Academic Survival
Academic Survival

Academic Survival

Thirty percent of students drop out of college during the 1st year. The transition from high school to college is a struggle for many students. I interview current and former college students about their freshman year experience and I invite guests who share topics relevant to college life. Join me as we discuss how to survive, graduate, and thrive.

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Endurance Self-Discipline

5. Shandra McDonald: From Struggles with Reading to Supporting College Students

March 6, 2023

Dr. Shandra L. McDonald, a college graduate with a lifelong battle with reading, set out on a quest to prove her doubters wrong, but discovered her own inner strength and resilience to academically survive college and beyond…

1st-Year College Student Emotion Well-Being Self-Discipline Connections

4. Velmar Amador-Lankster: Balancing Emotions & Academics for College Success

Feb. 27, 2023

Velmar learns to balance work, school, and relationships as she finds strength and emotional support in college. "I told myself in college I wouldn't do that because I came out of high school with literally no close friends,…

Substance Abuse Transformation Recovery

3. Nico Morales: From Addict to Author - Substance Abuse and Transformation

Feb. 18, 2023

Claiming sobriety from the depths of rock bottom, Nico Morales experienced the power of transformation. "I have learned to claim the term 'addict' with some positivity to it - I have acquired a better advantage and I have to…

Guest: Nico Morales
Preferences Priorities Procrastination 1st-Year College Student

2. Balancing Preferences & Priorities: Darrell Horn's College Journey

Jan. 17, 2023

When Darrell Horn, an ambitious 17-year-old freshman at Cal State Northridge , sets out on his college journey, he quickly discovers an unexpected dilemma: the challenge of managing his newfound freedom. "I learned the only …

Guest: Darrell Horn
Education College Life Endurance 2nd-Year College Student

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

Dec. 31, 2022

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 ge…

Guest: Ahmara Watson