Problem-Solving is the best soft skill to a successful education by Austin

Problem-Solving is the best soft skill to a successful education by Austin - February 2023 Scholarship Essay

In my experience, the ability to problem solve is the most important stepping stone to a successful education. Being able to pivot from a challenge, grow and learn from it, is the most advantageous skill a student can master. During recent years, we as a society, have been forced to overcome obstacles and learn from our experiences.

In my personal life, I have learned to overcome several challenges in order to further my success. My most difficult hurdle began in my elementary school years. I suffered from an inability to read and comprehend at the rate of my peers. I was falling behind in my classes and was reassigned to a special needs class to help aid me in my struggle. My parents hired a tutor and I spent long hours learning how to read, and how to understand the words I visualized. After many years of going in early, staying late, and attending extra help sessions at my school, I was able to finally keep up with my fellow classmates. When I arrived in middle school, I told my family that I was going to become an honor student and make straight A's. With enough support from my teachers and community, I achieved my goal with success and pushed forward to high school with the same drive and ambition.

Another example of Problem-solving that has helped me succeed in my education is my love of sports. During my entire high school career, I have played baseball on multiple teams. Playing Catcher for my Varsity team and a national travel team, I have had to learn how to study remotely and juggle several tasks at one time. As a Catcher on my team, I am responsible for calling the plays for our pitcher and running the flow of the game. I have had to develop strong problem-solving skills both on and off the field. Maintaining my high GPA while traveling all over the lower United States while playing ball has taught me how to manage my time wisely. I once bought a headlamp with my own allowance in order to study on the long ride home between practices before I was able to drive myself. For me, Problem-solving is a way of life.

Other soft skills necessary for a successful education are communication, teamwork, time management, critical thinking, decision-making, organization, and stress management. In my opinion, problem-solving truly encapsulates each one of these skills. Whether on or off the field, each of these talents must be met in order to truly succeed in life.

In my four years of high school, I have learned how to manage to maintain a 4.0 GPA, Leadership in several clubs, and volunteer over 300+ hours of community service/volunteering. Every day I use my problem-solving skills to achieve my very best and manage my commitments and time to do so.

My goal is and has always been, to be the first college graduate in my family. I didn't choose an easy college to get into. I have never allowed myself to seek anything but the very best. Sometimes my choices of what team to play for, and what honors class to sign up for, haven't always been the easiest road to walk. My problem-solving skills however have made this journey possible for me thus far.
This year I will attend and play baseball for Berry College in the Fall. Choosing a Private school and an NCAA Div III college (no additional funds available for athletes) has made me very aware of my financial responsibilities. By using my problem-solving skills, I will continue to work hard to fund my new adventures.

I am seeking a bachelor's in Exercise Sciences with a focus on Kinesiology. All my life I have wanted to be a Physical Therapist and help athletes like myself. I know my problem-solving skills will be needed to keep my grades prestigious and continue my education after graduation. I know I have a long road ahead of me and I am excited about the challenge.
In conclusion, I believe that every skill needed to achieve great success in education starts and ends with problem-solving.