The Approaches for Success as a Scholar Essay Example

You are walking through a dark corridor, anxiously searching for the door that holds the secret behind student success. Unfortunately, you find out that this door does not exist. Amongst the many doors in this corridor, why does it not exist? Simply put it, you must create one. Starting from scratch, figure out what is the best method for you to use to put up this door. It does not need to perfect, nor does it need to adhere to specific instructions.  However, the approach you decide to use is what is going to help you thrive as a future scholar.  

The first approach is to have self-efficacy. Self-efficacy simply means to believe in yourself. You cannot begin the journey to student success if you have negative doubts. This journey requires self-belief.  

The second approach to student success is time management. Time management is how one controls and plans how much time is divided amongst different tasks or duties. This skill is important in student success because it helps use your time in a productive manner between your school life and personal life, categorizing from most to least important. The ability to prioritize and focus on what is most important spares the high-stress levels that come with an unorganized, crammed schedule.  

For example, today's work schedule is from 7 am to 3:30 pm. You have four assignments: a discussion question, two math exercises, and an essay due before 11:59 pm. But you just received a message saying that there is a college party starting at 10 pm tonight. Now, you have become anxious because you want to attend this party but do not know if there will be enough time to complete your assignments while getting ready for the party. You have two options: not go to the party and give total concentration on those assignments or crunch time. Henceforth, knowing thyself is what is going to determine your choice. The most obvious answer is to concentrate on those assignments since it will not be the end of the world if you do not attend the party. However, if you feel that this party is essential to your well-being, then you will have to cut the time you spend on each assignment in half to meet the new deadline that you have created. Consequently, leaving no room for the unexpected and taking away your attention from putting in your best work. Although it may appear dramatic, you are responsible for your success. There is no magic bullet in developing this skill, but as you learn and understand what works best for you, you will begin the few steps in student achievement. 

The third approach necessary for a future scholar is to have self-awareness. Self-awareness is when you understand your strengths and weaknesses while striving for improvements and leveling up in self-esteem. Unfortunately, this skill that takes time to develop since you are learning about your internal state, beliefs, personality, habits, etc. Once you have mastered this trait, you will subconsciously strategize what works best for you based on your situation or obstacle. 

For example, a student who fails their math tests because they do not understand the math concepts. Someone who is not self-aware would continue the same failed study routines while convincing themselves that there is nothing they can do about it. However, someone who is self-aware will acknowledge that something is not working for them. It could be their participation in class or their study strategies that are not working for them. However, their goal is to get to the root of their problem and figure out what they are doing wrong and how they can fix it. Nevertheless, being aware of who you are and who you want to become will help pave the pathway of future goals and aspirations while defeating obstacles with your polished, personalized techniques that complement you as an individual.  

Lastly, the approach that will support what you have accomplished thus far in the journey towards student success is by developing grit. Grit is the ability to persevere in the face of adversity that fuels your success and accomplishments. For instance, students who strive for the titles "Valedictorian" and "Salutatorian” will have to overcome the obstacles that test their grittiness. Such challenges can be through a course, standardized testing, or even to see if you can keep up with the advanced curriculum's workload. However, self-discipline and determination will help you weave through the jungle of education. As you begin to cross bridges and climb the hills that challenge your pathway, you may eventually come across a stream filled with emotions screaming, "Just give up," or "I can't go any further." You may even see a boat prepared to bring you into the cave of depression that is located at the end of the stream. However, you have two options: jump into the emotional stream or continue trudging the unstable hills until you reach your destination. Keep in mind being grit does not guarantee the outcome of one's journey or success. You will have to face fears and adapt to unexpected circumstances, but once you take that first step towards your goal, broadening and challenging your mindset, you can see your growth as the individual you want to become. 

To say that any student can achieve success is like saying that anyone can climb Mount Everest: it is possible, but most people will struggle, and many will fail. However, everyone who strives for such goals shares the ability to apply themselves. Nevertheless, it is important to understand that there is no specific guideline to follow when achieving student success. The approaches you decide to take will determine your success as a scholar. That might include self-efficacy, time management, self-awareness, and grit.