Lessons Learned by Kristen

Lessons Learned by Kristen - August 2026 Scholarship Essay

One of the biggest lessons I have learned since returning to school as a working adult is that feedback is not something to fear. It is something I can use to improve. Earlier in my life, I often viewed feedback as a sign that I had done something wrong. Now, I see it much differently.

I was reminded of this while working through an accounting course. I had completed an assignment and felt confident in my answers, only to receive feedback showing that parts of my work were incorrect. My first reaction was frustration. I work full time, have a family, stay involved in my community, and complete schoolwork during the time I have left. When I spend a significant amount of time on an assignment, it can be discouraging to learn that I need to go back and redo part of it.

Instead of simply correcting the answers and moving on, I decided to slow down and understand why I had made the mistakes. I went back through the material, reviewed the calculations step by step, and looked at the areas where my thinking had gone off track. In doing that, I realized that the feedback was actually more valuable than receiving a perfect score the first time. It showed me exactly where I needed to grow.

That experience has changed the way I approach learning. I no longer expect myself to understand everything immediately, and I am much more comfortable asking questions, reviewing my work, and trying again. I have also learned that being willing to accept feedback is important far beyond the classroom. In accounting, small details matter, and being willing to double-check my work and listen to another perspective can make me better at my job.

Returning to school later in my career has taught me that growth does not come from always getting things right. Sometimes it comes from getting something wrong, understanding why, and being willing to improve. Feedback has helped me become a more patient student, a more thoughtful professional, and someone who is less afraid of making mistakes because I know I can learn from them.

As I continue working toward my educational and professional goals, including earning my CPA license, I know there will be more challenges and more feedback along the way. I now see that as part of the process rather than something standing in my way.