Talk about a time in school where you struggled with a subject.
How did you overcome your struggle
Alana Lukens
My sophomore year I struggled with an AP U.S History and Honors english immersion class. This course pushed me. I knew I needed to create a work ethic that involved communication, a mental change, balancing my life and many other skills. The analyzation of historical texts, the Constitution, as well as reading books like “The Great Gatsby”, “ Of Mice and Men” and “Grapes of Wrath” was overwhelming. My homework load was a shock, The stress of this changed who I was. Crippling depression buried me as I battled the need to fit in with the pressure to take an advanced placement class. I struggled to understand the material and to keep up with balancing life and homework. I was a victim to my expectations and at a loss to how to manage it all.
My first step was to tackle my communication skills. A meeting with the school counselor, AP teacher and my mom helped me to address my concerns and learn how to finish strong in the class. It was rare that there was a night that I did not ask for clarification or assistance on homework or projects from my classmates.
The second step was a mental re-charge. This did not come easy, but it was both purposeful and necessary. I began to understand that a letter grade did not define me. The content of character is defined by our mental and moral qualities. These traits contribute to a well rounded and caring person. These changes allowed me to approach each class with a positivity and confidence in myself.
The last step I took was finding a better life balance. I needed to trim some stress and add some areas of fulfillment. I took on the role of Vice president in my Choral program and found that added some balance. I then became the President of our school’s Youth administration, teen leader for a sex education program and volunteered to be a counselor for middle school retreats. These activities made me regain respect for myself and what I had to offer.
AP History and Honors English taught me how to fall and get back up. It was an experience that shaped my high school journey and identity. Although my grades took a hit (two A’s and a B), I learned there was more to me than a letter grade. I was not just a report card.
