How I'll Become Better by Hailey

How I'll Become Better by Hailey - August 2022 Scholarship Essay

My academic goal for this year is to become better at writing and taking tests. Basic answer, maybe, but this truly is what I need to work on to be better. I know I'm smart, but I didn't really apply myself too much when I was younger. This may sound arrogant, but it's true. I'd even ask teachers for extra math assignments and bigger words on spelling tests. That was in elementary school, but you get the point. I'm now going into my senior year.
My high school experience started easy. I tried to challenge myself by taking sophomore classes my freshman year, taking honor classes, and even by throwing sports in the mix. I was going to be a triathlete, but Covid-19 hit and everything changed. Sophomore year honestly wasn't bad either. All of the staff were to0 busy trying to actually communicate with us because of the pandemic that they didn't put much pressure on work or grades. My Junior year was coming up though and I had to make a decision. Either continue doing sports or go to Middle College. And due to the ease of school and my mediocrity in sports, I decided to join middle college at Austin Peay. Which is a big step up.
I hadn't written an essay worth much thought until junior year, and I couldn't just pass a test by studying a study guide anymore. I truly had to apply myself, and this was difficult for me. I hadn't done this in years, but I persevered. And here I am now, going into my last year of highschool. After a year of middle college I've started to see where I'm proficient, and where I lack in skills. Next to my new peers I'm not part of the "smarter kids", and to be honest I'm nowhere close. This is why I plan to try harder.
I now have three jobs, and am in three clubs. May seem controversial to the statement I made about studying more and working harder, but it's the contrary. I plan to use this structured time to help me focus and stay on task. I work better with pressure, and I think this will be for the better. I'll be more comfortable with people and time management. Making me less anxious (for the tests) and excelling under pressure (for writing under a time crunch). With that said, this is my approach to "How I'll Become Better".