Ambition and Fortitude by Niyaz

Ambition and Fortitude by Niyaz - September 2017 Scholarship Essay

It was a normal, sunny afternoon and sophomore year had just ended a week ago. But, today soon became anything but bright. As I looked at the screen showing my online transcript, I sat in shock. I could not believe the D grade for Organic Chemistry II. At that moment, a cascade of debilitating thoughts overcame me. It was as if my world turned upside down. However, my experience with Organic Chemistry II led not only to my maturity as a student by developing a holistic approach to my studies, but also strengthened my resolve to become a future physician.
Although I faced bleak disappointment from my grade, I prepared to take the course again and in the process developed a comprehensive approach to my studies that has benefited me to this day. That following summer, I planned to become a better student by preparing myself psychologically and intellectually for the coming semester. Because of the dispiriting result, I first sought to heal mentally by going on vacation to an annual family site, Lake George. Instead of letting my doubts fester, which I did all throughout college, I decided to analyze and overcome them while on sailing on the breezy, cool waters. I understood a D was too low a grade to count in a favorable way for medical school admissions. I admitted my emotional pain from realizing how the hundreds of extra hours I dedicated by attending office hours and tutoring sessions did not translate into a higher grade. As I breathed in the gentle, clean air and beheld the sparkling blue waters, I enjoyed a clarity that I never had before. I realized my academic mistakes from my previous year and made peace by vowing not to repeat them. So, I pledged to finance a tutor as early as summer, go to office hours weekly, and stay ahead of the syllabus material. I complemented this new attitude with a practical, intellectual effort to learn the material down well enough. For the first time as an undergraduate student, I held review sessions, focusing on reviewing the material daily by drawing diagrams and outlining sections of every chapter, posting notes on every unclear concept. I took the initiative to establish an early connection with my professor by emailing questions regularly during that summer. Throughout the semester, I felt more confident with the material than the first time taking the course. At the year’s end, when I glanced at that B+ for Organic Chemistry and a significant increase in my overall GPA, I was content that my success and maturity as a student was made possible by my new, holistic approach to my academics.
In addition, my experience with Organic Chemistry II also forged a more resilient attitude to continue my premedical studies. Using my psychological and intellectual approach in my second stint with Organic Chemistry II, I not only performed better in my exams, but I also learned the philosophical purpose behind the rigor. Throughout the semester, I took to heart the many references to medical school. The challenge of the course was to learn about reactions and their mechanisms and learn to apply them to completely different situations on assignments. The situations differed, but I soon understood the underlying principles of how molecules behave in organic chemistry remain consistent. Similarly, it became noticeable that medical schools look for future student physicians who can learn concepts and apply them for varied patient diagnosis. It became obvious that if I can master the intuitive thinking in organic chemistry I can also lay the foundations for thinking like a physician. The course effectively changed my perspective on not only chemistry, but also on medicine and education in general. The bigger picture gave me a deeper purpose to the struggle and fueled my persistence in my studies. Ironically, Organic Chemistry initially seemed to hinder my path to medicine, but now it was helping me to forge it. Thus, the elective was an educational experience, not only in terms of appreciating the complexities of chemical reactions, but also in teaching me an academic mindset and resilience to approach my studies smarter and persevere for my career goals. Overall, taking Organic Chemistry again was an enlightening experience.
Your organization has been providing students from all backgrounds with a plethora of study resources and access to experts in varied subjects to improve their academic performance. I share your organization’s vision of improving one’s academics by connecting to experts in the areas they need help with. I hope my journey has highlighted to you my commitment to my own studies by seeking targeted help in Organic Chemistry and persevering to do better the second time around.
With your help, I can cement my commitment to medicine and solidify my status as an excellent medical school applicant. This scholarship will provide me the best chance to complete my current Masters in Biomedical Science with the highest academic grade point average along with the financial and psychological security to apply to medical school. I sincerely appreciate the committee’s time in evaluating my application and giving me the opportunity to tell my story. I look forward to hearing from you soon.