Lessons Learned: Overcoming Academic Challenges and Personal Growth

My high school experience was marked by a series of shortcomings and overcome obstacles. I failed to leverage my potential and suffered from self-discipline issues. However, through introspection and practical steps, I have managed to make significant progress and learned valuable lessons that shape my life today.

Academic Mistakes and Reforms

One of the primary mistakes I made in high school was not putting in the required effort. I coasted through classes with minimal effort, relying on my initial good grades. While my grades were decent, my lack of dedication was clear to my parents. In response, they wisely advised me that it would be better to study hard and earn a B than to coast and earn an A-. After receiving this advice, I began to put in more effort, but my self-discipline remained a challenge.

Despite my intelligence and participation in advanced classes, my overall GPA was a disappointing 2.4. I faltered in several subjects due to my lack of effort and missed deadlines. In particular, I failed Algebra 2 and struggled with math classes throughout high school, resulting in multiple retakes and even the forced drop of an advanced class. I often missed busy work and failed to complete necessary study prep, causing inconvenience for myself and others, especially my parents.

Personal Mistakes and Reforms

Alongside academic struggles, I faced personal challenges that affected my performance and happiness. I was overweight and often felt discouraged, though I was not picked on significantly. My weight made me feel less confident, but I struggled to make changes to my diet. I regained lost weight quickly, highlighting the difficulty of positive change.

I was also prone to procrastination and relied on last-minute preparations for tests and assignments. My unreliability often led to missed deadlines and poor performance in extracurricular activities. Despite my good reputation with teachers, my academic struggles caused concern and were discussed in staff meetings.

While I participated in various extracurricular activities, my lack of effort in these fields hindered my opportunities. For instance, I was ineligible for regional officer positions and certain programs due to my academic performance. My classmates knew me as a good person, but were puzzled by my academic decline.

Addressing External Factors

The poor relationship I had with my parents exacerbated my academic and personal struggles. My mother did not understand my emotional needs, and this led to a strained dynamic. Similarly, authority figures like counselors and teachers often advised me to take charge of my academic performance, which felt like a lack of genuine support and brought no confidence to my efforts.

Despite these challenges, I managed to attend a decent college, leveraging my test scores. While I benefited from a good start at university, I still struggle with basic time management and missed deadlines. However, driving and earning my own income have provided me with more independence and a fresh perspective on life.

Growth and Future Plans