Learning to Fall by Ruth

Learning to Fall by Ruth - August 2014 Scholarship Essay

Tears well up in my eyes, blurring the algebra assignment in front of me. Why is this so easy for everyone except me? As my dad patiently tries to explain the exterior angle theorem for the umpteenth time, I rush out of my room to grab a tissue. I know it’s unreasonable to get this upset over something so small, but I’m not used to experiencing this much frustration: usually academia comes so naturally to me.

This feeling may be shocking to me, but I know many other students are struggling as much as I am now—even with course work that I would consider easy. Of course, these students are also much better artists, athletes, or advocates than I am. That’s when I realize that the people who help me with number theories are the same ones that I regularly assist with grammar and vocabulary. I’m glad to have the gift of intelligence, and realize that just because others have a different gift than mine doesn’t mean that they are better or worse students than I am. Besides, one math question that goes over my head won’t be the difference between basking in terrific scholarships and drowning in student loans!

Back in the college preparatory class that had given me such a traumatic assignment, another advanced algebra question defiantly makes a mockery of my IQ. So I ask the instructor for some help, and after his best explanation goes over my head once again, I am able to simply say, “Thank you.” and flip the page.

This time after studying difficult problems, I am able to accept that math doesn’t come naturally to me, and then work through it without getting upset. I’m glad I’ve learned how to struggle on my own. I now feel more prepared to face stressful, seemingly impossible challenges in college or during my career.