The Physics of persistence by Joy

The Physics of persistence by Joy - July 2026 Scholarship Essay

One academic subject that initially challenged me but later strengthened my critical thinking skills was AP Physics 1. I was already aware that AP Physics was a difficult class. Unlike many other science classes, where memorizing formulas, flashcards, and definitions can help students succeed, AP Physics requires a different approach. I learned that physics is time-consuming and requires a different way of thinking. It was more than just recalling information; it involved analyzing relationships between variables, applying concepts to unfamiliar problems, and conducting experiments that required physical involvement with scientific concepts. Although it was difficult, I learned to think more deeply, approach challenges with greater confidence, and use more effective problem-solving strategies.

One of the challenges I faced was learning to solve problems without relying on formulas because a physics question often combines 3 different topics. In the beginning, whenever I encountered a physics question, I immediately searched for a formula that fit the problem's description rather than focusing on the underlying concepts. My teacher encouraged us to explain our understanding of a question, draw free-body diagrams, and think deeply about how an object behaved before starting calculations. It was frustrating at the beginning because I didn't even know how to explain most of the questions, to the point of having to draw them, but I challenged myself to take it one step at a time, even when it was confusing. It gave me a different approach to learning, instead of wanting to get the correct answer immediately.

As the course progressed, I developed stronger thinking skills and a greater appreciation for scientific. Rather than looking for quick answers, I learned to break down each question into smaller parts. For instance, when studying, I had to analyze how velocity, acceleration, and time interact on a graph by drawing on the board to better understand relationships. I would ask myself questions such as “What information does this problem already have, and what is it looking for?” and “What principle applies here?” These habits helped me go beyond memorizing and focus on logical reasoning and then apply the physical rules my teacher taught us.

The skills I gained from AP Physics extended beyond the classroom, and I was able to apply them in my everyday life. I learned to rely on multiple resources to explain the concept to me, rather than just my teacher and classmates, such as YouTube and Tutor.com. I learned how to properly evaluate evidence, consider multiple possibilities, and support conclusions with reasoning. Instead of giving up, I made a daily sacrifice to solve difficult problems, even if it meant starting from scratch and trying different strategies to understand the question and arrive at an answer. Even when my answers were wrong most of the time, I knew I was learning. Failure became less of a setback and more of a motivation to keep going.

However, AP Physics was the most challenging course I have taken throughout my high school years; it was one of the most rewarding. It taught me to take failure as an opportunity to try different strategies to improve and to step out of my comfort zone. Most importantly, I strengthened my ability to think critically and approach challenges with confidence rather than fear.