This essay is an insight into who Trenton Marshall’s academic self is, based on different interviews and regular conversations that I had with him. Trenton is an 18-year-old student in his first year at Georgia State University. He has been to many different schools around Georgia, because he moved around a lot in his younger years of childhood. He graduated from Tucker high school in 2021, and he came straight to college right after high school. One of the reasons Trenton chose to come to college right after high school, is because he did not want to waste time and he would like to accomplish the goals that he has set in place for him self on his own time. Trenton is studying computer engineering and he is striving to be an information technology specialist (IT). Trenton got some of his inspiration for his passion for his future profession from his uncle, who is an IT manager, and because he has a genuine passion for science and technology.
Speaking of his uncle, in his family life, Trenton has one older brother, three younger brothers, and one younger sister. His older brother had an influence on him coming to GSU in the first place, because he saw that the school had so much to offer. He has lived with his mom all his life, which shows the impact she has on him. His mom is his mentor, since he sees that his mom is so hardworking, that has influenced him to be the same way. The three words that Trenton used to describe his academic self are hardworking, determined, and procrastinating. To some, the words “hardworking” and “procrastinator” can be antonyms, but for Trenton it is as if it is a badge of honor. He has said even though he pushes his work off sometimes, he will always make sure it is done, and that when it is done it will be done correctly. I asked Trenton why he was so hardworking he replied with, “I have to get some money, being unsuccessful is not an option.” He also said that his ambition is a sentiment to be where he wants to be in life.
In college, Trenton shared that a frustration he has at times, is having to go through all the math courses to get where he wants to be for his degree and future career. He told me that often in math, he has a tough time navigating through everything there is to learn. Since his major and future profession relies heavily on math, he must understand all the intermediate course work before moving on to tougher classes. He even told me that, since he is so determined to accomplish his goals of working in technology, when struggling with hard math course work, he would end up studying the material before and after the class for a better understanding.
The conclusion I have, after talking with Trenton, is that he is going to do what needs to be done to carry out his dreams. Talking with him is really a breath of fresh air, being that he is such an optimist. He also gave me a different outlook on college in general. While talking to him he showed me different views on college life, one being that he chose to stay close to home. His attitude towards college and to the work that he gets shows how his academic self-shines through in reference to his favorite reading in the class. His favorite reading is “COVID-Era College: Are Students Satisfied.” The reading said “Expectations aside, students generally fell in line” when it comes to returning to school. This reading relates to Trenton, because like the students in the reading Trenton has his own struggles with how school is now because of the pandemic and then having to adjust when returning back to school. In high school Trenton took online courses and even though he might not have liked them, he adapted to this new lifestyle and persevered through it to be able to succeed. Trenton’s academic profile shows us that no matter how many drawbacks there are, whether it comes from your approach to work or the work that you gets for your major, there is always a way to succeed and accomplish your goals if you have the will to do it.
Citations
Ezarik, Melissa, COVID-Era College: Are Students Satisfied, Inside Higher Ed, 24 March 2021
Marshall Trenton, Pair Interview transcript, Conducted by Jaslyn Hamilton, February 2022