varsity volleyball team, I have joined a number of clubs and honor societies. Some of these clubs include the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, Habitat for Humanity, and the Volleyball Team. With participation to any of these school organizations, there is an academic requirement that members must meet in order to be a part of a club. I have also obtained authoritative positions and responsibilities that also acted as time-consuming activities as well. By the end of my senior year, my ultimate goal was to do as much as I was able to with my time. Whether it includes me giving my time to a student that has requested help, me spending time improving personal skills, or volunteering at a nearby organization, I was often tired but satisfied that my time has been put to good use.
As the academic years went on and the workload grew, I found it increasingly difficult to find a balance that satisfied both my studies and extracurricular lifestyle. However, my skills have improved and yet this past year was still difficult for me to deal with such a challenge. Going into my senior year thinking things would flow easily was a huge mistake, however, it was nothing I haven’t been able to handle. With the workload, the college application process and the participation that these clubs required, for a while I felt overwhelmed. Thinking that I was unable to overcome such an obstacle was an even bigger mistake. It has been stressful to keep up, but with this feeling came the motivation to take control over whatever it was I got myself involved in. The thought that I joined such organizations with the intentions of gaining something out of it was an ultimate motive to do what I do best and grow from the situation.
With the proper use of time and late nights, I have realized that the procrastination habit no longer had a place to fit in with my kind of daily life. I was able to remind myself that not only the most challenging courses but all of my courses deserve the best effort from me. Of my courses, I found myself giving my math class much of my time since I found this to be my greatest lack of understanding. With instilling diligence and discipline in myself I have dropped the distractions that social media brought upon me and instead dedicated this time to stay on top of my work. Thus helping me realize that my academic studies are most important and come before anything that I have chosen on my own without influence, to voluntarily involve myself in. By the time midterms came around, I was finally able to take control of a number of tasks and study for exams. As the year is beginning to wind down, I am able to say that this year in specific has molded in me a college-like mentality. One of the most vital skills any college student should work on is time management, and thankfully I have experienced the challenge early enough to prepare myself both mentally and physically in one more way.