Small Habit by Gustavo

Small Habit by Gustavo - February 2026 Scholarship Essay

One small habit that has made a big difference in my academic success is reviewing my mistakes instead of ignoring them. This habit sounds simple, but for me, it completely changed how I learn.
When I first arrived in the United States, I struggled in almost every class. I was learning a new language and adapting to a school system I did not understand yet. At the beginning, when I did poorly on tests or assignments, my instinct was to move on as fast as possible. Looking at mistakes was frustrating, especially when I did not fully understand what went wrong. As a result, I often repeated the same errors.
Over time, I realized that avoiding mistakes was holding me back. I started forcing myself to review every test, quiz, and assignment, even when it felt uncomfortable. After each assessment, I would sit down and ask myself what I misunderstood, what I rushed through, and what I could improve next time. Sometimes this meant rereading notes, watching short explanations online, or asking questions in class. Other times it simply meant slowing down and paying more attention to instructions.
This habit made a noticeable difference. Instead of seeing mistakes as proof that I was behind, I began to see them as instructions on how to improve. My understanding of material became bigger, and my confidence grew. As I continued this routine, my grades improved each year. This year, after consistently applying this habit while taking more challenging classes, including AP courses, I earned a 4.3 weighted GPA last semester.
Beyond academics, this habit also changed my mindset. It taught me patience and resilience. I learned that improvement does not come from avoiding failure, but from learning directly from it. Reviewing my mistakes helped me stop fearing challenges and start seeing them as opportunities to grow.
This small routine of reflection has shaped how I approach both school and life. It reminds me that progress comes from honesty with myself and consistent effort. What started as a simple habit became a foundation for my academic and personal growth.