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

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...