Questions on grad school application

[chartreuse]

Currently in the long process of applying to grad school programs and came across a question that gave me pause. It was in a random part of the application, not near the discussion section, so I'm not sure if they're looking for a lengthy answer or what.

"Explain any academic challenges, successes, or obstacles in your life that impacted your ability to achieve your goals."

I mean, what are they looking for here? I haven't had any significant hardships in my life. The main "challenge" I've had is balancing working/extracurriculars with academics. Should I take this as an opportunity to essential brag about my successes and how they motivated me to continue a pattern of success? I would understand if they were looking for strictly hardships, but it just seems strange to throw in "successes" in there.

How would you respond to this one?

[WoundedBird]

I think I had a similar question on my application and used it to explain a drop off in my grades due to mono and not withdrawing for the semester and the effect it had on subsequent courses that built upon the material I missed / taught myself over the following two semesters. My grades improved and I became a better student and that was reflected in all of my grades from that point on. Kinda hit on both hardships and successes in one.