The Algorithm for Success by kimberly

The Algorithm for Success by kimberly - January 2014 Scholarship Essay

“Evaluate the following integrals involving trigonometric functions using substitution.” “What?” I thought to myself, “Is this still English?” In order to get ahead and graduate early from El Paso Community College I chose to take a summer class, specifically a calculus class. Mathematics is a concept I have trouble grasping and the thought of taking calculus brought butterflies to my stomach. I questioned my competence and was afraid that I would not be able to pass the course. The thought of failing was nerve racking. However, I decided to shift that nervous energy into a more positive one and strived to give this calculus course my best effort. Now that I look back, I am dumbfounded by what I was able to accomplish. I know now that with the right attitude and the determination to succeed, I can do all things I set my mind to.

Within the first week, I was overwhelmed by homework assignments and study guides that needed to be completed for upcoming exams. We had six homework assignments and five study guides to complete within five weeks, plus lecture in the classroom we needed to attend. The pressure was on, I needed to pass this class in order to graduate and failure was not an option.

I knew that in order to keep up I was going to need help, so I sought the tutoring center in campus. I would go at least once a week to receive help on my homework and have all of my questions answered. Doing so alleviated some of the stress but I still needed more practice. Consequently, I would look up problems from my textbook and practiced solving them. I bought a small dry erase board to practice on and refine my skills. I would dedicate at least three hours of my day into studying calculus. It was all I thought about all day, I even dreamed in numbers but I had never been so determined.

Occasionally, I felt incapable of finishing the course. I was burnt out by all the work and studying that it seemed much easier to ignore my responsibilities as a student. However, I decided to push myself forward. I constantly reminded myself of why I chose to take calculus during the summer in the first place. I wanted to graduate early. Graduating early would open up new doors for me, since I would be able to attend the University of Texas at El Paso during my senior year of high school that fall semester with paid tuition. Thus, I would refrain from thinking about my struggles in calculus and focused on my goal. Regardless, of how difficult it was the reward was too great to give up.

Five weeks later, I checked online to see my final grade for calculus, “A” it read. I had to contain myself from screaming of joy, I was so incredibly happy and relieved to see that not only had I passed calculus, but I had done so with a high grade. I almost felt silly for have worrying so much about it, but I knew that it was all due to my hard work and extra effort. I had underestimated myself and had forgotten about the power of will and determination. Today as I come across difficult courses at the University of Texas at El Paso, I remind myself that my success is dependent on the effort I put in. Therefore, if I give my courses 110% effort there is no way I could ever fail.