Striving for Better by Makenna

Striving for Better by Makenna - April 2024 Scholarship Essay

In my entirety of high school, I’ve driven myself to be among the best students and have never settled for a subpar education or grade that doesn’t reflect who I am academically. In my sophomore year, I passed my Algebra 2 class with a 79%. Every time I walked out of class I was discouraged, the teaching style didn’t make sense to me, and the teacher wasn’t helping me understand the concepts in the lessons. In the third quarter of my sophomore year, I began to struggle a lot with the class; my grade plummeted to 69%, a failing grade. Despite the discouragement and failure, I was determined to grasp the content. I attended office hours weekly, with both my teacher and other teachers who helped me understand the lessons. I ultimately passed the class with a 79%. This grade fails to reflect who I am or what I bring to the classroom but, I know this reflects the effort that I am willing to apply to gain as much knowledge as I can.

I have never backed down from an academic challenge. What pushes me to do better is the idea of my skill, my intelligence, serving a purpose to do good for others. I have always put others before myself and that is why I have never given up. I have been motivated to do better at the thought of being able to benefit others. I wasn't worried about failing my Algebra 2 class because of what it would do to my transcript or how it would affect my future, rather I was worried that my lack of knowledge in the class would inhibit my ability to help others.

through much trial and error, I have found motivation in others. I am inspired by the work that others put into their academics and even themselves to be better. I aspire to have the skills and the knowledge to not only help others be better but to also be better myself so that way I can help other people in their journey. I may not be the smartest person and I may have only passed my Algebra 2 class with a 79%, but I am passionate and I do strive for more. I constantly strive to be better and give more to others. I refuse to back down from a challenge that on the other side will make me better and will make me a smarter individual. I will continue to strive to be not only the best that I can be but to make others better because ultimately isn't it our role as humans to Aid in the betterment of others?