Student Spotlight 2023: Devin Drummond, U.S. Navy

Tell us about yourself.

I am from Gulfport, Mississippi, and serve on active duty in the Navy as a sonar tech. I joined the military so I could get away from home and see the world–and I did. I have a great time traveling and meeting new people. A fun fact about myself is that I have been doing stand-up comedy to get over my fear of public speaking. 

Why did you decide to participate in WSP this summer, and was there a shift in your confidence level from the first day of the course to the last day?

I participated in Warrior-Scholar Project to gain more confidence in school. I started an associate’s degree when I was younger but never finished. During that time, I failed a couple of courses, and I felt I needed to do something productive. Before attending the humanities and STEM course at the University of Arizona, my confidence level was at a five. By the end of the course, my confidence was at a solid nine. I’m still a little nervous but feel better prepared and ready to take this on.

What were some key insights you gained during your course, and what is your biggest takeaway?

For me, it was the way I learned how to break down a text and speed read. Also, I feel much more proficient in math since I took the STEM course. Those things really helped me. I also learned about time management, the importance of forming study groups, and the value of talking to my college professors. 

How would you describe your overall experience?

Motivating!