Why my major is MY major! by Khavae

Why my major is MY major! by Khavae - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Khavae Warren, and as a college freshman at Savannah State University, I am majoring in Chemistry, Biology, and Environmental Science. I have always been passionate about understanding the world around me and how we can protect it, which is why I chose these fields of study. However, my journey to college was not without its challenges, particularly during my high school years. One academic experience that stands out as especially challenging was my struggle with Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry.

Chemistry has always intrigued me, but the AP Chemistry course in high school was unlike anything I had encountered before. The pace was fast, the concepts were complex, and the expectations were high. Despite my interest in the subject, I found myself struggling to keep up. My initial excitement quickly turned into frustration as I grappled with balancing equations, understanding thermodynamics, and mastering the intricacies of chemical reactions. It was a demanding course, and my grades were not reflecting the effort I was putting in.

The turning point came when I received a particularly disappointing score on a midterm exam. I remember feeling disheartened and questioning whether I was cut out for a future in science. However, instead of letting this setback define me, I decided to use it as motivation to improve. I realized that I needed to change my approach to studying if I wanted to succeed, not only in this class but in my future college courses as well.

The first step I took was to seek help. I approached my AP Chemistry teacher, who was incredibly supportive and willing to spend extra time with me after school to go over the material. These one-on-one sessions were invaluable, as they allowed me to ask questions and work through problems at my own pace. My teacher helped me break down complex topics into manageable parts, which made them much easier to understand.

In addition to seeking help from my teacher, I also formed a study group with a few classmates who were facing similar struggles. We met regularly to review notes, work on practice problems, and quiz each other. This collaborative environment was beneficial because it provided different perspectives on the material and fostered a sense of camaraderie. We encouraged each other to keep going, even when the material seemed overwhelming.

Another strategy I adopted was to change my study habits. I began to dedicate specific times each day to review chemistry, rather than cramming the night before a test. I also started using online resources, such as educational videos and interactive simulations, to reinforce what I was learning in class. These tools helped me visualize concepts and see how they applied in real-world scenarios, which made the material more relatable and easier to grasp.

As I continued to work hard and apply these new strategies, I slowly began to see improvement. My grades in AP Chemistry started to rise, and I gained more confidence in my abilities. This experience taught me the importance of perseverance and adaptability. I learned that it is okay to ask for help and that collaborating with others can lead to greater understanding and success.

Overcoming the challenges of AP Chemistry not only prepared me for college-level coursework but also reinforced my passion for science. It showed me that I am capable of tackling difficult subjects and that with determination and the right support, I can achieve my academic goals. This experience has been instrumental in shaping my approach to learning and has given me the confidence to pursue my majors in Chemistry, Biology, and Environmental Science at Savannah State University.

In conclusion, facing and overcoming the challenges of AP Chemistry was a pivotal moment in my academic journey. It taught me valuable lessons about resilience, the power of seeking help, and the benefits of collaboration. These lessons continue to guide me as I navigate my college studies and work towards a future where I can contribute to solving environmental challenges. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story and hope to inspire others who may be facing their own academic hurdles.