The Challenge
Everyone faces moments in life that test their perseverance and character. For me, one of the most defining struggles was overcoming self-doubt during my college years. I had always been a relatively confident person in high school, but as soon as I entered college, I found myself surrounded by incredibly talented and driven individuals. Suddenly, every classroom felt intimidating and every conversation seemed to highlight someone else’s accomplishments. I majored in Biology because my ultimate goal was to go to medical school to become a doctor. As the semesters progressed, the difficulty of the higher level science classes increased and I was just disappointed in myself, because I felt that I could do better. It seemed the more I tried to do better, it worked against and I questioned myself if I had chosen the correct path.
The Turning Point
Then one day, I shared my struggles with my Organic Chemistry professor, expecting judgment, but instead received empathy and encouragement. He shared his own experiences with failure and assured me that setbacks were a natural part of growth. He urged me to view challenges as opportunities to learn, not as reflections of my worth.
The Climb Back Up
Armed with renewed perspective, I began to approach my studies differently. I sought out help when needed and joined study groups in the library several nights a week. I celebrated small victories, whether it was mastering a difficult concept or simply attending a class with confidence. Gradually, my grades improved, but more importantly, so did my sense of self.
My Greatest Victory
By senior year, I was back on track academically and most importantly I was the first in my family to graduate from college. The true victory was internal. I had learned to embrace challenges, and have faith in my abilities. That period of struggle shaped who I am today—resilient, compassionate, and committed to uplifting others facing similar doubts. Even though I did not pursue a career in medicine, I became a teacher. I taught Elementary School for 20 years which was extremely fulfilling with lots of challenges but many more triumphs which brought me pride in shaping the lives and futures of our youth.
