There’s nothing effortless about achieving a 4.0 GPA. For database development major Jasmine Byers, it came from hard work and strong time management.
“Time management. I had to make sure that I got all of my work done for that class and other classes as early as possible so that I could start studying as early as possible and put as much time as I could into it.”
Byers isn’t solely fixated on school. She believes in enjoying life, too. “I've learned a lot more about what's important,” Byers said. “You can only do certain things while you're young, so enjoy life. I think sometimes that's worth it.”
At first, Byers wanted to study chemistry. But her health made medical school a difficult option. Instead, she chose database development, a field with more work-from-home options.
“So, I switched to database development because there's a lot more at-home roles that work with that...,” Byers said. “I mean, learning that technology, there's so many things you can do with that, so there's so many different jobs that I can do and really try to hone in on what I enjoy.”
Byers believes school is more than just facts and tests. “I think every class that we take has applications outside of the classroom," Byers said. “People think we're just learning to deal with too many symbols and you're never going to use it, but it helps with your logic, it helps you piece problems together.”
Her advice to others: don’t give up. “I think anybody has the ability to learn anything and it might take a little bit longer," Byers said. “You might not always be a natural at it, but that doesn't mean that you can't do it.”
After graduation, Byers plans to start working in database development, then eventually continue her studies at Capital Technology University in Laurel.