Truth be told, I did not have the grades to get the scholarship I currently have.
I fell short by 1% in one of my required courses, english.
Not receiving that scholarship meant I could no longer afford my education at Queen’s.
I worked quite hard to get admitted to Queen’s – while working part-time.
As an immigrant, education was the only tool I had to improve my family’s living standards.
The frustrating part was that I missed by 1%. A simple human error could have accounted for that.
After all, grading is only an estimate of a person’s understanding. Its far from perfect.
Upon consulting with the academic counselor, I was given two options;
- Go to an alternative University
- Repeat the course during summer and re-apply for scholarship
First choice was not an option as education from my preferred university was my top priority.
Second choice was not an option as I wanted to work full-time during summer to help pay the bills at home.
Thus, I had to find another way or forget about Queen’s.
I went knocking on my teacher’s door. “Miss, what can I do to get a 1% increase in my grade?”
When I tried to make a point about the grading nature of the course she stopped me …
Long story short, she said, No.
Upset from the rejection, I went to the department head. Another No.
Devastated, I decided to go back to my academic counsellor. Another No.
With little hope, I called up Queen’s university. They said, sorry. No.
I still remember how paralyzed I felt.
No one was willing to help me.
“Rules are Rules” they all said.
Somehow, with some hope left, I decided to walk into the principal’s office unannounced.
After an hour long chat, I walked out with a YES!
She realized the error factor in grading could have accounted for that 1%. Furthermore, I was an honor role student.
Not only was I able to get into the university I want, the experience itself taught me a wealth of lessons to apply in the coming future.
Today, I am enjoying every second I spend here at Queen’s University.
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This experience taught me the following important lessons;
- There is always another way. Find it.
- Pretty much everything in life is negotiable.
- Never take NO for an answer.
- Persistence Pays Off.
- Don’t let someone else shape your future.
- Rules (not laws) are meant to be broken.
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