Reward by Chynna

Reward by Chynna - January 2016 Scholarship Essay

My grades for the fall 2015 semester were excellent due to my determination to finish my school work before I participate in physical or social activities like playing badminton or going to the mall or movies with my friends. Even though my grades were good, in the beginning, I was struggling with the college lecture and teaching style of different professors because it was more verbal and less writing. For example, the professors would basically talk to us about a certain subject and we, being college students, would have to attentively listen and write down what we thought was important. I also struggled with my Chemistry 111 (general chemistry) class because I’m not a science person, so any science, at first, will be difficult. To solve this problem, my mother’s friend (who was a chemistry professor) gave me a chemistry book that was much easier to understand than the notes and required book for that class. I also went to a couple of the S. I. (supplemental instruction) sessions that was taught by a graduate student who was in the lecture class with us each day. In these sessions, she would provide worksheets with numerous example problems of the topics that we covered in class for the week and she also answered any questions that we may have had concerning that topic or previous topics.
My main resolution for the New Year that will help me to become a better student is to change my study habits so that I will receive benefits as well. For example, whenever I have tests, midterms, or final exams, I like to study all at one time without taking any breaks. This includes studying for possibly three or four hours straight without a breather which does cause my mind to wander from academics. This semester, I plan to give myself about a 15 minute break after every hour that I successfully study, which will motivate me to do my best because there will be a reward in the end. These rewards may include having a favorite snack like gummy bears or a piece of chocolate, taking a 15 minute nap, listening to a few uplifting and motivational songs, or even watching a few minutes of television. With this new studying habit, I will be able to retain more information due to the constant renewal of my mind and actually find more enjoyment in studying.