I'm Possible by Edith

I'm Possible by Edith - January 2014 Scholarship Essay

Time was ticking. My anxiety was at its peak. The dreaded submission button was only one click away. Then the grade of my first anatomy exam flashed on the screen – fifty percent. This was my worst performance in college history. It almost seemed "impossible" for me to pass the class. However, I was determined to overcome academic challenges through hard work and determination knowing that studying smart pays off.

Accomplishing the most effective study method requires patience, persistence, and practice. I created a professional relationship with my anatomy professor as we delved into the material together. With his guidance, I was not afraid to make mistakes, ask questions, and learn from them. I visited his office hours and met with my study group twice a week. I struggled in the beginning but came to realize that in order to perform well on exams I must understand, connect, and apply the material rather than rely solely on rote memorization.

The amount of study time I expend is important, but the quality of study is what matters more. I would spend three 50-minute study sessions with a 10-minute break in between instead of studying for 3 hours in one sitting. This method allowed me to study with a focused mind and avoid being overwhelmed or fatigued. I also previewed the material to gain familiarity with the contents and prepare for what will be discussed in class. In doing so, I was more attentive during lecture. By the time my professor taught the class, it was already my fourth exposure to the material rather than my first.

Although I read my textbook and lecture notes several times, studying needs to be active. Immediately after lecture and lab, I drew and wrote down everything on a whiteboard strictly from recall in any order I can remember. If something I wrote triggered a memory of something in more detail than what I have already written, I would add to that. I continued until I could not recall any more. Then I took a small segment of what I have written down, pulled out my textbook and lecture notes, and filled in the missing information in another color. When I felt that I knew the material, I taught it to other students.

From one minor test grade, I was able to push my mind further and gained beneficial outcomes in return. I studied with such quality that helped me reveal greater accomplishments I did not know I was capable of. Unbelievingly, I passed the following three exams with perfect scores - the best performances of my college history. Additionally, academic challenges helped me grow as a student; it was best to welcome them regardless of how difficult they might seem. Building rapport with my professor and classmates during our study sessions helped me understand that achievement cannot be done alone. Throughout the semester, I discovered the fun of learning anatomy and demonstrating my learning to others. The individual and group study strategies I used have helped me develop critical thinking and leadership skills that I will most certainly use in my future profession in healthcare. What I have proven to myself was that “impossible” meant “I’m possible.”