Overcoming academic struggles. by Brent

Overcoming academic struggles. by Brent - June 2016 Scholarship Essay

Entering into the ever busy and at times stressful world of academia after eight years of military service has proved to be a struggle that I would not have been expected. Once instilled with a set defined of instructions and core values, I was excited at the thought of being a full time student yet it did not come as easy as once dreamt. Having no decompression time in regards to a personal break once outside of uniform followed by a loaded schedule, I hit the ground running. I entered first into a local community college to where I completed the basic requirements of an Associates in Arts so that I would have not only time but more brainstorming opportunity in pursuing a post secondary education at an in state university.

The academic barrier that became ever present occurred after being accepted to a local four year university with a less than supportive campus culture towards my previous time in service. Two quarters were completed before feeling that simple daily stresses and regular academic tasks were more of a heavy burden. What I failed to realize is I had no outlet for the stress building up stemming from wanting to keep my school work and attendance perfect. The indiviudals whom I solely relied on twenty four hours a day, seven days a week, three hundred and sixty five days a year were no where present and everything was up to me. Carrying this burden made me realize that someone had to be in a similar situation and maybe I could help myself manage these academic stresses by helping them. I am currently enrolled for my senior year and have since reached out to the small veterans resource center on campus, found a local non profit to volunteer at, and have student friends with similar backgrounds to chat with while even venting frustrations. I do not necessarily enjoy my current academic environment, but am willing to learn by challenging myself in being uncomfortable to reach an academic goal!