Case Study Analysis—Part I: Aaliyah Is A 25-Year-Old Single ✓ Solved

Case Study Analysis—Part I Aaliyah is a 25-year-old, single,

Aaliyah is a 25-year-old, single, Caucasian woman, who lives in an apartment with a friend. She moved out of her parents’ house at 18, after completing high school, to remove herself from her father’s alcohol use. Aaliyah smokes cigarettes and drinks alcohol occasionally. She is dissatisfied with her current job. She works full time as an administrative assistant at a contracting company, but she is ready for a career change.

Aaliyah has decided to return to school to pursue a degree in criminal justice. She will be working and taking classes at the same time, fitting her school schedule around her work schedule. During her first session of school, Aaliyah notices that she is having difficulty staying awake to complete her schoolwork at night after a full workday. She does not want her grades to fall, as her education is very important to her. However, she cannot afford to reduce her work hours.

Her roommate makes coffee at night to help her stay awake. Soon, Aaliyah is drinking three or more cups of coffee a night to help her stay awake to complete her schoolwork.

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Aaliyah's case presents a compelling exploration of the challenges faced by young adults who strive to balance academic, professional, and personal demands. At the age of 25, Aaliyah finds herself grappling with the repercussions of her upbringing and lifestyle choices. Having distanced herself from her father's alcohol use, she has taken significant steps towards independence, yet she is now facing the stress of academics compounded by a full-time job.

The transition from high school to adulthood can be a tumultuous journey, especially when coupled with familial issues that impact one’s ability to cultivate a productive lifestyle. The decision to pursue a degree in criminal justice reflects Aaliyah's desire for change and growth, but her struggle to prioritize her education amidst the demands of work highlights a common plight among working students. Research also suggests that balancing work and studies can lead to increased stress and the risk of burnout (Niston et al., 2021). In Aaliyah's case, coffee becomes a temporary solution to combat fatigue, leading to increased caffeine consumption that may bear its own repercussions.

The reliance on caffeine as a study aid raises interesting questions about health and wellness among students. Caffeine is often used to stave off fatigue and enhance alertness, yet excessive intake can result in negative physical and mental health outcomes such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, and digestive issues (Smith, 2002). For Aaliyah, drinking three or more cups of coffee nightly may alleviate immediate academic pressures but could disrupt her sleep cycle, further exacerbating her exhaustion and cognitive function during the day.

Furthermore, the need for effective time management strategies becomes paramount in Aaliyah's situation. Effective time management has been shown to enhance academic performance, reduce anxiety, and create a better work-life balance (Britton & Tesser, 1991). By employing techniques such as prioritizing tasks, creating a study schedule, and utilizing productivity tools, Aaliyah could potentially find a more sustainable path toward achieving her academic goals without compromising her health.

Moreover, Aaliyah's scenario offers an opportunity to discuss the importance of support systems. The presence of her roommate, who attempts to assist by making coffee, indicates the potential value of interpersonal relationships during harrowing times. Support from peers, family, and academic advisors can provide necessary emotional and practical assistance that can mitigate some of Aaliyah's feelings of being overwhelmed (Cohen & Wills, 1985). Research indicates that individuals with strong social supports are better equipped to handle stressors and report higher academic performance than those without such networks (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984).

As Aaliyah navigates through her current challenges, self-care practices should also be prioritized. Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and ensuring adequate sleep are foundational to mental well-being and can improve overall performance as a student and worker (Niemann et al., 2018). Encouraging Aaliyah to implement healthy lifestyle changes may provide her with the resilience needed to face her academic challenges head-on.

In conclusion, Aaliyah's case highlights the multifaceted issues that young adults face in their quest for education and independence. The balance between work and study requires an understanding of time management, health, and the importance of community support. By recognizing her limits and seeking sustainable strategies, Aaliyah can work towards achieving her career aspirations in criminal justice while preserving her health and well-being.

References

• Britton, Bruce K., & Tesser, Abraham. (1991). Effects of time-management practices on college grades. Journal of Educational Psychology, 83(3), 405-410.
• Cohen, S., & Wills, T. A. (1985). Stress, social support, and the buffering hypothesis. Psychological Bulletin, 98(2), 310-357.
• Lazarus, R. S., & Folkman, S. (1984). Stress, Appraisal, and Coping. New York: Springer.
• Niemann, Y. F., Schreiber, K., Kaiser, J., Clauss, K., & Kuhlmann, J. (2018). The importance of self-care for medical students. Medical Education Online, 23(1), 1446596.
• Niston, M., et al. (2021). Work, Study, and Burnout in Undergraduate Students: A Review of Literature. International Journal of Students' Research, 11(1), 9-17.
• Smith, A. P. (2002). Caffeine at work: A review. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, 17(5), 199-205.