Problem solving and Time management are keys to success! by Takia

Problem solving and Time management are keys to success! by Takia - January 2022 Scholarship Essay

During 2021, I had to learn how to juggle a lot because the struggle was real! Growing up as a teenager during the pandemic has been a BIG eye opener for me. I had to learn how to problem solve as well as manage my time wisely during this semi post pandemic world (or at least, we thought were in the clear). Being a teenage and growing up in during a pandemic world, I have had to learn new ways to do things. For example, prior to the pandemic, I used to hang out with my friends without a worry or care in world, but now, I have to be mindful of my health and wellbeing. I have to plan ahead to ensure everyone has a mask for protection. I had to make sure I had a mask in the car, in my purse as well as in my pocket. With the limited number of people occupying space in public places such as restaurants, etc., I had to manage my time by planning ahead to ensure I could meet my goal as well as complete other tasks I had planned.

Also, prior to the pandemic, I was attending school face to face, participating in sports without a care in world (no mask, no social distancing and no threat to my safety). Now that Covid-19 has set up shop in our community, I had to decide if I would attend school face to face or learn virtually and if I would continue volleyball and basketball with or without a mask" I had to think long and hard about this because this was all new for me and my family. After problem solving what it would mean to be learning on a computer all day everyday, I decided that attending school face to face was best for me.

Having to think about how things were different with the looming threat of Covid-19, helped me to become more informed and a better decision maker about events, activities and learning each day. I had to evaluate my health each day before school to make sure I was feeling well in order to attend school. This involved me having to get up earlier in order to do so. With so many things being different, I had to manage my time because there was a lot of wait time since social distancing is a must for us now, especially when you go to a restaurant or movies.

When it came to my academic success, I had to be laser focused about learning in school as well as with my online tutoring supports. Because I am a student athlete, I was required to manage my time so that I could make it to practices, games, tournaments and still make time to study for tests and complete homework assignments. I learned that problem solving and time management were both necessary if I was to achieve success in school. Having learned these new stills, has definitely proven to be just what I needed as a scholar to prepare me for the next chapter in my life.

I will have to say, it has not been all bad, in 2021, these life lessons have come to make me a better student, a better friend but most of all a better person!