Struggling with a Specific Topic in Principles of Accounting 102—Am I in Trouble?
I’m currently taking Principles of Accounting, also known as Accounting 112, which is the second part of the series. Generally, I enjoy accounting and have a good grasp of the material. However, the recent topic we’ve been covering—Corporations: Organization, Stock Transactions, and Dividends—has been challenging for me. While I understand the journal entries and can tackle short problems, I find the longer problems to be extremely difficult.
Unfortunately, our teacher only gave us a week and a half to cover this topic due to snow days and sick days, which added to my stress. I regret putting off studying until the last couple of days because of feeling overwhelmed and juggling other commitments.
Although I find Accounting 112 to be tough, I usually pick it up better after some practice. I have ADHD and have just started medication, which is helping, but I still feel like it takes me longer than it does for others to learn new concepts. I can’t help but feel inadequate at times, but I know I’m intelligent and I don’t want this to hold me back.
My question is: If I struggle to grasp and enjoy this particular concept in accounting, does that jeopardize my future in the field? This is the only chapter that’s been a significant challenge for me, and I’m worried it might set a negative tone for my accounting career. I would appreciate any insights or advice!
One response
First off, it’s great to hear that you enjoy Accounting overall, even if you’re struggling with this specific topic. It’s completely normal to find certain concepts challenging, and many students go through similar experiences, especially given the time constraints you mentioned.
Here are a few thoughts to consider:
It’s Okay to Struggle: Not everything in Accounting will click right away, and it’s natural to have topics that are more difficult than others. The fact that you’ve grasped other areas of Accounting well shows that you have a strong foundation, and this is just one hurdle.
Use Resources: Since your teacher had a limited time to cover this topic, consider reaching out for additional help. You could look for online tutorials, study groups, or even ask your teacher for extra resources or clarification on difficult concepts. Sometimes, hearing the same information presented in a different way can make all the difference.
Practice Makes Perfect: For longer problems that seem overwhelming, try breaking them down into smaller, manageable parts. Practice solving similar problems step by step, and over time, you’ll likely start to feel more comfortable with the material.
Don’t Let One Topic Define You: While this chapter might feel significant right now, it doesn’t define your entire accounting career. Each course and topic builds on the last, and this is just one of many subjects you’ll encounter.
You Are Not Alone: Many students with ADHD or other learning differences face similar challenges, and it’s important to remind yourself that everyone learns at their own pace. Being on medication can help, and it’s a positive step in supporting your learning process.
Focus on Growth: Instead of feeling inadequate, focus on your progress and the steps you’re taking to improve. Every bit of effort you put in now is investing in your future understanding and skills.
In summary, you’re not screwed! It’s all part of the learning journey, and with some extra effort and resources, you can definitely overcome this challenge. Stay positive and keep pushing through, and remember that you have the intelligence to succeed in accounting!