Academic Endurance, Overcoming Challenges, and Self-Reflection with Ahmara Watson

Academic Survival

Academic Survival Podcast

Struggling to balance a double major, a job, and extracurriculars, Ahmara Watson discovers her strength is endurance as she navigates her way through the overwhelming expectations of college life.

"Knowing what you can get out of it helps push you through. I think that being able to overwork myself and power through, even when I'm tired or overwhelmed, has been a strength that I've discovered in college."

Ahmara Watson is a 2nd-year student at San Diego State University (SDSU) double majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology. She works part-time at the police department and is involved in the Criminal Justice Association and Young Life clubs. She was surprised to learn that she was capable of double majoring, and is thankful for her father's veteran's benefits that cover her tuition for 4 years. She has discovered her strength in endurance, but struggles with test taking, especially multiple choice. College has taught her to push herself, and to not be afraid to take on challenges.

In this episode, you will learn about Ahmara’s:

1. Academic Endeavors: How does she navigate a full workload, double majoring, and a job?

2. Social Transition to College: What was it like going from COVID lockdowns to a 24/7 social life?

3. Strengths and Weaknesses: How does she take advantage of her strengths and how has she compensated for her test-taking weakness?

Connect with me:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AcademicSurvivalPodcast

Website: www.AcademicSurvival.com

Website: www.ShandraLMcDonald.com

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Summaries:

[00:00:00]

Statistics show that approximately 40% of students drop out of college every year. Nearly 30% drop out their first year. Ahmara Watson is a second year student at San Diego State. We'll be talking about her study locations, her academic endurance, and hey, even a possible internship.

[00:00:56]

Ahmara Watson is a second year student at San Diego State University. She is double majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology. Watson is also involved in the Young Life club. She describes college as an introduction to adulting.

[00:04:52]

Student: My goal is to graduate in 3 years instead of 4 years with my double major. Is that something that you would recommend for students, high school students to take some AP classes if they can or no?

[00:06:13]

In college, there's so much pressure to get into the good schools. It's not just about your GPA anymore, it's about your extracurriculars. I think AP classes definitely prepared me the most.

[00:08:07]

I think the social environment, because COVID hit maybe, like, my mid junior year, that was basically half of my junior year and all my senior year where I didn't really socialize. Going from no social life to an everyday 24/7 social life was just a shock to me. I was not ready for that at all.

[00:09:05]

I was really surprised by the amount of work I've been able to do. I tried working when I was in college and I just couldn't do it. It's a lot doing both. I see why people don't work.

[00:11:31]

Is there anything that you've discovered as a strength that you just didn't know that you had coming into college? I think it would be my endurance. Knowing what you can get out of it helps push you through.

[00:13:28]

My weakness is test taking, which is very problematic for a college student. I've never once done well on multiple choice exams. It's either a C or D. Not doing well on something that weighs a lot, you have to do really well on homework and papers.

[00:15:47]

My primary major is Criminal Justice, and my secondary major is Psychology. Criminal Justice and Psychology works well together. We were getting VA benefits for tuition and some fees. It gives us the ability to go to any UC or CSU school basically for free.

[00:19:44]

I want to go into the police academy right after I graduate. I feel like everything in law enforcement is about experience. I definitely want to start planning ahead so I know what I'm going to do after college. Having a goal makes it easier for you to know for decision making along the way.

[00:23:03]

I like to go home because I feel like it centers me. Going home isn't just like a physical thing, but mentally it's like I get a reset. What advice would you give freshmen struggling with feeling overwhelmed or stressed out?

[00:26:03]

Where I'm most productive is the library. Where I realistically study is my room. I study when I have windows of time. The environment is also a really big factor. Is there a time of day that works best for you?

[00:30:14]

"I struggled a lot during my freshman year, but along the way, I developed some skills that allowed me to turn things around," she says. She set out to get straight A's from then on out. Had she not set that goal for herself, she would not have had enough runway left for her to graduate with honors.

[00:34:49]

I think my main win is that I got a conditional job offer with the FBI. What do you do to celebrate your wins? I celebrate it with excitement. Your win is celebrated by doing something that's rejuvenating.

[00:38:16]

You have to come in as strong as you can, morally, ethically, with your values. You can have fun, but know the consequences of it and value your education. Remember your goals, and hopefully that motivates you to stay focused in college.

Additional Links from Episode:

San Diego State University

CalVet Plan B

Young Life Club

Student Organizations at SDSU