Overcoming Academic Challenges A Journey of Resilience and Growth by Philicia

Overcoming Academic Challenges A Journey of Resilience and Growth by Philicia - December 2024 Scholarship Essay

Overcoming Academic Challenges: Building Resilience and Growth

Challenges are a part of every academic journey, and balancing school, work, and a learning disability has been one of my most demanding experiences. As a hospitality management student at Morris Brown University, I had to juggle a full academic workload with two demanding jobs—working over 60 hours a week as a prep cook at Zaxby’s and an assistant teacher at La Petite Academy. The combination of financial pressures and my learning disability often left me overwhelmed, questioning if I could handle it all.

The turning point came when I sought help. I reached out to my professors, who offered guidance and extensions, and utilized the university’s disability services for accommodations like extended test times and note-taking assistance. My father’s encouragement also motivated me to push through these challenges.

Time management became my most vital tool. I structured my schedule with specific time blocks for work, studying, and rest. Breaking tasks into smaller steps made them more manageable, and using tools like planners, Grammarly, and study aids helped me stay organized and efficient.

As I adapted, small victories—like positive feedback on assignments or good test scores—boosted my confidence and shifted my mindset from self-doubt to determination. These successes reminded me that persistence and strategic approaches could turn challenges into opportunities.

This experience taught me the importance of resilience, self-advocacy, and effective planning. Despite the difficulties, I remain committed to earning my degree and pursuing a career in the hospitality industry. Overcoming these obstacles has not only prepared me academically but also instilled the strength I need to succeed in my future endeavors.