To be a Better Student by Mackenzie

To be a Better Student by Mackenzie - January 2016 Scholarship Essay

This New Year many people across the world are resolving to change aspects of their lives in order to fix a part of themselves. Although the concept seems mundane, I agree that striving to better yourself in a positive and meaningful way is a good thing.

Being a senior, months away from college. I know I can improve myself and how I function as a student before college. For this reason, I have resolved to be more willing to ask for help. In the context of the question at hand, I wish to no longer fear appearing incompetent in front of a teacher. I want to be able to ask for help on something I don't understand.

Going to the same small school for 16 years I would describe myself as having extremely close relationships with almost all of my teachers. I know that I am very lucky to have this advantage growing up because being able to ask for help or for research opportunities in college is very important.

That being said, my senior year I received a wake-up call in my own path toward better education. This wake up came in the form of my AP Chemistry teacher, Mr. Rummage. He is very intelligent in his field of study. Upon my own cursory inspection, he seems to favor my fellow students who excel in his class.

In addition to my ill feelings, I have never had any real contact with Mr. Rummage before I walked into class on the first day. Therefore I had no relationship with him. These two misfortunes caused me to feel uncomfortable asking for help.

My lack of understanding on the tough subject and self-confidence to ask him for extra help began to make my grade suffer severely. Even to this day, although it is slightly easier, I still have a hard time approaching him, but I know asking for help is worth it. Personally, AP Chemistry is a class where one-on-one explanation is extremely beneficial toward my understanding of the challenging concepts.

After realizing how I can improve my understanding in this class, I have decided to make it my New Year’s resolution to be more willing to ask for help. This skill will help me be a better student in 2016 and beyond especially in my college years when I won't have the privilege of having known all of my teachers prior to their courses.

Being a senior, having gotten into college, some students have probably taken a step back from their education. On the other hand, I know there is still a lot that I can learn in my last months of high school. That is why I signed up for AP Chemistry, a class that I knew would be challenging. I took it to help me be better prepared in college while trying to achieve my desired major in Microbiology. That is also why I made my New Year’s resolution what it is, the ability to talk to your professor can get you a long way.