Can't Quit by Willard

Can't Quit by Willard - January 2026 Scholarship Essay

I discovered a new strength in myself during my first semester of college. Before starting college, I believed hard work always led to success. If I studied enough, I expected good results. When that did not happen right away, I felt overwhelmed and unsure of myself. That experience helped me discover a strength I did not know I had, persistence, and it has played a major role in my personal growth.

The challenge began in one of my core classes. The material was harder than anything I had experienced in high school. Even though I studied regularly, my early assignments and quizzes did not go well. I felt frustrated because I was putting in effort but not seeing the results I wanted. For the first time, I questioned whether I truly belonged in college. The workload, pace, and expectations felt intense, and adjusting was harder than I expected.

The turning point came after my first major exam. I did not earn the grade I hoped for, and I felt disappointed. I remember sitting with the exam and realizing I had two choices. I could give up or I could figure out how to improve. What surprised me most was that I chose to keep going. That moment showed me a strength I had not noticed before. I wanted to learn and succeed, even when it felt uncomfortable.

After that exam, I changed how I approached my work. I started attending office hours and asking questions in class. I joined study groups and learned how other students prepared. I adjusted my study habits and focused on understanding the material instead of memorizing it. At first, progress felt slow, but over time I began to see improvement. Each small success helped rebuild my confidence.

Through this experience, I discovered that persistence is one of my strengths. I learned how to stay focused even when things did not come easily. I stopped viewing struggle as failure and started seeing it as part of the learning process. This mindset helped me stay motivated and manage stress better. Instead of giving up when something felt difficult, I learned how to work through it.

This new strength influenced my growth in several ways. Academically, I became more organized and disciplined. I learned how to manage my time and balance responsibilities. Personally, I became more confident in my ability to adapt. College taught me that growth does not happen overnight. It happens through effort, patience, and consistency.

Outside the classroom, this strength also helped me interact better with others. I became more open to feedback and more comfortable asking for help. I learned how to work through challenges with classmates and stay positive when plans changed. These skills helped me grow not only as a student, but also as a person.

Looking back, my first semester of college was challenging, but it helped me discover an important strength within myself. Persistence taught me how to handle pressure and continue moving forward. This strength continues to shape how I approach my education and my future goals. I now understand that growth comes from facing challenges and choosing not to give up.