5. Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?
Cowered in the corner, hiding from the crowded of people, an introverted boy immersed into his own world. Both of his parents were busy with their works and the boy had to stay alone and accompanied by ugly and strange puppets and toys. He usually murmured to himself to pretend the toys were alive and he enjoyed the role-play with them. That timid boy was me who am a totally social boy now.
The changes occurred gradually when I went to primary school. In the first several years the situation didn't change much. I was one of the speechless students in my class. But studying in an active class I was attracted by the actives of others. The dilemma came to me and I wished to be changed badly. I read some books on psychology about how to communicate with others and learned the interpersonal skills by heart. I decided to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself.
I tried to talk to my desk mates on my own initiatively. At first my nervousness made my speech stammer but thanks to my desk mate who encouraged me and I gained some confidence to talk to others. Trying to improve my speech in public, I practiced in my room looking at the mirror and imitated from the famous person, gradually I found I could speak up and the nervousness disappeared. This challenge helped me overcome my psychological problem and helped me to conquer the fearfulness to communicate with others.
Now I have already involved with the school activities consequently and the shy boy has been changed into an active boy. Gaining confidence helped me improve my study efficiency and involve more academic activities. My friends even said he preferred to stay at home if there was a party without me. It could tell how active I am now. My experience to overcome the problem has been a valuable experience for me and the challenge I have met makes me a better person.