A New Year's Resolution for Being a Better Student by Norman

A New Year's Resolution for Being a Better Student by Norman - January 2016 Scholarship Essay

As most everyone knows or is at least aware, a vast majority of resolutions are made and then quickly broken. However, given my quest is to be resolved into being a better student it is important to me that my resolution be fairly easy to accomplish and yet have the desired impact to endure. After several days of contemplation and mild headaches I have resolved to set aside one hour a day in the study of statistics. After making that statement I can almost feel the air within the room where I am writing this essay being sucked out by the gasp for air of those across the country who read what I just said. Did I just say statistics? Is that like a form of math? Why would anyone want to study math for any amount of time—let alone an hour a day?

Allow me to explain, if you will, that math for me is one of the most difficult subjects for me as a student. I excel at almost any other subject you can name if it does not involve mathematics. I can memorize long lists of terms, historical events, body parts to include muscles, bones, tendons, and the various parts of the brain, and even cell structure. However, give me a subject like algebra or statistics and I begin to lose my mind in putting the patterns together in order to solve the problem.

Therefore it is my resolution to treat statistics like a foreign language and form habits which allow me to use an hour each day in practicing the various aspects of statistics. I can play guitar, saxophone, and speaks several languages, so I know I can conquer the beast called statistics. It will not be easy, but somehow I will have to convince myself that it is fun and enjoyable. The reason I must do this is not because I am trying to pass one course in the subject. The reason is much more important than that.

My degree is going to be in educational leadership for which the interpretation and utilization of statistical information is vitally important. Especially given that my career goal is to use research and techniques to help retain quality educators and significantly decrease student drop-out rates. I must be able to know for a fact through statistics that my efforts are having the desired impact and effect. Therefore, I must be resolved during this new year of 2016 to gain command of statistics. In doing so, I can be a better student, a better educational leader, and help other educators ensure their students’ success.