The below writing is the synopsis of my interview with Kayla Graham. Kayla is a first-year pre-med nursing student at Georgia State University, and her journey to get to where she is now is evidence of her determination and versatility. Born with Jamaican roots, Kayla grew up in a strict household where academics were highly valued. However, it wasn’t until she joined the National Guard that she truly valued her education. Despite going through high school just because she had to be there, Kayla is now determined to finish what she started. She says that is evolving, learning to “enjoy” the academic process, and embracing the opportunities that college has to offer.

Out of the three words I asked Kayla to describe herself with, the first one was discipline. Kayla attributes the army as being her biggest motivator, shaping her into the disciplined individual she is today. Kayla was initially intimidated by the pressure of academic expectations but soon realized that her military background had prepared her well. She began to embrace the learning process and started to appreciate the results of her discipline and hard work.

Kayla’s interests are far-reaching, in addition to her academics, Kayla has a passion for aesthetics, graphics and design, and she has already completed her certification as an esthetician. In addition, Kayla is a spiritual person, which has helped her maintain balance in her life. Hence why the second word she used to describe herself is broad.

Kayla’s third word to describe herself was evolving. She has come a long way from just wanting to attend high school because she had to, to now being determined to finish what she started and fulfill her goal of becoming a nurse and her realizing that learning can be enjoyable. Kayla believes that her determination and discipline will overcome the challenges she is set to face. As Dr. Stephen Chew said in his principles to develop a mindset for learning video, Kayla aspires to find value in what she is studying to do her best in it.

In conclusion, I asked Kayla, why college? Kayla answered by saying that College was a chance for her to evolve and try new things and she decided to embrace it. She hopes that the obstacles that are to come, like the ones she has faced before, will help her continue to grow and evolve. For me, Kayla’s background really shows that a positive attitude, an open mind, and determination could help someone grow as an individual. She is a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and discipline.

Sources:

• Kayla Graham, pair interview transcript, January 2022
• Chew, Stephen. Https://Www.samford.edu/Departments/Academic-Success-Center/How-to-Study.