My Academic journey by Lacie

My Academic journey by Lacie - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

My name is Lacie Nobriga, and I am currently a sophomore at Hawaii Community College, majoring in Agriculture. My academic journey has been full of ups and downs, but one challenging experience stands out as a turning point for me. It was during my first year of college when I faced the difficult transition from high school to college-level coursework.

In high school, I had a GPA of 2.8. I was not the best student, but I managed to get by. However, college was a whole different ball game. The workload was heavier, the expectations were higher, and I had to learn to manage my time effectively. One of the most challenging courses I encountered was Biology 101. It was not just the content that was difficult; it was also the pace at which we were expected to learn and apply the information.

At first, I felt overwhelmed. I struggled to keep up with the lectures and found myself spending hours trying to understand the material. My first exam did not go well, and I realized that my usual study habits were not going to cut it. I knew I had to change my approach if I wanted to succeed.

The first thing I did was seek help. I reached out to my professor and attended office hours regularly. I also formed a study group with some classmates, which turned out to be incredibly helpful. We would meet a few times a week to go over the material together, quiz each other, and share different ways of understanding the concepts. It was comforting to know that I was not alone in my struggles and that we could support each other.

In addition to seeking help, I also had to improve my time management skills. I started using a planner to organize my schedule, setting aside specific times each day for studying. This helped me stay on track and avoid last-minute cramming sessions, which I realized were not effective for retaining information.

Another important step was changing my study techniques. Instead of just reading the textbook and taking notes, I began using active learning strategies. I would create flashcards for key terms, draw diagrams to visualize processes, and teach the material to someone else, which really helped reinforce my understanding. I also made use of online resources, like educational videos and practice quizzes, to supplement my learning.

Through these efforts, I gradually became more confident in my abilities. My grades started to improve, and I did much better on the subsequent exams. More importantly, I learned valuable skills that have helped me in other courses as well. I realized that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a smart way to overcome challenges. I also learned that effective time management and study strategies are crucial for academic success.

This experience taught me that perseverance and a willingness to adapt are key to overcoming obstacles. It was not easy, but I am proud of the progress I made. I am now more prepared to face future challenges, both academically and personally. Studying agriculture has become a passion of mine, and I am excited about the opportunities it holds for me to contribute to sustainable farming practices and food security.

Being of Asian, Hispanic and/or Latino, Pacific Islander, and White descent, I also understand the importance of diverse perspectives in education. I hope to bring my unique background and experiences to the field of agriculture, where I can help promote inclusivity and innovation.

In conclusion, the challenging experience I faced during my first year of college taught me resilience and the importance of seeking support. It pushed me to develop better study habits and time management skills, which have been essential to my academic growth. I am grateful for the lessons I learned and am motivated to continue pursuing my passion for agriculture. With the support of scholarships like this one, I hope to further my education and make a positive impact in my community and beyond.