In this podcast interview with Manny, we delve into his transformative journey as a first-generation college student. Manny shares how, as a high school student, some teachers did not perceive him as “college material”; however he challenged those critics. Motivated by his immigrant parents' work ethic, Manny's desire to succeed allowed him to defy these preconceptions. He reflects on discovering untapped potential within himself. Manny's advice to simply "get after it" encapsulates his resilient spirit and determination to overcome obstacles on his educational journey.

Welcome back listeners! In this captivating episode, join Yetunde and Emmanuel as they unravel the remarkable narrative of Temi, a first generation college student. Throughout the episode, they discuss the importance of staying motivated, finding a way to persevere and how new college math requirements helped Temi find success. Whether you have taken a break from your educational journey or may be grappling with meeting specific requirements, this episode is a must-listen. It offers a dose of inspiration and valuable insights to fuel your own journey back in college.

In this episode, Yetunde and Emmanuel recap Quincy’s inspiring journey, who embraced community college as a crucial stepping stone to his dream school. Despite Quincy’s high school success, this episode explores the significance of considering alternative paths and why it is crucial to explore all available options.Tune in to discover the untapped potential within the community college and gain insights into the financial aspects to consider when making university choices.

Welcome back! Join us for a captivating interview with Quincy as we delve into his transfer journey as a first generation college student from the community college to UC Berkeley. Quincy shares how his passion for computer science developed and how he utilized the resources at his community college. From finding like-minded people in the MESA program to seeking faculty help on campus, Quincy offers great insights and tools for success in your college journey.

In this episode, Yetunde and Emmanuel debrief Sabrina’s interview as a first generation college student who took a leap of faith and moved from the Central Valley to the Bay Area to begin her college experience. We explore key aspects of Sabrina’s journey in finding her major and discuss integral elements that contributed to her success. This episode is essential for listeners considering a move to attend college or those who may be searching for a major.

Hey Listeners! Come and dive into the transformative journey of a first generation college graduate from the Central Valley. Sabrina, a resilient and determined individual, shares her story of relocating to the Bay Area and navigating the uncharted waters of higher education. Through her determination and curiosity she found the Puente Program and she shares the pivotal role it played in her educational experience.

In this episode, Yetunde and Emmanuel debrief Jenny's inspiring interview, in which she recounts her journey from the monotony of corporate life to a world where she is immersed in her biology major as a returning student. They discuss Jenny's motivations, the challenges she faced, and how her experience resonates with their own career journeys. Whether you're considering a career change or simply seeking inspiration to return to college, this episode offers a motivating conversation that highlights the importance of embracing new possibilities and following your educational dreams.

In this podcast episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Jenny, a first-generation college student who initially faced financial barriers that forced her to pause her education after starting at a community college. Jenny's story is a testament to resilience, as she later returned to the community college and utilized academic counseling support to succeed. She then transferred to a four-year university and found the BET McNair Scholars program that is propelling her to new heights. Now, in her final year, majoring in biology, Jenny's remarkable journey serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of determination and the vital role that support programs play in helping students overcome adversity and achieve their educational dreams.

In this episode, Yetunde and Emmanuel debrief Brenda’s motivating interview as a first generation college student who faced challenges in high school, but found success in college. We break down some of the key resources Brenda used to create community, learn about transfer requirements and build her future network. This is a must hear episode for students interested in learning how to connect on campus, build a network and use the rich resources that colleges and universities offer.

Hello, listeners! Come and check out Brenda's inspirational educational journey as a first-generation college student. Overcoming challenges in high school, she discovered her true potential in the welcoming environment of her local community college. By utilizing the support of the Puente Program, Brenda not only excelled academically but also found her purpose as a peer advisor on campus. In her student leadership role, she formed meaningful connections with other students, transfer representatives, and counselors. Her commitment and desire to explore led her to choose UC Santa Barbara as her ultimate destination, where she successfully transferred and graduated. Her story embodies the spirit of hard work, determination, and the pursuit of following your educational dreams.

In this episode, Yetunde and Emmanuel explore Rene’s remarkable journey as a first-generation transfer student. Rene’s story serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through proactive steps in one’s educational path. Throughout this episode, we uncover valuable insights and share key tips that resonate with us. Tune in and discover how taking action can lead to meaningful achievements in your personal journey.

Join us for a captivating interview with Rene as we explore his remarkable journey through community college as a first-generation college student. Rene shares the hurdles he encountered and the strategies he embraced to overcome them. What is truly inspiring is how Rene's quest for resources, sparked by a simple classroom extra credit assignment, highlights the profound impact of small actions on life's major transformations. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate the path of transferring to a four-year institution and positioning themselves for a successful career.

Welcome back, listeners! In this episode, we unravel Steve’s experience as a first-generation college student who made the bold decision to forgo a four-year university and continue his education at a California Community College. Steve provides valuable tips on self-advocacy, believing in yourself, and seeking resources to succeed. Join us as we discuss the pearls of wisdom provided by a first-generation college graduate who transferred into UC Berkeley as an undergraduate and graduated with a master's degree and a teaching credential from the Stanford Teacher Education Program.

Join us for a deeply moving and inspirational journey in our First Gen Interview Series, where Steve, a first-generation college graduate, found his calling as an educator. Starting in Syracuse and navigating a return to a California Community College, he shares how a history teacher inspired his passion for teaching, and his cross country coach instilled in him the mantra to take things to the “next level." Steve highlights the pivotal role his counselor and coach played in his journey to transfer to UC Berkeley and compete at a Division 1 institution. Ultimately, he graduated from the Stanford Teacher Education Program, and his story is a testament to the transformative power of mentorship, education, and determination, offering profound insights for listeners of all backgrounds.

Welcome back listeners, to this recap where we share the highlights of Alejandra’s incredible story of determination and success. In this episode, we delve into sharing insights gained from Alejandra’s college experience as a first generation college graduate from a rural community and the academic challenges she faced. Discover what resonated most with us in Alejandra's story and her unwavering determination to succeed in college. This episode sparks a thought provoking discussion on the significant aspects that Alejandra shared and how you can apply these insights to find success in your college experience.

In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Alejandra, a first-generation college graduate, who comes from a rural community and follows her dream to graduate from college. Alejandra shares how she found her community in college, which instilled her with the passion and resilience to persist. She vividly recounts her dreams of attending college, despite the numerous obstacles she faced from cultural challenges to financial hardships. As a listener, you will gain insight into how she overcame these challenges through determination, resourcefulness, and community. This episode serves as a powerful reminder of how resilience, support and persistence can make a college degree attainable.

Welcome back listeners! In this episode, we are diving deep into Roxelyn's enlightening interview, where we unravel the treasure trove of tips, invaluable study skills, and pearls of knowledge she shared. We are not just skimming the surface, but delving into the heart of her insights to highlight the exceptional suggestions she provided and show you how to seamlessly incorporate them into your academic journey. Whether you're a first-generation student navigating uncharted waters or a seasoned higher education professional on the look for fresh perspectives, this episode guarantees thought-provoking reflection and a wealth of takeaways from Roxelyn's illuminating interview!

We’re kicking off Season 4 with guest interviews featuring seasoned students and professionals. Their invaluable insights will inspire you on your educational journey!

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Roxelyn, a trailblazing first-generation college student. Roxelyn shares her unique journey navigating the community college process, offering invaluable insights and advice for fellow first-gen students. From her personal challenges to her ability to overcome challenges, Roxelyn's story is a testament to the resilience and determination of first-generation students. This episode is a must-listen for anyone beginning their college journey, especially first-generation students aiming for success.

Welcome back listeners! No doubt you've heard us say in prior episodes, that learning is a lifelong process. This is especially true for both counselors and students. In this new episode, we discuss and share tips on professional development activities for counselors and students. We also talk about learning opportunities that we found helpful in our educational journeys. We hope you find this episode helpful and if you do, please remember to like this episode and share it with a friend. We appreciate your support.

Welcome back listeners! You may have heard of college learning communities or pathways but not know what they actually are. If you are currently attending a California community college, then you may already be part of a learning pathway. Different colleges may have different names, so in this episode we breakdown the common lingo of college pathways and what they mean for you. We hope you find this episode helpful and that you will leave us a review and share this with a friend.