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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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

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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!

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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