Study Goals! by George

Study Goals! by George - May 2016 Scholarship Essay

Finals are quickly approaching and studying for those finals is something I’m taking seriously. Studying has never been my strongest asset. Throughout my school years, I found studying difficult and didn’t put my best efforts forward when necessary. I’m an 18 year old current High School Senior and God willing I will walk across that stage and receive my diploma on May 2016. I then plan to attend Middle Georgia State University where I was accepted and look forward to playing on their soccer team. But I will need learning support classes in my first semester. I believe my less than great study habits contributed to this need. Though it’s not that I didn’t want to always do better, I just found it difficult to match the right studying skills and the environment to study in, suited best for me.
My parents would consistently ask if I studied for an upcoming test. I’d tell them yes, because I did, to the best of my ability. I’d study in my room and have music in the background playing which I found to be very helpful. I’d open the blinds to let in as much sunlight as possible so I’d feel as if I’m in an open outdoor space without actually being outside. I’d take breaks pretty frequently and try to review as much as I could without falling asleep.
So now I’m down to the wire and finals are quickly approaching. I feel the pressure more now than I’ve felt in my past 12 years of school. Graduation is a must, not an option. It has taken a long time for me to realize the importance of good study habits, so I decided to do some things differently. So that I’m assured success in passing my finals, I’ve gone to every after school tutoring session offered, I’m asking questions until I understand the answer, and I’m not studying alone. I continue to play music and open the blinds on days when I do study privately. These changes have resulted in better grades and a clear picture of success in my future. Why did it take me so long to realize this? I’m not sure, but research has noted that it takes 18 years for a brain to mature and continues to mature thereafter.
When I realized how much effort and energy my parents have put into supporting me and never giving up on me, my brain matured in a way that showed me I really need to do my part. I’ve never been alone through this journey and should have reached out for help with my study habits or lack thereof. The help was there, but my long arms didn’t reach out to it like they should have. Now that I’m about to graduate and move on to college, you better believe I will never take studying for granted ever again. I see my future in such a brighter light now and I’m pressing forward and not looking back. I have life goals and plan to score goals on the field!