Episodes

From Clinicals to Critical Care: Nurse Mikaela’s Survival Stories In this episode, Dr. Shandra sits down with Nurse Mikaela Ausbon-Harrison to share raw nurse survival stories from her nonlinear path from animal science to nursing. They dive into the grit required to survive clinical rotations, the intensity of "Code Blue" moments, and the harsh realities of toxic workplace cultures. Mikaela also offers a firsthand account of navigating life-threatening pregnancy complications, providing a un...

“Mental Endurance” with Dr. Shandra & Dr. Dar In this thoughtful and motivating episode, Dr. Shandra and Dr. Dar dive into the theme of mental endurance and what it truly takes to keep going on the academic journey—especially through the toughest moments. Sharing personal stories from their own educational paths, both speakers explore why having a meaningful “why” is crucial for sticking with your goals, how to stay focused when obstacles arise, and how the process of overcoming challenges is fo...

In this episode of Academic Survival, Dr. Shandra and Dr. Dar dive into the topic of discovering and using your gifts and talents—especially for students and young professionals. The conversation explores the differences between knowing, using, and figuring out your unique strengths. Drs. Dar and Shandra share personal stories about their journeys to recognizing their own abilities, emphasizing how belief and confidence play pivotal roles in unlocking one’s potential. They discuss practical s...

In this episode Dr. Shandra and Dr. Dar come together to share their personal journeys from challenging beginnings to academic and professional success. They reflect on overcoming adversity, building resilience, and the importance of seeking and accepting help along the way. Both hosts discuss their struggles with confidence, academics, and family circumstances, as well as pivotal moments—like advocating for themselves and appreciating the support of mentors—that helped them navigate from high s...

In this episode Aryss Richardson, a first-year nursing student, discusses her journey from premed aspirations to discovering her true calling in nursing. Aryss shares the pivotal moment that led her to change paths, a sermon that resonated with her deeply, and the successful entrance exam that confirmed her decision. Aryss offers invaluable advice for future nursing students, stressing the importance of collaboration and mutual support over competitiveness. She reflects on her positive experi...

In this episode, Officer Jill sheds light on the critical topics of campus safety, law enforcement, and the enriching experience of attending an HBCU (Howard University). Three Key Takeaways: Know Your Rights and Stay Compliant: Understanding what you should and should not do during interactions with law enforcement can help in maintaining personal safety and ensuring respectful communication. Utilize Campus Resources: Familiarize yourself with campus safety features and resources such as ...

In this episode, Jonathan Jackson Williams, tackles the challenges and strategies tied to physical activity and recovery. He highlights the significance of listening to one's body and knowing when to take a break from gym routines. Jonathan, a kinesiology student at California State University, Dominguez Hills, emphasizes balancing fitness goals with self-care and underlines how consistency leads to fitness success. Jonathan shares his journey, including his transfer from Mount San Antonio Co...

In this episode, I turn the mic over to Aryss Richardson, who is a high school senior simultaneously taking college courses. She aspires to be a nurse. I've arranged for her to interview the esteemed Dr. Angela Allen-Washington, a doctor of nursing practice with over 20 years of experience. I really wanted her to have the opportunity to interview someone in her career field of interest and was excited to make this happen. The central theme of the episode revolved around nursing, healthcare, and...

In this episode of Academic Survival, I have an enlightening conversation with Dr. Dar Mayweather, a passionate educator and leader, on the intersection of education, career goals, and inclusive leadership development. Dr. Mayweather discusses inclusive leadership for students and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and nurturing people's natural gifts and talents to prepare them for success in the industry. Listeners will discover the significance of inclusive leadership training and th...

This Episode of Academic Survival features an insightful conversation with April Simpson, a reporter at the Center for Public Integrity, who shares her expertise and experience in the field of journalism. If you’re a journalism major, this episode is a must-listen for valuable tips and advice to navigate academic and professional life. In this episode, April Simpson discusses the importance of having a support system, prioritizing self-care, and the art of interviewing and understanding diver...

Today I am excited to have Sarah Jung on the show. Sarah is currently participating in an international exchange program from Germany to the US under the CBYX (Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange) program. She is placed in Las Vegas, attending UNLV part-time and gaining work experience in the hospitality industry. We'll be discussing her experiences, challenges, and key takeaways from her time in the US. 🔖Show Notes🔖 Sarah's Participation in CBYX Program: Sarah is part of the CBYX program, a...

In this thought-provoking episode of Academic Survival, Dr. Kelly Dobson unveils the untold challenges and obstacles that can hinder a timely graduation from college. Join host Shandra McDonald as she delves into Dr. Dobson's personal journey, from financial dilemmas to unexpected distractions, and how they affected his academic progression. Discover the pivotal moments when Dr. Dobson had to prioritize his passions over societal expectations, and the significance of recognizing when it's time ...

Adell Coleman and Anna DeShawn, the hosts of the Head Nod podcast, are joining me on the Academic Survival podcast to share their insights on exploring the Black experience at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs). Adell Coleman, a seasoned professional working at DCP Entertainment, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the podcasting industry. Meanwhile, Anna Deshawn, the CEO of TheCube, has a passion for amplifying diverse voices and creating meaningful conversations. With their pers...

Do you want to discover the key to a successful academic journey as an international student? Look no further! Join us as we unveil the secrets to navigating the challenges and finding support while studying in a different country. Andreea Coscai, an experienced international student herself, will be sharing her valuable insights and solutions to help you achieve your desired outcome - a rewarding and fulfilling academic experience abroad. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover pr...

I'm excited to introduce you to my guest, former NFL wide receiver Roy Hall Jr. Roy's impressive journey from a standout athlete at Ohio State to professional football with the Indianapolis Colts offers a unique lens to understanding the delicate balance of academia and sports mastery. Now, with his experiences, he sheds light for current student-athletes navigating Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, academics, and life after sports. Roy's insights come from his first-hand experience...

If you're feeling frustrated and overwhelmed because despite putting in long hours studying and attending all your classes, you're still struggling to grasp engineering concepts and achieve the grades you desire, then you are not alone! Many college freshmen in engineering face this challenge because they may be relying solely on passive learning methods like re-reading textbooks or passively listening to lectures, which research shows to be ineffective for deep learning. Instead of seeing signi...

Astrophysicist Jessica A. Harris: Inspiring and Empowering Underrepresented Students to Pursue Careers in Science An empowering journey of a tenacious Black woman in STEM, as she defies barriers, advocates for diversity, and inspires underrepresented students to reach for the stars. In this episode, you will be able to: Grasp the significant impact mentorship and representation holds in the progression of STEM fields. Unearth the power of nurturing diversity and inclusivity in shaping the fut...

In this episode of the Academic Survival Podcast, I interview Associate Professional Clinical Psychologist / School Psychologist Bria Edgar about ways to best cope with the stresses of student life. Bria emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and validating your emotions, and then taking a moment to breathe and plan your next steps. She also discusses her journey from being a school psychologist to becoming a therapist and provides advice for students interested in these fields. Bria highlig...

Amber Artiaga, DBA, is a strong advocate for the use of modern technology in education. She believes that the stance of these tools being inherently bad for learning and development is misguided and will only hinder students' ability to compete in the workforce of tomorrow. As an educator, Amber emphasizes the importance of preparing students for the present and future by providing them with access to the latest tools and resources. Her forward-thinking approach has helped her students achieve s...

Overcoming the odds, Dana Spencer was determined to provide a better future for her and her unborn child. Little did she know that her college days would take an unexpected twist, leading her to a career in direct marketing as a single mother. Despite the challenges, Dana's unwavering dedication to her goals has enabled her to graduate from college, become financially free through real estate, and inspire others to pursue their dreams no matter what life throws at them.

Student-Athlete Support System In today's competitive world, student-athletes need a solid support system to help them manage the demands of both academics and sports. A successful support system should provide the necessary resources to help student-athletes succeed academically while also allowing them to excel in their sports. These may include academic tutors, mental health professionals, and physical trainers. Additionally, a support system should cater to the unique needs of each student-a...

Meet Blake Leigh, an accomplished pianist and jazz composer who has experienced firsthand the importance of pursuing one's passion and maintaining authenticity in the music industry. After starting his college journey at Bentley University, Blake quickly realized that his true calling was in music, leading him to transfer to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. As a recent graduate, Blake has been navigating the New York City music scene, working to make connections and share his ...

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. "Don't let other people's expectations hinder your journey - make your own goals and make decisions that are consistent with achieving them!" Shandra is a podcaster, guest lecturer, speaker, coach, and author. She is passionate about helping college freshmen succeed in th...

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, because I failed to build on friendships that I could have had because I was so focused on school. And what's important to you should be your priority." Velmar Amador-Lankster is a 1st-year student at UC San Diego, double majoring in Political Science: Public Law, and Soci...