AP Classes; Survival of the Fittest by Yarijel

AP Classes; Survival of the Fittest by Yarijel - February 2017 Scholarship Essay

My vision blurs and the blue piece of paper I am holding in my hand shakes. I quickly remove my glasses and wipe under my eyes, hoping nobody has noticed me.

AP Biology: D+

I can't concentrate on my surroundings as students and teachers rush out of the building. I ignore the sounds of laughter ricocheting from the sophomore hallway walls and look away from the smiling faces that I encounter as I leave through the school’s front doors. What is my mom going to say?

For as long as I can remember, my family has always emphasized the importance of education, especially college. Growing up, I didn't understand why it was so important that I attend college. My grandparents and my parents hadn't, so why should I? It wasn't until I entered middle school and the teachers explained the importance of succeeding academically that I received my answer. Education is a privilege not a right.

All throughout school I strived to get grades I knew my family and I would be proud of. I became so accustomed to receiving A’s and B’s that the possibility of me receiving any grades lower than those never crossed my mind until I entered high school. Freshman year was tolerable but during sophomore year everything became a competition that I struggled to keep up with.

I convinced myself to take advanced placement biology, unaware of the commitment and dedication the class required. The class was taught by Mr. Gorman, a teacher well loved by many students, so I was sure I could easily pass it. How mistaken I was. I wasn't prepared for the rigorous syllabus, late nights, and extra attention the class required. It was frustrating not being able to understand material I was familiar with. I didn't know I had only learned the basics in past classes and that there was more depth to the material.

Sabes que esto es un grado nadamas, verdad? My mother hands me back my report card after I show it to her.

"You aren't mad?" I ask. I know she understands what I said and she rolls her eyes.

Claro que no. Yo se que tu la puedes subir. Te fe en ti misma, she replies.

I struggled to raise my grades in the beginning but with my mom's words in mind, I was motivated to try harder in class, to spend more time studying, and to ask questions. I spent more time with my head in a biology textbook than out.

I learned a lot in the class about biology; however, the one lesson the teacher didn't teach me is the one I value the most. Life isn't easy and I have to be prepared to fail and succeed but most importantly I need keep moving forward. If I don't, then I am not getting anywhere in life. I could not let one grade define me. I used to blame Mr. Gorman for what I thought was a failing grade but it wasn't his fault. I wanted my grades to go back to the way they were so it was up to me to make it happen. And I did.

My mom looks excited, wide eyes and a bright smile adorning on her face, when I show her my report card on the last day of school. I ended the year with a C, though it was not the grade I was hoping to attain, it gave me relief that I at least passed the class. I have taken other AP classes since the end of sophomore year and I have received grades that I am pleased even if they have required immense amounts of commitment. One thing is for sure, the class influenced what courses I would take to challenge myself academically and it set up the foundation for the rest of my high school career.