Unlocking Success: My Journey with an Executive Functioning Skills Coach by Jackson

Unlocking Success: My Journey with an Executive Functioning Skills Coach by Jackson - June 2024 Scholarship Essay

Navigating the academic landscape can be challenging, especially for students like myself who struggle with executive functioning skills. As someone who has grappled with organizing tasks, managing time effectively, and accessing resources efficiently, I understand firsthand the barriers that can hinder success in school. However, my journey with an executive functioning skills coach has been transformative, equipping me with the tools and strategies necessary to thrive academically.

When I first began working with my executive functioning skills coach, I was overwhelmed by the demands of coursework and felt ill-equipped to manage my responsibilities effectively. Tasks that seemed simple to others, such as organizing study materials or prioritizing assignments, felt like insurmountable obstacles. However, my coach approached our sessions with patience, empathy, and a deep understanding of how the brain learns best.

Through personalized assessments and one-on-one coaching sessions, my coach helped me develop a comprehensive understanding of my strengths and weaknesses in executive functioning skills. Together, we identified specific areas for improvement and devised tailored strategies to address them. From implementing time-management techniques to breaking tasks down into manageable steps, each session was focused on empowering me to take control of my learning journey.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned from my coach was the importance of active studying. Rather than passively consuming information, I discovered the power of engaging with course material through techniques such as summarization, visualization, and self-testing. By adopting a proactive approach to learning, I not only retained information more effectively but also developed a deeper understanding of complex concepts.

Furthermore, my coach guided me in accessing resources at school that were previously inaccessible to me. Whether it was seeking assistance from teachers during office hours, utilizing academic support services, or tapping into online educational platforms, I learned to leverage the myriad resources available to support my academic endeavors. With my coach's guidance, I gained the confidence to advocate for myself and seek out the assistance I needed to succeed.

Perhaps most importantly, working with an executive functioning skills coach encouraged me to embrace my unique learning style and think critically about how my brain processes information. Through experimentation and reflection, I discovered strategies that resonated with me personally, allowing me to maximize my academic potential. Whether it was creating color-coded study guides, utilizing mnemonic devices, or incorporating movement into my study routine, I found joy in discovering what worked best for me.

In conclusion, my journey with an executive functioning skills coach has been nothing short of transformative. By equipping me with the tools, strategies, and confidence necessary to navigate the academic landscape, my coach has empowered me to overcome obstacles and achieve success in school. As I continue my educational journey, I am grateful for the invaluable lessons I have learned and the support I have received. With the skills I have acquired, I am confident that I can face any challenge that comes my way and thrive academically.