Amplifying Persistence

Welcome to part 2 of my interview with Matthew Morris and Gertrude Elendu! This episode we will focus on Matthew's journey. Matthew is currently a student at Cal State East Bay and is such an incredible person. Matthew was first a student athlete but an injury changed his path. He tells us about his experience healing from that moment, being homeless while in school, and his journey transferring to CSUEB. We also learn about how Matthew and Gertrude met! Tune in to learn about Matthew and Gertrude's story! Music by Timmoor from Pixabay

Welcome to part 1 of my interview with Gertrude Elendu and Matthew Morris! These next two episodes will feature their college experiences, first focusing on Gertrude's story! Gertrude has recently graduated from Cal State East Bay with a major in political science. She is an international student from Nigeria who faced many challenges the US government and the college system creates for international students. Despite of the hardships she persevered and is on to pursue bigger and greater things. Tune in to learn about Gertrude and Matthew's story! Music by Timmoor from Pixabay

Gisel Juarez has recently graduated from Cal State East Bay with a major in health science. Originally a nursing major, Gisel has always had a goal of ensuring that her community is strong and healthy. Thanks to the support of programs offered by her school and by her community, alongside her strong character and perseverance, she was able to get into and succeed through college. She became a star athlete on the track and field team and maintained good grades, all while commuting to and from school. Tune in to learn more about Gisel's journey to a college diploma! Music by Timmoor from Pixabay

Brian Tao has recently graduated from San Jose State University with a major in software engineering. As a first gen student, Brian persisted through college and was able to find communities that supported him. In this episode, Brian tells us about his experience discovering his passions and communities, as well as his experience graduating through the COVID-19 pandemic, as he ventures off into his next journey beyond college. Music by Timmoor from Pixabay

Adriana has recently acquired her Associates Degree at Chabot College and is currently on her way to getting her Bachelor's at the Rivet School. In this episode, Adriana tells us about her experience discovering aspects about her identity such as her undocumented status and queer identity, and how they impacted her perspectives on college. Tune in to learn about Adriana's experience persisting through the U.S. immigration and postsecondary education systems, as well as the inspiring person she has become! Music by Timmoor from Pixabay

Vanessa Torres is a rising sophomore at San Francisco State University where she is planning on majoring in Sociology and minoring in Race and Resistance Studies. In this episode, Vanessa reflects on her experience navigating her first year of college in a completely remote environment. She recalls the programs that supported her in her academic and professional journeys, the leadership positions she became a part of, as well as the ways her intersecting identities impacted her experience. Tune in to learn about the ways Vanessa has made a change in her community! Music by Timmoor from Pixabay

Michelle Wong is a sophomore at San Francisco State University where she is majoring in business administration. Living in the same city and not being able to be on campus, Michelle finds herself pondering about what she wants her college experience to be like. As an AAPI identifying student and a witness to the surge of anti-AAPI violence, she reflects on her experience this last year. Regardless, Michelle is unstoppable and will one day achieve her goals of supporting her family on their journey to buy their own home. Tune in to learn about Michelle's journey to and through college! Music by Timmoor from Pixabay

Brandy Anderson has just finished her final semester at Cal State East Bay where she majored in human development with a minor in early childhood development. Tune in to learn about Brandy's experience at Chabot College and CSUEB where she managed school, counseling, financial aid, and much more, while simultaneously excelling as a working parent. Music by Timmoor from Pixabay

Michelle Alvarez has recently graduated from Cal State East Bay and is on her way to becoming a teacher. As a first-gen college student, Michelle has discovered the importance of peer support and communication in order to navigate college. She has been able to advocate for herself and persevere, regardless of the financial, geographic, or housing-related challenges that were thrown her way. Tune in to learn about Michelle's journey towards her Bachelor's degree! Music by Timmoor from Pixabay

Suzan Belfield is a non-traditional student at Cal State East Bay majoring ion Sociology. With over 40 years of experience working towards her Bachelor's Degree, Suzan definitely brings a new and valuable perspective to the classroom and to the podcast! Tune in to learn about her experiences taking classes during a pandemic, confronting ageism in institutions, and creating community with classmates and professors. Music by Timmoor from Pixabay

Stephanie Bravo is finishing up her second year at Cal State East Bay where she is planning on majoring in Business Administration. Throughout her time in college, Stephanie has been equipping herself with many support systems that can support her navigating a brand new space. In this episode we discuss her experience being a Latina in business, mental health, financial aid support, and more. Tune in to learn about Stephanie's journey! Music by Timmoor from Pixabay

This episode features Cynthia Fernandez-Rios. Cynthia is a first gen Latina who will be graduating from San Jose State University really soon! In this episode, Cynthia reflects on her experience applying to college and thriving throughout her four years, alongside being heavily involved in student government. We also look into the support she received to build her professional career, and even acquire a full time job offer! Music by Timmoor from Pixabay

This episode features Lilian Mworia. Lilian is a student at Cal State East Bay, where she is majoring in Clinical Psychology. She is an international student from Kenya who has pushed through many challenges that have risen from being in international student, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss the importance of housing, cultural competency, and support systems that help students overburdened by the postsecondary system. Music by Timmoor from Pixabay

This episode features Angel Dixon. Angel is a second year at Clark Atlanta University, one of the nation's top HBCUs (Historically Black College or University). In this episode, we discuss HBCU life, balancing work and school, and Angel's experience with Clarke's institutional support. Music by Timmoor from Pixabay

This episode features Emely Cortez. Emely is a first year at the University of San Francisco where she is going to major in marketing. She is a hardworking first-gen Latina who is working hard on achieving her academic, professional and personal goals. Check out her small business here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/EmelyCreatesShop Music by Timmoor from Pixabay

Our first episode features Kathya, a high school senior recently admitted to Boston University. Kathya is a first-gen Latina student, who has used her activist and creative skills throughout her journey towards higher education. Listen to the end of the episode to hear her perform a poem she wrote about being a first-gen American and first-gen college student! Music by Timmoor from Pixabay

Welcome to Amplifying Persistence! Institutions of higher education place many roadblocks for underrepresented students that limit their chances of successfully achieving their goals of acquiring a degree. Students of color, first-generation college goers, students coming from low income families, international, undocumented, nontraditional learners (to name a few) are the true experts of the postsecondary experience, and their stories need to be heard. Join Diego Villegas, a current college student, as he dives into conversations with students about their trials and successes. Each episode will be a conversation with a different student, who will bring us along their own unique educational journey and teach us what we must do to better support them. Music by Timmoor from Pixabay