Overcoming Anatomy and Physiology-Ammarah Leslie by Ammarah

Overcoming Anatomy and Physiology-Ammarah Leslie by Ammarah - July 2026 Scholarship Essay

One of the most challenging academic subjects I have taken was Anatomy and Physiology. I expected the class to require a lot of memorization, but I quickly learned that it demanded much more than that. I not only had to memorize the names, locations, and functions of different body structures, but I also had to learn how to correctly spell complex medical terms without relying on a word bank or spell check.

Before taking this course, I had become so used to typing on my phone or computer that I rarely had to think about spelling difficult words. Autocorrect and word banks had become a habit, so having to write everything from memory was a challenge. There were times when I understood the material but struggled to spell a medical term correctly. It was frustrating because I knew the answer, yet I still had to prove that I truly knew it by recalling every letter on my own.

Rather than letting that discourage me, I changed the way I studied. I began writing each term repeatedly, breaking longer words into smaller parts, and practicing until I could spell them without looking at my notes. I also challenged myself to explain each structure's function while writing the word, which helped me connect the terminology to its purpose instead of simply memorizing a definition.

This experience strengthened my critical thinking skills because it taught me that true learning goes beyond recognizing the correct answer. It requires understanding information well enough to recall it without assistance and apply it in different situations. Anatomy and Physiology taught me the value of discipline, consistency, and perseverance. Those lessons will continue to benefit me as I pursue a career as an ultrasound technician, where accuracy, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of medical terminology are essential to providing quality patient care.