How Calculus 3 Strengthened My Mindset by Milayn Barksdale

How Calculus 3 Strengthened My Mindset by Milayn Barksdale - July 2026 Scholarship Essay

Mathematics was one of the academic subjects that challenged me at first but eventually, increased my critical thinking skills. I am a Robotics Engineering major thus math is going to be in just about everything I do. Math is a huge aspect of my field, whether I’m doing measurements, programming, design, or problem solving. But arithmetic was not always simple for me. It has challenged my confidence, my patience and my resolve.

For instance, when I had to take Calculus 3. That was the toughest math class I’d ever taken. The thoughts were too advanced for me and I could not get through the content. I did my best but I did not make the grade. That event crushed me because I had never failed a class. it made me question myself and whether I was cut out for engineering. It made me feel that I was not good enough, it made me doubt myself for a while.

I failed calc 3 yet it was a difficult moment for me and a turning point in my life. I took the class over that summer. This time I had all my time and attention to give to it. I took my time, delved deeper, questioned and tried to actually comprehend the topic rather than just get through it. I took the class again and it helped me to identify where I messed up the first time and how I might do better. I took the class and ended up with a B by the end of the summer.

It helped me become a better critical thinker because I learned to look at things differently. I learned that math is not about knowing formulas or getting answers quickly. It’s sort of like taking a problem, splitting it into smaller problems, finding out what the question is asking, and then seeing if the answer makes sense. I also learnt to take my mistakes and learn from them, instead of letting them define me.

I failed, then passed, Calculus 3. It taught me to be persistent and I believe in myself. It told me that I am not a failure. As a robotics major I know I will continue to face tough themes and hard problems. But this experience made me realize that I can progress if I keep trying and maintain focused.

Mathematics tested me but it made me a better human. It made me a better problem solver, a more patient student and a more confident person.” Most important, it taught me failure means I am not good enough. Which provides me a chance to learn, adjust and come back stronger.