Over the last week, I had the chance to get to know one of my colleagues a little better, Asia Shakir. As of right now, Asia is a student at GSU enrolled in her first year of a dual enrollment program and is in her senior year at the Drew Charter School. For the majority of her academic life, she has only ever attended this one institution. This being her last year, Asia has made the great decision to venture out and learn about the world of college. Things seemed tough for her in the beginning, but Asia is one passionate student who is determined to “stick it through” to the end.
When I asked why she decided to enroll in GSU’s dual enrollment program, Asia answered it seemed a great fit for the pre-college experience and to explore the many opportunities it had to offer. As her senior year comes to an end, her full college years are to begin. She plans to major in Business, aspiring to own her own business someday. One thing that you may not know about Asia is that she is a student with many talents. In the world of cosmetology, Asia has honed her skills as a nail technician and hair stylist. With a passion for beauty and a drive to continuously improve, she aims to expand her services and grow her expertise in the industry.
Regarding academics, it is no question that Asia has an aptitude to learn. However, the things that really motivate her are the idea of completing things to the end and her Aunt Chynahn. When it comes to college, Asia believes that investing in her education is something that in the long run will help develop her skills and that “sticking it through” will benefit her. At first, I didn’t quite understand what she meant by sticking it through. Through discussion, I learned that she meant college, for her, is more than just getting a degree, but learning meaningful principles she can apply to herself later in life. Kind of like the ones from Stephen Chews’ studying videos. She resonates with his enlightenment and has taken a liking to his straightforward teaching.
Stephen Chew’s videos aren’t the only candid things that seem to impact her. Another major influence in her life would be her Aunt Chaynahn. Asia describes her as a force to be reckoned with. Her admiration for her aunt’s boldness and fierce attitude is something I noticed that makes her beam ear to ear. I can tell that her aunt really motivates her to be the person she wants to be. Asia says her Aunt Chayahn is a person who sets her heart out to do what she wants and never lets anything stand in her way. She is motivated by this to complete her own journey through college and seeks to have a similar attitude of not letting any hardships get in the way (sticking it through).
In short, what I’ve learned from Asia is that she is a person who strives for not only success but efficiency. As she sets out into soon-to-be adult life, it can be said that with her willingness and determination, she can do anything she puts her mind to. It was an amazing opportunity to get to meet her and be able to talk about who her Academic Self is. I think she is on a great path to being the person she seeks to be.
-Shakir, Asia. Interviews. Conducted by Shamis Saeed, Jan-Feb 2023.
-Weaver, Rebecca. Class Lecture, Jan. 2023.