Coming to Understanding Physics by Mercedes

Coming to Understanding Physics by Mercedes - August 2024 Scholarship Essay

I am a first-generation sophomore at The University of Tampa who is majoring in computer science. I have plenty of STEM related classes that I will be working through in the upcoming semester. I will be retaking physics this semester after failing to meet the passing requirements during my first attempt. This class is important to my future career. This semester I will strive to get a passing grade that is at least a B in the class.

I was placed into Physics during my first semester at school. It was an intense class that required hours of outside preparation and practice. Though I worked hard outside of class, passed all the quizzes, and attended office hours weekly I was unable to ever get a passing grade on an exam which led to me being unable to pass the class.

Understanding physics is an important skill I wish to obtain this semester at college. I would like to pursue a career in video game programming and development which will require an understanding of physics. My love for video games and video game development stems from a childhood hobby. Since I was five years old and playing my DS to now, nineteen years old, playing on my Xbox my love for games has only grown.

One of my final projects during my first semester was an adventure room. An adventure room is known to be the first type of playable video game. I had so much fun creating and coding my very own game. During this process is when I realized that I chose the correct career for myself to pursue. My passion for creating video games and playing them is overwhelming.

To achieve my goal, I will do all I did during my first attempt plus more. I was recently made aware of a physics tutoring group that exists at the school. Had I known about the group sooner I may have developed a more solid understanding of the subject. The group is run by a group of upper-class students who have a passion for physics.

Getting a B in physics this semester will help bring me closer to my dream job of becoming a video game programmer. I will work even harder and reach out to the study groups around campus to gain a better understanding of the subject. This is a difficult goal I have set for myself, but I have no doubt in my abilities to see it through.