Thinking Beyond the Formula by Adrienne

Thinking Beyond the Formula by Adrienne - July 2026 Scholarship Essay

My first year of having Chemistry was my senior year because I took other important classes before I could go into Chemistry. Taking Chemistry for my first year was pretty difficult for me. I didn't know the formulas, the calculations, or the specific concepts because they didn't make sense to me. I asked a lot of questions, but I was still confused. Then, when I got home, I practiced instead of giving up on Chemistry.

During those 11 months, I learned that it's okay for you to struggle and pick your head back up because Chemistry was something new for me. Over time, I learned that breaking problems into smaller steps and thinking through them logically could bring you into something you had never experienced before, into something you never imagined you could be in. It was tough in the beginning of the year. I always stayed at a B in Chemistry. I wanted to work so hard that I could get an A at the end of the year because I wanted to be an A student in all of my classes. But Chemistry was just one class that I couldn't bring my grade up in. Every test I took, I got a B. I always used to retake those tests, but I still ended up with a B.

One day, I took the notes that I had gathered and studied with my teacher. He redirected me into something I could learn much better and helped me focus on what I was supposed to do instead of what I had been doing. I strengthened my critical thinking by learning to analyze the information instead of rushing through the answers.

Those skills will help me in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, where carefully thinking and paying attention to detail are important in that career. Becoming a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is what I have dreamed of being. Having the skills of mathematics, paying attention, and really looking at the details you're supposed to see is very important. You cannot miss those details in reality.

I want to tell myself to slow down and focus on what is in front of me. It's okay if you get it wrong. Try again, redirect your steps, and ask for help. I just want to thank my teacher for giving me the time to show me the steps I needed to take instead of rushing. He showed me to slow down and go through every process step by step. I just want to thank him for what he has done and for giving me the encouragement and strength to really analyze, pay attention to detail, and focus on what I'm doing.