Asad “AJ” Franklin

Pronouns: He/Him

Major: Philosophy with Pre-Law and Applied Ethics concentration

Year: First

Hometown: San Diego, CA

Jump (Days of Service Coordinator), Outdoor Pursuits (Leader), Oceanside Village Council (President), Seawolf Living Brandbassador 

One of my favorite memories at SSU is the time I spent with the friends I made in the Seawolves F1rst Jump Start! program. This program helped me to transition smoothly from high school to college. I was able to meet so many people from different backgrounds, majors, interests, and hobbies. I might not have met most of them otherwise, but we all had something in common: We were first-time college students who were mostly excited and at least a little scared. We felt connected to each other because we shared similar emotions and challenges.

By the end of Jump Start, we formed a group of almost 15 who made it a tradition to stargaze at the Green Music Center while playing silly board games. Even though we are busy in our own worlds now, we still keep in touch with each other. Many of us have introduced our roommates and new friends to the group. Having this network of people to support me through my transition to college made a world of difference. I can't imagine what my experience would be like here without them and Jump Start.

The most challenging part of college for me has been establishing a work-life balance. As a freshman this year, I was eager to participate in everything I could. I quickly committed to every opportunity and activity that came my way and said yes to every social invite that I received. I wanted to live the “college experience” that I had imagined, but I was overexerting myself. As they say, what goes up must come down. I soon realized this was not sustainable, and I didn’t even care about half of the things I was doing. I just thought I was supposed to. I took some time to rest and recover, while focusing on my classes. Once I knew how much time I needed in the day for class and homework, I sat down and reflected on what I wanted my college experience to be, and allocated time to do the things I actually cared about. From this challenge, I learned that I am the writer of my own story, and I get to pave the path that works for me.

I came to SSU to pursue a major in Philosophy with a concentration in Pre-Law and Applied Ethics. Ever since I was a child, I questioned the things around me and wanted to know how they were all connected. Having five older brothers, I learned that I might not be able to compete with them physically, but mentally, I stood a chance. Any opportunity I got, I would argue with them, and I loved it. I loved learning because knowledge was something I could wield. This became a large part of my personality. 

When I was thinking about what I wanted to be when I grew up, I always knew I wanted to be a lawyer. Not for the money or status, but for the thrill. The opportunity to cultivate wisdom and learn about law was one I could not pass up. That's why I came here. What motivates me to stay in school is that I believe my work is not only for me. I want to be a human rights lawyer so I can help people – like me – who belong to underrepresented or marginalized communities. As a student from a multicultural background, I believe I have insight into what it's like to feel othered, and I want to do my best to create positive change in the world, one case at a time. That starts with doing my best here at SSU.

Margaret Anderson, my LIBS 101 professor, has shown me what I thought were my academic weaknesses are truly my strengths.