Persistence is My Power by Ahmed

Persistence is My Power by Ahmed - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

During my sophomore year at Rutgers University, I felt overwhelmed in a way I had never experienced before. As a Computer Science and Data Science student, I was used to working hard, but that semester tested my confidence and sense of self. For the first time, I began to wonder whether my best efforts would ever feel like enough. It was in that moment of doubt that I discovered a strength that spurred me on. It is the power of persistence.

Being a dual major brought on considerable academic pressure. Coursework demanded constant problem-solving, long nights of debugging code, and the mental endurance to face repeated setbacks. When assignments did not go as planned or exams did not reflect the hours I had put in, I felt discouraged and exhausted. I watched classmates achieve success while I felt stuck, and that comparison made the struggle feel heavier. There were nights where I questioned my choice of majors and wondered if I had made a mistake by choosing this path.

Instead of letting disappointment define me, I chose to confront it. I broke problems down line by line, sought help even when it felt uncomfortable, and returned to material I did not understand until it finally made sense. Progress was slow, but it was real. Each small breakthrough reminded me that persistence is not loud or immediate; instead, it's the commitment that pushes me further.

During this time, soccer became a source of emotional stability for me. Whether watching my favorite team play or playing with friends, the sport reminded me that growth is never linear. In soccer, missed chances and big defeats are inevitable, but persistence is built into the response. Players learn, adapt, and push forward with confidence. Applying that mindset to my academics changed everything. I began to see setbacks not as proof of inadequacy, but as part of a longer journey toward improvement.

Through this experience, I developed a deeper sense of self-confidence. I learned that I can withstand pressure, recover from disappointment, and continue working toward my goals even when the path feels uncertain. This strength has reshaped how I approach challenges. I no longer fear tackling difficult courses or unfamiliar problems; instead, I trust my ability to adapt and grow through them. I am more patient with myself, more honest about my struggles, and more committed to long-term success rather than short-term validation.

This realization has influenced every part of my academic journey. It has strengthened my confidence, sharpened my discipline, and reinforced my motivation to keep pushing forward despite obstacles. It has taught me that persistence is not about failure; instead, it is about letting failure not define me.

As a student striving to build a future through education, this strength continues to guide me in my academic and personal life. It reminds me that perseverance can transform uncertainty into purpose and struggle into growth. Receiving this scholarship would not only support my academic goals but also affirm the persistence I have worked so hard to develop.