Say hello to Alexis Watson, a true trailblazer with big dreams and an even bigger drive.
Walking into classes where some heads turn to check if she鈥檚 lost, Watson doesn鈥檛 flinch. Instead, she rebuffs doubters and naysayers.
鈥淛ust because I鈥檓 a female doesn鈥檛 mean I鈥檓 incompetent,鈥 said Watson, a mechanical engineering student in the College of Applied & Technical Studies (CATS). 鈥淚t makes me feel very strong.鈥
Watson鈥檚 journey started while she was still in high school, thanks to the College Credit Plus (CCP) program. Choosing 麻豆传媒 at Tuscarawas and the Regional Campus System was an easy decision for her, she said. The opportunity to take classes online and at other campuses offer her flexibility as she works toward completing her bachelor鈥檚 degree.
鈥淚鈥檓 more devoted to going to college to learn (versus) having the dorm-room experience at another college,鈥 she said.
Remaining close to home played a significant role in her decision, too.
鈥淚鈥檓 living on my own and it鈥檚 really important to live close to my family and close to my support system,鈥 explained Watson. 鈥淢any times, they鈥檙e right here to help me. It鈥檚 good to go home and be in an encouraging and welcoming environment where they鈥檙e willing to help me.鈥
Money matters, and Watson鈥檚 no stranger to hard work. Since she is working her way through college, affordability, scholarship and student-employment opportunities are key. Juggling her full-time studies, Watson works 28 hours a week in the engineering department at the Tuscarawas Campus, along with an additional part-time job.
How does she do it all?
鈥淎 lot of time management skills!鈥 she said. 鈥淚鈥檓 just very set on what I want and trying to do everything I can to get there.鈥
After all, Watson isn鈥檛 just a student 鈥 she鈥檚 a game-changer and an inspiration wrapped in determination. Her story isn鈥檛 just about smashing stereotypes; it鈥檚 about turning skeptics into fans鈥 and dreams? Well, they鈥檙e meant to be lived.
As she forges ahead on her journey to become a mechanical engineer, Watson鈥檚 not just building machines 鈥 she鈥檚 crafting a new norm.
Begin at a Regional Campus near you
