Tiger Stories

This special episode shares the voices of our ChattState community as we give thanks at Thanksgiving 2020. We appreciate everyone who makes our community college a true community. And we especially thank you for listening to our podcast. If you'd like to be a part of Tiger Stories, reach out! We're at cstigerstories@gmail.com.

This episode is final in our special summer series on Tiger Stories, focusing on how Chattanooga State has adjusted to the events of the last three months. How has COVID-19 impacted us? How is our College thinking about this moment in history? You'll find out in these special episodes featuring students interviewing members of our campus community about these uncertain times. In this episode, student Bamba Gueye talks to ChattState President Dr. Rebecca Ashford about the challenges of leading during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Ashford shares how she came to the College, what the last few months have been like as a college president, and what she thinks about as she makes decisions for the campus. They also get into a discussion about what she's been reading lately. ChattState is committed to keeping our community safe and healthy. Find out about our ongoing response to COVID-19 and get important information about resources at our web page: www.chattanoogastate.edu/coronavirus-…us-community If you'd like to be a part of Tiger Stories, reach out! We're at cstigerstories@gmail.com. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d1dLP3kxLV7nzUmBx_ZIjQWO8bpqGM66/view?usp=sharing

This episode is the twelfth in our special summer series on Tiger Stories, focusing on how Chattanooga State has adjusted to the events of the last three months. How has COVID-19 impacted us? How is our College thinking about this moment in history? You'll find out in these special episodes featuring students interviewing members of our campus community about these uncertain times. In this episode, guest host Edward Smith interviews the beloved Dr. Emily Dunlap, associate professor of psychology and advisor of the Psych Club. In their chat, they talk about how faculty support students, how Emily found her way into teaching, and why it's important to support one another. This conversation is filled with energy and love -- you'll have a smile on your face while listening, we promise! ChattState is committed to keeping our community safe and healthy. Find out about our ongoing response to COVID-19 and get important information about resources at our web page: www.chattanoogastate.edu/coronavirus-…us-community If you'd like to be a part of Tiger Stories, reach out! We're at cstigerstories@gmail.com. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1imjG0eHdfUPTuyQ20ZkovBecrz_WykQY/view?usp=sharing

This episode is the eleventh in our special summer series on Tiger Stories, focusing on how Chattanooga State has adjusted to the events of the last three months. How has COVID-19 impacted us? How is our College thinking about this moment in history? You'll find out in these special episodes featuring students interviewing members of our campus community about these uncertain times. In this episode, two students -- Warner and Edward -- talk about how COVID-19 changed their experiences in the spring semester. Warner graduated in May, so she finished out her last eight weeks at ChattState remotely. This episode is a fun discussion between two students that reflects the sense of community at our College, even when we cannot be together. They end by imploring you to wear your mask and stop the spread of COVID. ChattState is committed to keeping our community safe and healthy. Find out about our ongoing response to COVID-19 and get important information about resources at our web page: www.chattanoogastate.edu/coronavirus-…us-community If you'd like to be a part of Tiger Stories, reach out! We're at cstigerstories@gmail.com. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YbExgouSqbWCd9D-mk_yNETQxD_Tkvfi/view?usp=sharing

This episode is the tenth in our special summer series on Tiger Stories, focusing on how Chattanooga State has adjusted to the events of the last three months. How has COVID-19 impacted us? How is our College thinking about this moment in history? You'll find out in these special episodes featuring students interviewing members of our campus community about these uncertain times. In this episode, student Tiffany Patterson talks with Tammy McDonough, who works in the Student Support Center as the coordinator of educational outreach programs and retention. Students know they can call "Ms. Tammy" when they're facing challenges -- be that a need for food assistance, housing help, car trouble, or many other things. Tammy has a real heart for helping students overcome the life challenges that make college success difficult. Find out more about the Tiger Cupboard here: https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/tiger-cupboard And the Helping Hands fund here: https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/helping-hands This video talks about qualifying for SNAP benefits (sometimes called food stamps) as a college student: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFFxagM578w&feature=youtu.be Other helpful resources are available at https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/single-stop-resources and at https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/belongingmatters. You can reach out to the Student Support Center by calling (423) 697-4483, emailing studentsupport@chattanoogastate.edu, or visiting IMC 124. Tammy is accessible by emailing tammy.mcdonough@chattanoogastate.edu. She and others at the SSC also monitor the private Facebook group for students, accessible (with your official email address) at www.facebook.com/groups/ChattStateStudents/ ChattState is committed to keeping our community safe and healthy. Find out about our ongoing response to COVID-19 and get important information about resources at our web page: www.chattanoogastate.edu/coronavirus-…us-community If you'd like to be a part of Tiger Stories, reach out! We're at cstigerstories@gmail.com. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a5MHWQGRxEFy4EJllZQItl01AroSD2XW/view?usp=sharing

This episode is the ninth in our special summer series on Tiger Stories, focusing on how Chattanooga State has adjusted to the events of the last three months. How has COVID-19 impacted us? How is our College thinking about this moment in history? You'll find out in these special episodes featuring students interviewing members of our campus community about these uncertain times. In this episode, student Zennia Kiah NeSmith talks to Vice President of Academic Affairs Beth Norton. They talk about how faculty responded to the change in course delivery, including plans for the upcoming fall semester. Dr. Norton also shares a bit about her background and why she thinks it's especially important, in the age of Google, to get to know others personally and to get a feel for their character, which doesn't always transmit in a Google search. Both Zennia and Dr. Norton share an appreciation for the people who make Chattanooga State a special place to be. ChattState is committed to keeping our community safe and healthy. Find out about our ongoing response to COVID-19 and get important information about resources at our web page: www.chattanoogastate.edu/coronavirus-…us-community Watch the video discussing the course formats this fall here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuN2y2AchJM&feature=emb_title Read more about Dr. Beth Norton here: https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/news-center/internal-press-release/chattanooga-state-welcomes-dr-beth-norton If you'd like to be a part of Tiger Stories, reach out! We're at cstigerstories@gmail.com. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f5h3P5aP8R64NOnh2Fec5l4U8yOSvjlr/view?usp=sharing

This episode is the eighth in our special summer series on Tiger Stories, focusing on how Chattanooga State has adjusted to the events of the last three months. How has COVID-19 impacted us? How is our College thinking about this moment in history? You'll find out in these special episodes featuring students interviewing members of our campus community about these uncertain times. In this episode, student Macy Tidmore talks with Clomeisha Tumlin, a professor in the Business division who teaches courses in personal finance, leadership, and management, in addition to leading courses for first-time freshmen called College Success. Clomeisha shares the struggles of being a mom of two small children while working and teaching from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also shares how she's adapted her teaching in a virtual environment -- and as her spring 2020 student, Macy speaks to what it was like to experience those classes herself. They share inspiring advice on how to navigate these challenging times with grace and purpose. ChattState is committed to keeping our community safe and healthy. Find out about our ongoing response to COVID-19 and get important information about resources at our web page: www.chattanoogastate.edu/coronavirus-…us-community If you'd like to be a part of Tiger Stories, reach out! We're at cstigerstories@gmail.com. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10XmnXbz0MqVLYGWfLUFrY1D99gde4atg/view?usp=sharing

This episode is the seventh in our special summer series on Tiger Stories, focusing on how Chattanooga State has adjusted to the events of the last three months. How has COVID-19 impacted us? How is our College thinking about this moment in history? You'll find out in these special episodes featuring students interviewing members of our campus community about these uncertain times. In this episode, IT student Kenzy Young talks with our Vice President of Technology Gardner Long about how ChattState has adapted its use of technology since March 2020. These two techies had a good time exchanging thoughts on platforms, software, and a whole lot of other technical matters -- most of which ended on the cutting floor, so to speak, as it went way above the knowledge of most. What you'll hear in this episode is an interesting look at how Chattanooga State is thinking about purchasing and deploying technology in this world. And, you'll also hear two guys who love their "Gig City" internet from EPB -- as do many people in our campus community! ChattState is committed to keeping our community safe and healthy. Find out about our ongoing response to COVID-19 and get important information about resources at our web page: www.chattanoogastate.edu/coronavirus-…us-community If you'd like to be a part of Tiger Stories, reach out! We're at cstigerstories@gmail.com. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MFAOF1-DYwR9124tzPbiFEmUtlCNGxG_/view?usp=sharing

This episode is the sixth in our special summer series on Tiger Stories, focusing on how Chattanooga State has adjusted to the events of the last three months. How has COVID-19 impacted us? How is our College thinking about this moment in history? You'll find out in these special episodes featuring students interviewing members of our campus community about these uncertain times. In this episode, student Macy Tidmore is back to chat with the coordinator of the Math Lab, Angie Blevins, who attended ChattState as a student who was just as afraid of math as many of the students who now seek help from the Math Lab. (True story!) Angie talks about her own educational journey -- trust us, you'll be inspired! -- and what the Math Lab has done since March 2020 to adapt to this new COVID-19 world. She shares how important of a role the Math Lab tutors have had in helping her to continue offering quality tutoring to students at the College. ChattState is committed to keeping our community safe and healthy. Find out about our ongoing response to COVID-19 and get important information about resources at our web page: www.chattanoogastate.edu/coronavirus-…us-community If you'd like to be a part of Tiger Stories, reach out! We're at cstigerstories@gmail.com. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FP2UYhp8O7rW-3B5jdx2vHN5s6F7YWW6/view?usp=sharing

This episode is the fifth in our special summer series on Tiger Stories, focusing on how Chattanooga State has adjusted to the events of the last three months. How has COVID-19 impacted us? How is our College thinking about this moment in history? You'll find out in these special episodes featuring students interviewing members of our campus community about these uncertain times. In this episode, student Edward Smith chats with Sara Gilley, who works in the Enrollment Services Center answering phone calls and emails from students who have questions about admissions, financial aid, and other things at ChattState. Sara graduated from the College in 2007 with her associate's degree, but she didn't go far; this is her home, she says, and she loves her work. She and Edward exchanged upwards of 60 emails before he ever stepped foot in a ChattState class, and their appreciation for one another really shines through in this conversation. ChattState is committed to keeping our community safe and healthy. Find out about our ongoing response to COVID-19 and get important information about resources at our web page: www.chattanoogastate.edu/coronavirus-…us-community If you'd like to be a part of Tiger Stories, reach out! We're at cstigerstories@gmail.com. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13X2v46XDiQuhb0K4g54ZXZLCaz9uirkE/view?usp=sharing

This episode is the fourth in our special summer series on Tiger Stories, focusing on how Chattanooga State has adjusted to the events of the last three months. How has COVID-19 impacted us? How is our College thinking about this moment in history? You'll find out in these special episodes featuring students interviewing members of our campus community about these uncertain times. In this episode, two students talk to each other -- Amanda Witt and Edward Smith, both radio communications majors -- about how the transition to online classes impacted both of them. This is a fun episode looking at how two students are coping with the ongoing pandemic and the changes on campus. ChattState is committed to keeping our community safe and healthy. Find out about our ongoing response to COVID-19 and get important information about resources at our web page: www.chattanoogastate.edu/coronavirus-…us-community If you'd like to be a part of Tiger Stories, reach out! We're at cstigerstories@gmail.com. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QtNc4_33i-PL3SGJyYVJ-EMiyuoJwkaf/view?usp=sharing

This episode is the third in our special summer series on Tiger Stories, focusing on how Chattanooga State has adjusted to the events of the last three months. How has COVID-19 impacted us? How is our College thinking about this moment in history? You'll find out in these special episodes featuring students interviewing members of our campus community about these uncertain times. In this episode, student Edward Smith talks to the Director of Financial Aid Reed Allison, who has a real passion for helping students understand their finances. Reed shares some of the ways the financial aid office has shifted since March 2020, adapting to a virtual environment for communicating with students. He also shares what he knows about how Chattanooga State implemented the CARES Act funding, with the many adjustments from the Department of Education's guidance and the need to collaborate with the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) to ensure funds were distributed correctly. The financial aid office hopes you'll check out the financial aid guide they've put together: https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/sites/default/files/financial_aid_handbook.pdf You can get more information about federal financial aid here: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/studentfaqs515.pdf For information about how the CARES Act funds impact your finances, this link may help: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/faqs-higher-education-emergency-relief-fund-and-emergency-financial-aid-grants-under-the-cares-act ChattState is committed to keeping our community safe and healthy. Find out about our ongoing response to COVID-19 and get important information about resources at our web page: www.chattanoogastate.edu/coronavirus-…us-community If you'd like to be a part of Tiger Stories, reach out! We're at cstigerstories@gmail.com. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xYkNezXPqbzRYrjVghNCDU_EoKcqBgr3/view?usp=sharing

This episode is the second in our special summer series on Tiger Stories, focusing on how Chattanooga State has adjusted to the events of the last three months. How has COVID-19 impacted us? How is our College thinking about this moment in history? You'll find out in these special episodes featuring students interviewing members of our campus community about these uncertain times. In this episode, student Zennia Kiah NeSmith talks to our new Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Quincy Jenkins. They find out that they're both "academic athletes" who love to read and learn. They also talk about the important work of listening to and understanding one another in this time of #BlackLivesMatter protests and other political events. We also find out that coming to Chattanooga State as a student has inspired Zennia to continue her education past an associate's degree. ChattState is committed to keeping our community safe and healthy. Find out about our ongoing response to COVID-19 and get important information about resources at our web page: www.chattanoogastate.edu/coronavirus-…us-community If you'd like to be a part of Tiger Stories, reach out! We're at cstigerstories@gmail.com. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b3TTA4UzcQ4TJdcztJmVlEynA_qjA9i_/view?usp=sharing

This episode launches a special summer series on Tiger Stories, to talk about how Chattanooga State has adjusted to the events of the last three months. How has COVID-19 impacted us? How is our College thinking about this moment in history? You'll find out in these special episodes featuring students interviewing members of our campus community about these uncertain times. In this episode, student Macy Tidmore talks with Executive Director of Plant Operations Guy Davis about the way campus operations are shifting in a COVID-19-informed world. What cleaning and security protocols are in place? What will it look like when people return to campus soon? And, we find out how the geese are doing, too. ChattState is committed to keeping our community safe and healthy. Find out about our ongoing response to COVID-19 and get important information about resources at our web page: https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/coronavirus-information-campus-community If you'd like to be a part of Tiger Stories, reach out! We're at cstigerstories@gmail.com. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1p_ybghETx00TFbEn3YvufIWT8KrJ9eiJ/view?usp=sharing

Gary Satin has just graduated with his associate's degree (in May 2020), and he's preparing now to transfer to a 4-year school to pursue medicine as a career. As a participant of ChattState's honors program, Global Scholars, Gary taken advantage of a number of on-campus opportunities. He was recently selected as a Jack Kent Cooke scholar, a prestigious award that will fund his undergraduate and graduate studies in full, as well as providing him with a supportive network of program alumni to advise and mentor him. In this episode, Gary talks about coming back to college after a few years out of school, his family's decision to move to Tennessee and the supportive environment he found at Chatt State. Gary is a student using the Tennessee Reconnect program's funding; if you'd like to learn more about that, check out this web site: https://tnreconnect.gov/ If you're curious about our honors program, find out more here: https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/global-scholars If you'd like to share YOUR Tiger Story, reach out! We're at cstigerstories@gmail.com. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hRw5C7Z1bp4wUw7g_nSDgGyzJ_AABePL/view?usp=sharing

Jacob Hedrick is a mass communications major at Chattanooga State who hopes to work in production for National Geographic or MGM DreamWorks someday. He's an adult student (26 years old) and using the Tennessee Reconnect program to help pay for his classes. He also plays soccer on campus and finds that time spent in the library after his classes ends each day helps him stay focused and decompress. Jacob is a student using the Tennessee Reconnect program's funding; if you'd like to learn more about that, check out this web site: https://tnreconnect.gov/ If you're curious about the mass communication program, find out more here: https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/mass-communication-as-ttp And be sure to keep up with Today @ChattState on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1pO3q1uocosgHTXVfV1ZoA If you'd like to share YOUR Tiger Story, reach out! We're at cstigerstories@gmail.com. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mekx3jL4Z-yf7F3XzUD4CXIwI3Jug5Nh/view?usp=sharing

Bailey Shetter is a student in the Collegiate High program, a partnership between Hamilton County and Chattanooga State. She's been taking classes on our campus since her freshman year of high school, and she will be graduating a year early and attending college a year earlier than planned. In fall 2020, she will begin her studies at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she hopes to major in genetics and minor in Spanish. Bailey says she may want to go to medical school, but even if she doesn't, she's interested in working in medical research; her sister has been chronically ill for a couple of years, and Bailey is motivated to be one of the doctors her sister needs. If you're curious about our honors program, find out more here: https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/global-scholars If you'd like to share YOUR Tiger Story, reach out! We're at cstigerstories@gmail.com. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LL1lUyYvjUIFkwff3FmhHOZTZPcMRXxy/view?usp=sharing

Edward Smith is first-year mass communications student at Chattanooga State. He dreams of working in satellite radio, and he's learning the skills he needs to succeed in that career field through his classes and his work at the ChattState radio station, the WAWL ("the Wall"). In this episode, he talks about coming back to college after spending time working in warehouses -- and realizing he wanted to do something more interesting and fulfilling with his life. He also shares the experience of working at the on-campus Print Shop and getting assistance from the Tiger Cupboard his first couple of weeks on campus. Make sure you bookmark and listen to the WAWL, streaming online 24/7 here: https://wawl.org/ Edward is an active member of the private Chattanooga State Students Facebook group! If you're a member of the ChattState community, we encourage you to join (be sure to enter your campus email address to be confirmed): https://www.facebook.com/groups/ChattStateStudents/ If you're curious about the mass communications field of study, find out more here: * Associate of Science: https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/mass-communication-as-ttp * Associate of Arts: https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/mass-communication-aa * Associate of Applied Science - Digital Media Design: https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/digital-media-design-production-aas * AAS - Journalism: https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/journalism-concentration The Tiger Cupboard provides food to members of our community. To find out more or to submit a request, visit: https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/tiger-cupboard If you'd like to share YOUR Tiger Story, reach out! We're at cstigerstories@gmail.com. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hJY5En4DFh_ANvFxWC3cVn_nu3GQfbFH/view?usp=sharing

Jaccie Jones is an International Affairs major and in her final year at Chattanooga State; she will graduate in December. As a participant of ChattState's Building Outstanding Service Scholars (BOSS) program, Jaccie has been able to develop better communication and leadership skills and participate in a number of service opportunities. Her group also took a fantastic trip to Washington, DC, with the ChattState Veterans Club in spring 2018. In this episode, Jaccie shares her story of coming to college after dropping out of high school and struggling to complete her GED. She also shares an important and timely message for faculty and staff who are working with students around the covid-19 crisis unfolding in March/April 2020. Jaccie is studying International Affairs; to learn more about that degree, visit https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/international-affairs. The BOSS program is available to all students! Find out more here: https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/boss The Student Support Center is Jaccie's home-away-from-home on the ChattState campus. See all the fabulous resources available there here: http://library.chattanoogastate.edu/ssc The Psychology Club is one of the most active and supportive student organizations on campus, too! Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/798661767176341/ Get information about Chattanooga State's response to covid-19 here: https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/coronavirus-information-campus-community If you'd like to share YOUR Tiger Story, reach out! We're at cstigerstories@gmail.com. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RenNyk2PCHHCiCF3WQ_Qvh1ubRru0Hg2/view?usp=sharing

Kristen Hopper is graduating in May with her associate's degree and looking forward to transferring to a 4-year school to study psychology. She shares the story of how she came to ChattState, started in the welding program, and was working -- and earning a great income -- in that field before a debilitating car wreck cut short her ability to do that job. Her story is an inspiring tale of tenacity and dogged pursuit of education. If you're curious about our honors program, find out more here: https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/global-scholars and see their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/globalscholarschattstate/ Find out more about studying Welding Technology at TCAT here: https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/welding-technology The Wilder-Naifeh grant is detailed here: https://catalog.chattanoogastate.edu/content.php?catoid=24&navoid=4498 If you'd like to share YOUR Tiger Story, reach out! We're at cstigerstories@gmail.com. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gvMZ7lhzUunLcNc-LWRCRkIyoHfckXxg/view?usp=sharing

Aslynn Price is graduating! She came to Chattanooga State Community College after a really challenging childhood, and she's found a supportive home on campus where she can make an impact on the lives of others. She works with Tammy McDonough in the Student Support Center, which you can get more information about here: http://library.chattanoogastate.edu/ssc Aslynn is currently president of the Psychology Club. You can see their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/798661767176341/ In this episode, she talks about her admiration of Dr. Donna Beegle, who came to our campus in January. You can find out more about Dr. Beegle's work here: https://www.combarriers.com/ If you'd like to share YOUR Tiger Story, reach out! We're at cstigerstories@gmail.com. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H6m5v_8OCNXweinHdgOLZyc2HfwLnWjM/view?usp=sharing

Mary Ann Smith is currently studying abroad in London in her final semester at Chattanooga State; she will graduate in May with her paralegal degree, and she's already working in the field. As a participant of ChattState's honors program, Global Scholars, Mary Ann has been able to access smaller classes and develop meaningful relationships with her professors. In this episode, she talks about coming back to college at the age of 52 and finding out that she is defined by more than just what's happened to her in the past. Mary Ann is a student using the Tennessee Reconnect program's funding; if you'd like to learn more about that, check out this web site: https://tnreconnect.gov/ If you're curious about our honors program, find out more here: https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/global-scholars To find out more about the Paralegal Studies program, visit https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/paralegal-studies-aas. If you'd like to share YOUR Tiger Story, reach out! We're at cstigerstories@gmail.com. Access a transcript of this episode here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XOm5d_9ucmIkOd2qTJciAZuaMPhuJR7g/view?usp=sharing

In this special live episode of Tiger Stories, we revisit some of our guests from the first 17 episodes and hear what they've been up to since we talked on the podcast. We also bring in a few special surprise guests, to get a real feel for the relationships that form at Chattanooga State between students and their faculty and staff mentors and friends. Featured in this episode are: * Warner, episode 10: https://soundcloud.com/user-78586431/episode-10-destiny-warner-nick-jung * Kimberly Merfert, episode 7: https://soundcloud.com/user-78586431/episode-10-destiny-warner-nick-jung * Tyler Gentile, episode 2: https://soundcloud.com/user-78586431/episode-2-tyler-gentile * Taylor Kennedy, episode 15: https://soundcloud.com/user-78586431/episode-15-taylor-kennedy * Gabby Eilf, episode 1: https://soundcloud.com/user-78586431/episode-1-gabby-eilf * Lauren Pearce, episode 16: https://soundcloud.com/user-78586431/episode-16-lauren-pearce * Taylor Kline, episode 3: https://soundcloud.com/user-78586431/episode-1-gabby-eilf * Katrina Griffin, episode 12: https://soundcloud.com/user-78586431/episode-1-gabby-eilf If you'd like to share YOUR Tiger Story, reach out! We're at cstigerstories@gmail.com. Access a transcript here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17PWw3ZFSYZj19fQ4N9ulBfUW6rc3N1j_/view?usp=sharing

Amanda Witt is a communications major who dreams of going into radio production or voice work after completing her college degree. She talks about coming to ChattState as a Tennessee Reconnect student -- after trying to come to college many times before. If you'd like to share YOUR Tiger Story, reach out! We're at cstigerstories@gmail.com. View the transcript of this podcast here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bfxVD3qbH8zIVWqn3qyBXARvwNMk5d84/view?usp=sharing

Oscar Cruz is enrolled in the TCAT Medical Assisting program, where he's learning how to work in a supportive role in medical facilities, including clinics and hospitals. Oscar describes what motivated him to seek this training; when a family member went to the hospital but couldn't get documents translated into Spanish, he realized he could help fill a vital role for people like his family. In a short time, he's become a campus leader in SkillsUSA and is learning to be humble about what he doesn't know ... because when you know where your knowledge gaps are, you can work to fill them. The Medical Assisting program can be completed in one year; find out more here: https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/medical-assisting If you'd like to share YOUR Tiger Story, reach out! We're at cstigerstories@gmail.com. View the transcript of this podcast here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GZ7kJ7LRcTD7BxvAGAwUdgyVxOLVyu5u/view?usp=sharing

Lauren Pearce is enrolled in the TCAT Computer Support Technician program, where she's learning the ins and outs of computer / tech support -- both software and hardware. In this episode, she talks about how she decided to pursue this program and what her experience has been like so far. The CST program can be completed in one year; find out more here: https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/computer-support-technician If you'd like to share YOUR Tiger Story, reach out! We're at cstigerstories@gmail.com. View the transcript of this podcast here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Huui8pvg95j7iWnUXO26BgC9bW09g8Bf/view?usp=sharing

Taylor Kennedy attended Chattanooga State as a student, earning her associate's degree and working in the recruitment office. She later moved into the Enrollment Services Center, where she currently helps students get into classes. In this episode, she chats with Professor Nick Mansito (English) about her experiences as a student AND as a staff member. If you'd like to share YOUR Tiger Story, reach out! We're at cstigerstories@gmail.com. View the transcript of this podcast here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/124TFjLlrE9yQ1mwLVifGkVGzWdtW14ox/view?usp=sharing

During our Late Night at the Library, we had a pop-up podcast 'studio' to talk to students who came by to work on papers and projects, get some free food and drinks and prizes, and try to finish their semester strong! In this special episode, we talk to a number of students for a few minutes about what they're working on, what it's like to be a student at Chattanooga State, and what advice they'd give others. Students we talked to in this episode include: Jarraud Ezell, Grayson Davis, Zach Wallace, Braxton Mahr, David Brown, Shelby Bryant, Jay, Tater, and Alana. We also asked librarian Andrea Kincaid to pop by at the end to tell us about what the night is all about and how many people attended in Fall 2019 (a record-breaking 205 students!!!!! wowzers!!!) Thanks to everyone who helped make this pop-up podcast episode happen! If you'd like to share YOUR Tiger Story, reach out! We're at cstigerstories@gmail.com. View the transcript for this episode here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16jK1mvubcKEQKiRhsyx1rhF28am2SAQa/view?usp=sharing

Tae Wilmoth is a Collegiate High student at ChattState and is currently in his junior year of high school, while simultaneously working toward an Associate's degree. As an Asian American and a student who identifies as a transgender male, Tae was used to feeling like an outsider before he came to ChattState. Tae says that, in addition to finding a welcoming community, strong relationships with his teachers (especially the Symphonic Band director Prof. Hartline), coming to ChattState has given him more freedom ... and responsibility, too. Now that he feels like he's found his place on campus, Tae says he's motivated to ensure other students to find confidence in themselves and in exploring who they are. Tae's advice to future (or current) students: Don't be afraid to ask for help! Tae's bravery and honesty in this episode humbled the hosts, Liz Norell and Nick Mansito. We hope you'll enjoy hearing Tae's story, too. If you'd like to share YOUR Tiger Story, reach out! We're at cstigerstories@gmail.com. View the transcript of this episode here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hRPN0kPZ5hJtF-Y3U0SKQ63oZVlF-S3R/view?usp=sharing

As Chattanooga State's 2020 SOAR Student Excellence Award nominee (and winner of the East Tennessee regional competition, Katrina Griffin is a great example of what the Tennessee Reconnect program has enabled for students in the state. As a mom and an adult who has had her fair share of life challenges, Katrina heard a commercial on the radio two years ago promoting the then-soon-to-launch TN Reconnect initiative, which would pay tuition for adult learners without a post-secondary credential. She was so excited to have a chance to come to college that her husband encouraged her to start even before the program launched. After succeeding in a continuing education math course, she walked into her first credit-bearing college class nervous about being older than everyone else in the room. Her success since then is entirely attributable to her fierce tenacity and desire to make the most of the opportunity to get a college education. Now in her final semester at ChattState, Katrina reflects on what getting her associate's degree means to her, where she plans to go next, and how mental illness has become a central part of her success story. To read more about Katrina, check out her Adult Success Story: https://www.chattanoogastate.edu/adult-success-stories We are confident Katrina will wow the statewide judges when she travels to Nashville in March 2020 to compete for Community College SOAR Student Excellence Award; she has certainly wowed us! Want to be a part of Tiger Stories? Do you have feedback for us? Get in touch! Email cstigerstories@gmail.com. Tiger Stories is a part of the Belonging Matters initiative at Chattanooga State. For more on this initiative, including other podcast episodes and transcripts, visit www.chattanoogastate.edu/belongingmatters.

Megan Mathews first started taking classes at the Kimball campus, where she fell in love with the smaller class sizes and close-knit community of Chattanooga State Community College. Now taking a full load of classes on the main campus, she shares a poignant moment that helped her feel like she truly belonged here. Even though Megan is a quiet, shy, introverted person, she talks about how she now walks into new classes determined to introduce herself to whoever happens to sit next to her. What we learn from Megan is that people of all personalities and ways of being can find a sense of community and, indeed, home on our campus. Want to be a part of Tiger Stories? Do you have feedback for us? Get in touch! Email cstigerstories@gmail.com. Tiger Stories is a part of the Belonging Matters initiative at Chattanooga State. For more on this initiative, including other podcast episodes and transcripts, visit www.chattanoogastate.edu/belongingmatters.

A Tiger Stories first -- two students, Destiny Warner and Nick Jung, join us to have a conversation about the similar experiences that straight-out-of-high-school students and adult students have at Chattanooga State. Warner came to ChattState thinking that she had to know, on day one, what she was going to do for the rest of her life ... and then she saw that adults were coming to college mid-career to change their life trajectory. Nick shares how coming back to college as an adult helped him find a high-demand career after working in restaurants and being in a band in his 20s. Warner and Nick met over the summer and realized they had much more in common than they might have expected. What emerges in this conversation is how rich the opportunities on campus are for students to learn from one another. Want to be a part of Tiger Stories? Do you have feedback for us? Get in touch! Email cstigerstories@gmail.com. Tiger Stories is a part of the Belonging Matters initiative at Chattanooga State. For more on this initiative, including other podcast episodes and transcripts, visit www.chattanoogastate.edu/belongingmatters.

Alumnus David Pitchford joins us to talk about his time as a student at Chattanooga State, when he was a psychology major and a member of the Student Government Association, among other activities. Now a graduate student, David credits his time at ChattState with setting him off into advanced studies equipped to be successful. If you'd like to get in touch with feedback or suggestions for future episodes, email is at cstigerstories@gmail.com. For more on our Belonging Matters initiative, including other podcast episodes and transcripts, visit www.chattanoogastate.edu/belongingmatters.

Alumni Colin McCormick and Itzel Toro Garza stopped by to chat with us before heading back to college in Chicago and Rochester, NY, respectively. These Global Scholars are indeed using the world as their laboratory, engaging in higher-level study of international politics and English and both preparing to attend graduate school next year. In this episode, they share what was most meaningful to them during their time at #ChattState, as well as how the education they got here prepared them for transferring to a 4-year institution. They share lessons learned for future students making that transfer, too. Want to share your #TigerStory? Get in touch! You can email us at cstigerstories@gmail.com. We'll have another episode for you next week! In the meantime, catch up on our previous episodes or see other ways that at Chattanooga State, we believe that belonging matters. http://www.chattanoogastate.edu/belongingmatters

Kimberly Merfert is a sophomore Mass Communications major at Chatt State. In this episode, she talks about finding a welcoming campus community from her very first day on campus, A Global Scholar, Kimberly has always been a pretty strong student, but she particularly appreciates how a Composition faculty member, Natalie Pitts, helped her improve her writing even more. She also shares her cautionary tale of taking 15 credit hours over a summer semester. Would you like to be on Tiger Stories? Let us know! Send us an email at cstigerstories@gmail.com. Thanks for listening!

Samantha Burger graduated with an honors distinction from ChattState in May 2019, majoring in political science. We talk about the bumps along the way, the friendships she made while a student here, and what lessons she wants to share with other students. Want to be on Tiger Stories? Get in touch! You can let us know by emailing cstigerstories@gmail.com. Stay tuned for another story of a Chattanooga State student next week!

In this episode, we talk to Ryan Tate, a current student at Chattanooga State who is involved with the Leadership Involvement Team (LIT) and works in the Student Life office. Ryan's advice for other students includes: "Just ask for help! Someone will be there to help you out." Also, "One--two--three--breathe."

Tyler Gentile stays very busy at Chattanooga State! Through all of his involvement on campus, though, he's most passionate about letting students know about the power of refusing to give up. He shares the ups and downs of his own time at ChattState; we bet he will inspire you as much as he inspires us!

Taylor Kline waited several years before coming back to college to finish his associate's degree, expecting to spend his life working his way up to management at a restaurant. Now, he's juggling school, work, and parenthood while working towards his associate's degree at Chattanooga State.

Alexis Pinela is an education major who graduated in Spring 2019. In this episode, she shares what it was like to come to Chattanooga State having never before driven to Chattanooga from her home in Cleveland.

Recent alumnae Gabby Eilf shares how she found her place here at ChattState, after realizing the program she began her studies in wasn't for her. During her time at Chattanoooga State, she experienced homelessness and food insecurity, things that motivated her to make campus more accessible for students with similar struggles.