Challenge Yourself by Sarah

Challenge Yourself by Sarah - April 2016 Scholarship Essay

After going to school full-time for over ten years, I hope I can say that I have a fairly good understanding of how school functions and what is required to succeed. The one piece of advice that I would share with less experienced students is this: challenge yourself.
Throughout my years of schooling, I have had many opportunities to get by with merely “enough” work. Sometimes, I could achieve a passing grade by doing the assignments, but not actually learning from them. Although this was an effective method to maintain a 4.0 grade average, this did not help me to further my education.
Often, there are teachers who expect students to complete all the assignments, but do not grade on accuracy. The students in classes similar to these have two options if they desire a passing grade: 1) do the assignment without putting in much time or effort, and 2) complete the assignment after learning the required material. While both options may present students with the high grade they desire, the students who decide to follow the second options are much more likely to retain the information.
Many times, students are involved in extracurricular activities or have several difficult classes at once. Students may feel as though they are pushed to the limit with their time, and simply have to choose between activities. When this is the case, mediocre work can be the only option, if they want to pass their classes. However, sometimes students simply become lazy and decide to ignore their schoolwork in order to pursue other, less-important interests. I would suggest that students who feel stretched with their time should create a list of priorities. Also, while working on a specific project or activity, I would urge students to focus and use their time wisely.
Benjamin Franklin once stated “Lost time is never found again.” The years before adulthood, although it may seem otherwise, are the years when most people have the time to spend gaining an education. If one chooses to simply go through the motions and get by with just “enough,” that time is as good as wasted. While it may seem like the easier path to take, those who choose to challenge themselves and work hard, even when it’s not required, are those who will ultimately succeed in this great journey we call “life.”