Learning to Think Calculated by Alexandria

Learning to Think Calculated by Alexandria - July 2026 Scholarship Essay

calculus was one of the hardest classes I've taken in college. I've always been willing to work hard, but this class challenged me in a completely different way. I couldn't just memorize formulas, I had to understand the concepts and think through each problem. There were times when I left class feeling overwhelmed and questioned whether I was capable of mastering the material.

Instead of letting that discourage me, I changed my approach. I spent extra time practicing problems, attended office hours, watched videos to hear concepts explained in different ways, and worked through mistakes until I understood what I had done wrong. Slowly, the problems that once seemed impossible began to make sense.

The biggest lesson I learned wasn't just Calculus—it was how to think critically and stay persistent. I learned to break complex problems into smaller steps, analyze different solutions, and trust the process instead of expecting immediate results. Those skills have helped me in other classes, my Human Resources internship, and leadership roles because I've become more confident when facing unfamiliar challenges.

Looking back, I'm grateful Calculus didn't come easily. It taught me that growth happens when you're willing to ask for help, put in the extra work, and keep going even when something feels difficult. That experience strengthened not only my problem-solving skills but also my confidence in my ability to succeed.