Undergraduate / My desire for success made a significant impact to my grade [4]

This is for the personal profile for UBC application. I need help on editing my essay

Explain how you responded to a significant challenge that you have encountered and what you learned (Max 200 words)

My biggest challenge was imposed upon me during the last two years, that was to maintain my school grades in preparation for post secondary and at the same time to find the path of my future. The stress became more apparent starting from grade twelve. I did not know what I was going to do after secondary, nor which universities and programs I should apply for. I knew that I must commit plenty of time and thoughts to face this challenge.

I ran into my first major issue right when the school year began. This was my grade average seemed to be insufficient, specifically my English grade due to my inability to write well. There were times where I could not even finish timed exams. Soon I realized this was critical and I must take action. I spent numerous afternoons with my teacher to improve my writing. My desire for success made a significant impact to my grade. Eventually over time I started to get ideas of what I wanted to do, and with the grade issue solved I had gained confidence towards my application for university. I have learned the importance of determination and its contribution to being successful.

The other topic was Tell us about an experience that caused you to rethink or change your perspective. What impact has this had on you? (200 words)

I was stuck on this question, can someone give me some ideas?
Thanks in advance for any help.

Essays / Short Story Character Comparison Essay- Short Happy Life of Francis, Ernest Hemingway [2]

Hi, I need to write an essay to compare the two main characters, Wilson and Francis in the short story.
The format: Intro paragraph ending with a thesis, 2 body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
I have been trying to think of a thesis for a while but I can't come up with a good one.
My next question is what are 2 good arguments to support the thesis? I was planning on discussing the physical appearance and their behavioral difference. Would these two points be good supporting points?

Thanks in advance for any help :)

Here is a copy of the story tarleton.edu/Faculty/sword/Short%20Story/The%20Short%20Happy%20Life%20of%20Francis%20Macomber.pdf

Can someone help me? :/