Growing Through Challenge by Nyla

Growing Through Challenge by Nyla - July 2026 Scholarship Essay

One academic topic that challenged me the most was mathematics. For a long time, I struggled to understand certain concepts, and because I have ADHD, it was often difficult to stay focused during lessons or keep up with the pace of the class. When I didn't understand something right away, I became frustrated and started to doubt my abilities. It would have been easy to convince myself that I just wasn't good at math, but I decided that giving up wasn't an option.

Instead, I changed the way I approached learning. I began asking more questions in class, attending extra help sessions, and practicing problems until I understood the process instead of simply memorizing answers. I also learned to break larger assignments into smaller, more manageable tasks and developed study habits that worked better for the way I learn. Over time, math became less intimidating, and I started to see improvement in both my confidence and my grades.

The biggest lesson I learned was that critical thinking is not about finding the right answer immediately. It is about analyzing a problem, considering different approaches, recognizing mistakes, and being willing to try again. Mathematics taught me to think logically, pay attention to details, and solve problems step by step. Those skills have carried over into my other classes, my leadership roles in AFJROTC, and even everyday decisions.

Looking back, I am grateful that math challenged me. It taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of asking for help when I need it. More importantly, it showed me that growth often comes from the subjects that seem the most difficult at first. That experience changed the way I view challenges. Instead of seeing them as obstacles, I now see them as opportunities to learn, improve, and become more confident in my abilities. As I prepare to study Psychology at Florida A&M University, I know the critical thinking and perseverance I developed through overcoming this challenge will continue to help me succeed both in college and in my future career as a child psychologist.