Emmanuel Lopez Emmanuel Lopez

S4 | Episode 24 | Debriefing Esther’s Interview

Welcome back, listeners! In this episode, Yetunde and Emmanuel debrief Esther’s interview and offer their insights on why exploring your local community college is essential. They share valuable tips on accessing resources, emphasize the diverse course offerings from community colleges, and discuss the financial benefits of attending one. It is always worthwhile to explore additional options and understand the advantages of your local community college. If you are contemplating a community college, this episode is an important reminder to seek out what feels most right for you.

Read More
Emmanuel Lopez Emmanuel Lopez

S4 | Episode 23 | Esther’s Interview

Hey listeners, join us for an inspiring journey about Esther's path from the UC, to Community College, and back to the UC! In this episode, she shares the pressure she faced in pursuing a traditional four-year university path and illustrates the remarkable opportunities the community college experience offers. Esther encourages students to explore what community college opportunities exist at their local college, emphasizes the diverse class options, and the freedom to explore interests. Ultimately, Esther advises listeners to trust what feels right for them. This is a must listen episode for those who may be on the fence about attending a four-year university after high school.

Read More
Emmanuel Lopez Emmanuel Lopez

S4| Episode 22 | Debriefing’s Olympia’s Interview

Welcome back, listeners! In this episode, we unravel Olympia’s student experience as a single parent, who made the brave decision to attend community college full time after attending part time. We share how Olympia provides valuable tips on self-advocacy, believing in yourself no matter what situation you are in, and seeking the resources colleges have to offer. We also discuss the importance of how to find the best major and transfer institution for you. Join us as we discuss Olympia’s transformative journey and success as a transfer student to San Francisco State University.

Read More
Emmanuel Lopez Emmanuel Lopez

S4 | Episode 21 | Olympia’s Interview

Hey, listeners! Join us on this inspiring interview with Olympia, where she shares her journey back to school upon realizing the economic challenges of raising a child in the Bay Area. Motivated by her daughter and her passion for learning, Olympia fully embraces the resources available at her community college. Despite the challenges she faces, this story radiates resilience, resourcefulness and a firm belief in limitless possibilities. You won’t want to miss Olympia’s inspiring story as a student parent and thriving individual.

Read More
Emmanuel Lopez Emmanuel Lopez

S4 | Episode 20 | Debriefing Manny’s Interview

In this episode, Yetunde and Emmanuel debrief Manny’s interview as a first generation college student. Despite facing criticism in high school, Manny discovered powerful motivation in proving his doubters wrong. Join us as we dissect key moments from Manny’s experience and explore the importance of identifying your “why” when pursuing your educational goal. This is a must-listen episode for students who have encountered outside critics, but possess the potential and determination to achieve their goals.

Read More
Emmanuel Lopez Emmanuel Lopez

S4 | Episode 19 | Manny’s Interview

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.

Read More
Emmanuel Lopez Emmanuel Lopez

S4 | Episode 18 | Debriefing Temi’s Interview

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.

Read More
Emmanuel Lopez Emmanuel Lopez

S4 | Episode 16 | Debriefing Quincy’s Interview

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.

Read More
Emmanuel Lopez Emmanuel Lopez

S4 | Episode 15 | Quincy’s Interview

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.

Read More
Emmanuel Lopez Emmanuel Lopez

S4 | Episode 14 | Debriefing Sabrina’s Interview

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.

Read More
Emmanuel Lopez Emmanuel Lopez

S4 | Episode 13 | Sabrina’s Interview

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.

Read More
Emmanuel Lopez Emmanuel Lopez

S4 | Episode 12 | Debriefing Jenny’s Interview

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.

Read More
Emmanuel Lopez Emmanuel Lopez

S4 | Episode 11 | Jenny’s Interview

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.

Read More
Emmanuel Lopez Emmanuel Lopez

S4 | Episode 10 | Debriefing Brenda’s Interview

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.

Read More
Emmanuel Lopez Emmanuel Lopez

S4 | Episode 9 | Brenda’s Interview

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.

Read More
Emmanuel Lopez Emmanuel Lopez

S4 | Episode 8 | Debriefing Rene’s Interview

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.

Read More
Emmanuel Lopez Emmanuel Lopez

S4 | Episode 7 | Rene’s Interview

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.

Read More
Emmanuel Lopez Emmanuel Lopez

S4 | Episode 6 | Debriefing Steve’s Interview

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.

Read More
Emmanuel Lopez Emmanuel Lopez

S4 | Episode 5 | Interview with Steve

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.

Read More
Emmanuel Lopez Emmanuel Lopez

S4 | Episode 4 | Debriefing Alejandra’s Interview

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.

Read More