Turning setback into success by Altaria

Turning setback into success by Altaria - July 2026 Scholarship Essay

One academic topic that challenged me the most was college mathematics, specifically Mathematical Reasoning in Context. At first, I struggled with the course because it required a different way of thinking than I was used to. Instead of simply memorizing formulas, I had to use logic, analyze information, and explain my reasoning to solve problems. Topics like set theory, probability, and Venn diagrams were especially difficult, and I often felt overwhelmed.

During the Fall semester, I made the difficult decision to withdraw from the course because I realized I was not performing at the level I expected. Although it was disappointing, I viewed it as a temporary setback rather than a failure. I knew I wanted to earn my degree with a strong academic record, so instead of giving up, I made a plan to come back stronger.

When I enrolled in the course again during the Summer semester, I approached it with a completely different mindset. I dedicated more time to studying, practiced problems consistently, reviewed concepts until I understood them, and wasn’t afraid to ask for help when I needed it. Rather than becoming frustrated by difficult problems, I learned to slow down, break each problem into smaller steps, and focus on understanding the process instead of just finding the answer.

As a result, I am doing well in the class and have gained much more confidence in my abilities. More importantly, this experience strengthened my critical thinking skills. It taught me to be patient, persistent, and willing to adapt when something isn’t working. I learned that success doesn’t always come on the first try, but determination and a positive attitude can make a significant difference.

This experience has prepared me for future challenges at Florida A&M University and in my career in Criminal Justice. Law enforcement professionals must think critically, evaluate situations carefully, and make sound decisions under pressure. Overcoming this academic challenge showed me that resilience and perseverance are just as important as intelligence, and those lessons will continue to guide me throughout my education and future career.