The Coug Cast

Erica Johnson is a junior "cougar connector" at Washington State University. The Cougar Connectors group is made up of five to eight student ambassadors who represent the University and the Pullman campus in many capacities. This group plays a vital role in the promotion and growth of WSU. In this episode, Erica and communications assistant Colleen Hill break down the top 10 things they love about Washington State University, and what makes the Pullman campus so special. Erica's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-johnson-7653941b8/ Erica's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erricanicole/

In this episode, Colleen talks all about the benefits of the college access program "Cougs Rise" and it's benefits for first-gen, incoming college students. She speaks with former Cougs Rise mentor and current Interim Coordinator Jess Garibay. After graduating this last semester in 2021, Jess loved Cougs Rise so much that she had to stick around! Listen in to see how the program has affected her, as well as current Cougs Rise students Olivia Bell and Alejandra Beltran More info on Cougs Rise: https://provost.wsu.edu/cougsrise/ Application to join Cougs Rise: https://wsu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2nugwGsg6Fb4prE Participant Stories: https://provost.wsu.edu/cougsrise/meet-cougs-rise-student-cougs-rise/

In this episode, recruitment coordinator for the Murrow College at WSU Mickinzie Johnson answers questions provided by Cougs Rise students. Are you concerned about how to approach college? Worried about how you might be able to balance work and school? Have you ever asked yourself, "How do I College?"- then this episode is for you. The Coug Cast is a podcast series made for students by students. --- LINKS! Mckinzie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickinzie-johnson-159724105/ More information about The Murrow College: https://murrow.wsu.edu/ WSU Deadline: https://admission.wsu.edu/apply/deadlines/ Undocumented Student Application Resource: https://admission.wsu.edu/apply/undocumented-students/ Application Index: https://admission.wsu.edu/apply/application-index/ Advice for students entering college: https://collegesofdistinction.com/advice/ Cougs Rise program registration: https://wsu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ac4qjC4weX96gKO More info about CR: https://provost.wsu.edu/cougsrise/ Cougs Rise Twitter: https://twitter.com/collegeaccess Cougs Rise Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wsucollegeaccess/

Tyler Monk is a first-generation college graduate and entrepreneur. With a desire to reach more folks, In 2018 Tyler created a program called "The Underdog Mentality" that focuses on bringing keynote speeches and inspiration to those who need to hear. In this episode, Colleen and Tyler discuss his relationship with traditional education, and what served as the turning point that allowed for him to enjoy his classes- and strive towards a goal. In this episode, Colleen and Tyler discuss the definition of success, goals for the future, and the power of choice. --- Tyler Monk's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-monk-1ba8b7123/ More information about The UnderDog Mentality: https://theunderdogmentality.net/about Advice for students entering college: https://collegesofdistinction.com/advice/ Cougs Rise program registration: https://wsu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ac4qjC4weX96gKO More info about CR: https://provost.wsu.edu/cougsrise/

Tyler Monk is a first-generation college graduate and entrepreneur. With a desire to reach more folks, In 2018 Tyler created a program called "The Underdog Mentality" that focuses on bringing keynote speeches and inspiration to those who need to hear. In this episode, Colleen and Tyler discuss his relationship with traditional education, and what served as the turning point that allowed for him to enjoy his classes- and strive towards a goal. In this episode, Colleen and Tyler discuss how to find and build a strong mentorship, the benefit of community college, and how to find your place in formal education. Tyler Monk's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-monk-1ba8b7123/ More information about The UnderDog Mentality: https://theunderdogmentality.net/about

Marjie Sabo is a peer mentor at Cougs Rise, who specializes in providing academic and emotional support for several current high school students in Washington schools. In this episode, communications assistant Colleen Hill has a conversation with Marjie about her college experience, and why she is adamant about reminding her students to go forth in education at their own pace. More info on the Cougs Rise program: https://provost.wsu.edu/cougsrise/

Jose Riera is an entrepreneurial, interdisciplinary executive with 20 years of economic development experience serving low-income, racially diverse communities. He is currently conducting doctoral research on educational methods and technologies to enhance STEM instruction for marginalized students. In this episode, Colleen and Jose discuss the journey he has taken through education, as well as words of advice towards collaboration, financial aid, and asking for help when needed. Thanks for tuning in! Jose's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soc-impact-joseriera/

Ayled Zazueta is a third-year student at the University of Redlands in California. She is currently working towards a major in language and culture. She recently wrote and published an article through her the University of Redlands writing center. Her article touches on the world of bilingualism within the workplace- and how to work on noticing the privilege and differences of being bilingual in a work environment. Join Colleen Hill and Ayled Zazueta in discussing the process of her writing, and where she hopes to aim her research in the future. Ayled's article: https://ocpd.redlands.edu/blog/2021/10/04/opinion-the-exploitation-of-bilingualism-in-our-workplaces-by-zazueta-23/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010683378716 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayled.zazueta/?hl=en

Join current UC Irvine student Vanessa Delgado in discussing the balance of family obligations as a college student. Vanessa's research at Irvine explores how Latinx children of immigrants help their parents navigate U.S. society through translation, and giving back to families. Cougs Rise communications assistant Colleen Hill welcomes Vanessa in this episode where they discuss how to recognize this balance, how to negotiate the challenge, and what colleges can do to help. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-delgado-71474171/ Twitter: @VanessaD015

Marena Guzman is a sixth-year Ph.D. candidate in molecular sciences at Washington State University, as well as a first-generation student. In this episode, Colleen and Marena discuss the hardships of navigating college as a first-gen student, and how she had to be the trailblazer for success for her younger siblings. Marena's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004155468873

Originally from Ghana, Monipel Babb is a food science graduate student at Washington State University who continues to fight for women's rights, while sharing her story of hardships as a transfer student of color. Contact Info: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monipel-ansong-babb-msc-msag-43268338/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monipel

Originally from Ghana, Monipel Babb is a food science graduate student at Washington State University who continues to fight for women's rights, while sharing her story of hardships as a transfer student of color. Contact Info: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monipel-ansong-babb-msc-msag-43268338/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monipel

Dennis Denman is the Director of Student Leadership for Seattle Central College. Originally from Los Angeles, California, Dennis loves talking with students and helping them get involved in campus life! In this episode, Dennis tells us the story of applying to highly competitive colleges, and how he was able to overcome his case of imposter syndrome and feel worthy of success. Contact Info: Twitter: @stu_leadership Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dennis.c.denman

Dennis Denman is the Director of Student Leadership for Seattle Central College. Originally from Los Angeles, California, Dennis loves talking with students and helping them get involved in campus life! In this episode, Dennis tells us the story of applying to highly competitive colleges, and how he was able to overcome his case of imposter syndrome and feel worthy of success. Contact Info: Twitter: @stu_leadership Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dennis.c.denman

Dr. Nancy Carbajal Medina is an Associate Professor at the Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia and a graduate of the College of Education at Washington State University. Her research interests include decolonizing research, critical ethnography & identity construction. In this episode, Dr. Carbajal Medina explores ways in which education can connect with communities, building bridges and finding purpose between educational aspirations and enacting change in the world. Contact Info: Twitter: @EMILCE5 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nancy.carvajalmedina/ Website: https://nancycarvajal.wixsite.com/undertheskin Academia: https://uptc.academia.edu/NancyCarvajalMedina Research: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=33x1WicAAAAJ&hl=es

Contact Info: Email: Mlimon@hopeboarder.org Social Media: @Mlimongarza

Our guest, Evelina Solis is a certified life coach, motivational speaker and author and joins us this week to speak about how to find your passion in life, and how to apply it to your career path, starting with deciding your major! Contact Info: Website: http://evelinasolis.com On Instagram: @sol2soulwithevelina On twitter: @Sol2Soul

Tune into hear from Carolina Silva, Ph.D. all about her experience working in Washington D.C. Carolina Silva is the Executive Director of Scholarships A-Z. Contact Info: Instagram @doctorachikita twitter @carosilva1220

Guest Latonya Robinson, the Senior Vice Provost for Dean of Students at University of Texas at San Antonio, joins us today to talk about mistakes and how they can be good for you in terms of finding your path in life. Contact Info: Instagram: @UTSAStudents Twitter: @UTSAStudents

Hear from guest, Natalí Magaña, ESQ. on all about how to 'think bigger than a bachelors' whether that means altering your career path, heading back to school, or breaking the glass ceiling. Natalí speaks on following the path of joy to reach success, whatever that looks like for you! Contact Info: Instagram: @maganalaw https://www.maganalawpllc.com email: Natali@maganalegal.com

Gust Dr. Jackelyn Hidalgo- Mendez speaks on having hard conversations with family about going to college, as well as how to create a mental health routine that works best for you. Contact Info: Jackelyn.Hidalgo@wsu.edu

Our guest on this episode, Karina Silva Garcia is a Postdoctoral Researcher at California Polytechnic State University. Tune into hear her inspirational story about how she went through her undergrad, and graduate programs without paying a dime, or taking out loans. Contact Info: ksilvaga@calpoly.edu https://www.linkedin.com/in/karina-silva-garcia-ph-d-13349372/

Our first guest on season 2 of The Cougs Cast, is Guilherme Costa the Senior Associate Vice President and Deputy University Secretary at Syracuse University. He shares his journey to higher education and how he was able to afford visiting universities before he decided which school was best for him. Tune in for tips and tricks for determining which school is right for you and how to build strong mentor relationships.

Kelly Demand Provides wisdom on the finacial and social barries within pusring a higher education focused on self advocacy and efficacy. Kelly currently works as the Project Director for not only Invest in Cougs but also Crimson Community Grants which is currently working tirelessly to provide students with financial support through our current pandemic.

Trymaine Gaither, the Recruitment Coordinator for the Honors College at Washington State University, lends insightful advice on overcoming and striving through adverse change and circumstances throughout your educational journey and life.

James Bledsoe describes how to shift the perspective about how students in higher ed brand themselves as scholars and professionals. James has an incredibly rich and long history at WSU which spans 20 years across multiple positions. James now serves as a College of Arts and Sciences Career Development Coordinator and Major Exploration Advisor.

On this episode, our guest Judy Hopkins shares valuable insight about utilizing those around you, opportunities that arise, and inner strengths for positive change. She shares powerful insight into how to shift your perspective, gain introspection, and how to pay attention.

On this episode, our guest Dr. Amir Gilmore shares his college going journey and the difficulties he encountered through out his journey. He shares powerful insight into how to navigate new environments, ensure preparedness and general tips for long term success.

An honest conversation about finding your perfect fit and battling insecurities. Exploring some of the obstacles some of us encountered prior to our enrollment in college. We will cap off our episode by providing some reasons why you should consider continue on a post-secondary education.