How One Habit Changed Everything by Taarini

How One Habit Changed Everything by Taarini - February 2026 Scholarship Essay

One little thing that's helped me a ton in school is using active recall and flashcards when I study for tests. At first, it didn't seem like a big deal. It was just a small change from how I used to study – reading notes, underlining stuff, and hoping it would all sink in. But over time, this simple switch really changed how I learn and remember things.

Before I started using active recall, I'd often think I understood something just because it looked familiar. When I read my notes, everything seemed recognizable, so I thought I knew it all. But during tests, I had trouble remembering important ideas without any hints. That's when I realized that knowing something is different from being able to actually recall it on your own. Active recall made me face what I really knew and what I didn't. Instead of just reading, I started asking myself questions without looking at my notes. If I wasn't sure, I'd go back to the material and try again later.

Flashcards became one of my best friends. Writing questions on one side and answers on the other helped me break down big topics into simple ideas. Just making the cards helped me understand things better, and testing myself regularly made my memory stronger. Plus, I spread out my study sessions instead of cramming right before a test. This steady, relaxed practice made everything feel easier and lowered my stress a lot.

This habit not only made my grades better but also made me feel more confident. When I walked into tests, I felt ready because I had practiced remembering the info a bunch of times beforehand. Instead of freaking out when I saw a hard question, I trusted that I was prepared. Being able to recall information made me feel in charge of my learning.

Outside of school, this habit has changed how I think. It's taught me that putting in effort and being consistent is worth it. Small, daily actions can add up to big results. Active recall showed me that learning isn't about how long you study, but how well you use your time. By focusing on doing things well instead of just doing a lot, I've been able to handle my schoolwork and still have time for other stuff.

In the end, this little habit – testing myself with active recall and flashcards – has really helped me do better in school. It turned studying from something boring into something fun and useful. What started as a tiny change became a great way to learn, and it still helps me grow and feel confident as a learner.