What is the prompt?
How do your options fit the following scheme?
- Situation
- Challenge
- Approach
- Results
- Evaluation
The first option feels better, but your approach basically sounds like a shotgun approach and you were fortunate to find a program to help you pay for the costs.
The second option involves teamwork to deal with a more eager peer. I'm okay with it, but I don't get the sense of urgency that gives me a sense you can really take on challenges with higher stakes.