Campus Chronicles

Cheri Dixon is a former elementary school principal who transitioned into entrepreneurship, showing fearlessness and a willingness to break away from expectations.

In this episode, I sit down and talk to Cheri, who shares her journey from North Lowa to Houston, Texas, and the challenges she faced along the way. With honesty and openness, she talks about the obstacles she overcame and the personal growth she experienced, providing inspiration for anyone considering a similar life shift.

Cheri Dixon's story is a valuable resource for anyone facing a crossroads in their life, whether it's starting a new business or navigating personal difficulties. Her universal strategies, such as embracing discomfort, learning from mistakes, and staying true to one's purpose, are applicable in any situation.

Amy Jazienickis’ Guide to Cultural Exploration & Solo Female Travel

Venturing from the familiar into the unknown often feels like jumping without a safety net. Still, for Amy Jazienickis, the leap led her to a life of rich cultural exploration and personal fulfilment.

From Canada to Vietnam: A Journey Begins

In this episode of Campus Chronicles, Amy shares the catalysts that propelled her from the routine grind of daily life in Canada to the vibrant streets of Vietnam. What started as a desire for change soon became a full-blown lifestyle shift — one defined by courage, cultural immersion, and self-discovery.

Solo Travel as a Growth Tool

Amy talks candidly about the ups and downs of solo travel, especially as a young woman navigating unfamiliar environments. From language barriers to unexpected friendships, her experiences reveal how solo travel can become a powerful force for personal growth and global understanding.

Breaking Free from Conventional Paths

Like many millennials and Gen Zers, Amy reached a point where the traditional career trajectory just didn’t resonate. Instead of settling, she decided to explore. Along the way, she discovered not only new countries and cultures, but also a deeper sense of purpose and confidence.

Tips for Aspiring Travellers

In the episode, Amy shares advice for other students and young people considering a solo adventure — from practical safety tips to mindset shifts that make the journey more rewarding.

Feeling inspired? Check out more episodes from the Campus Chronicles archive for stories from students and explorers who are forging their own path — at home and abroad.

The Struggles & Solutions in Student Mental Health with Dr. Dominique Thompson

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the tidal wave of independence that hits when you step onto a university campus? You’re not alone—and in this episode, we dive deep into the evolving mental health crisis facing students today.

I’m joined by award-winning GP and mental health expert Dr. Dominique Thompson, who brings years of clinical experience and first-hand insight from working with young people across the UK. Together, we explore the realities of anxiety, depression, burnout, and loneliness in student life, and how universities can do more than simply raise awareness—they can foster real, lasting change.

Dr. Thompson breaks down how the transition to university life often comes with unrealistic expectations, social isolation, and academic pressure. We unpack the internal and external triggers that commonly affect students, particularly those living away from home for the first time, dealing with identity shifts, or coping with past trauma.

But this isn’t just about problems—it’s about solutions. We discuss actionable steps students can take to build resilience, including self-care routines, setting healthy boundaries, and accessing professional support without shame. Dr. Thompson shares advice from her bestselling book Your Mental Health: A Guide for Students, offering practical tools for managing stress and spotting the signs of when it’s time to reach out.

We also explore how student services, friends, and even course leaders can create a more supportive environment. By creating a culture of compassion and open dialogue, universities can be part of the solution rather than just reacting to crises.

Whether you're a student currently struggling, someone supporting a loved one, or just curious about how to care for your mental health during university life, this conversation will leave you feeling informed, empowered, and more connected.

Mastering Your Financial Future with Elisabeth Aragon

What does it mean to take control of your financial future as a student or young professional? In this episode of Campus Chronicles, we’re joined by Elisabeth Aragon, founder of Chalkboard Financial, to uncover how financial literacy can empower students to move from uncertainty to confidence with their money.

Elisabeth breaks down how setting clear, realistic goals can transform the way we view budgeting, saving, and long-term planning. She shares how early financial habits—whether good or bad—can shape our opportunities later in life, and why starting small is often the smartest move.

We also dig into the social side of spending: how peer pressure and our social circles can quietly erode our financial wellbeing, and what it takes to maintain healthy boundaries around money without damaging important relationships. From navigating conversations about splitting costs to resisting lifestyle inflation, Elisabeth offers practical tools for protecting your finances while staying socially connected.

Whether you're learning to live on your own for the first time or preparing for your career post-graduation, this conversation is packed with insights to help you approach money with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Empowerment: Jane Reason on Leading, Teaching, & Thriving in Education

In this episode of Campus Chronicles, we’re joined by Jane Reason — a passionate educator, leader, and advocate for transformative learning. Her journey from the world of physics to the heart of the classroom is both bold and inspiring.

Redefining Leadership in Education

Jane reflects on what it means to lead authentically in the often-demanding landscape of modern education. She discusses the emotional labour of leadership, particularly for women in senior roles, and how burnout shaped her approach to sustainability and empathy in the workplace.

From Precision to Passion

Her academic background in physics offered a structured start, but it was the unpredictability and creativity of teaching that ignited her career. Jane shares how stepping into education allowed her to connect deeply with students and colleagues — making a real impact beyond curriculum delivery.

Navigating Burnout & Reclaiming Balance

We dive into the realities of work-life balance in education. Jane offers raw insight into the pressures faced by school leaders and how she learned to embrace boundaries, reflection, and vulnerability without sacrificing her ambition.

A Vision for Empowered Classrooms

At the heart of Jane’s message is a belief in personalisation — that when we understand our learners and ourselves more deeply, education becomes not just effective but transformative. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in collaboration, curiosity, and courage.

Explore more episodes of Campus Chronicles

Real conversations with students, educators, and innovators shaping the future of learning and life.

Beyond the Books: Crafting Vibrant University Communities with Terence Coetzee

Terence Coetzee is talented and passionate about turning student accommodation into unforgettable life experiences. In this episode of Campus Chronicles, we dive into his philosophy on creating vibrant, inclusive student communities — where friendships, support networks, and personal growth matter just as much as academic success.

The Evolution of Student Housing

Terence shares how student housing has transformed over the years. Once just a place to sleep and study, accommodation is now recognised as a key factor in student well-being. It's a space for connection, creativity, and support — often becoming the foundation for lasting friendships and personal development.

The Power of Inclusive Environments

Much of Terence’s inspiration comes from his mentor, Penny Jones, whose work in pioneering inclusive, welcoming spaces has reshaped campuses across the UK. From cultural exchange events to shared social hubs, Terence explains how these changes have fostered a true sense of belonging — especially for international students navigating life far from home.

Designing for Wellbeing and Connection

The conversation moves beyond bricks and mortar. Terence believes that thoughtful design, community-led events, and a bit of play are crucial for student happiness. He shares stories of events like family sports days, where laughter echoes across courtyards and brings people together across courses, cultures, and age groups.

Advice for Universities and Developers

Terence offers his insight on how universities and accommodation providers can support a student’s whole experience, not just their academic one. From common areas to mentoring programs, it’s about creating places that feel safe, inclusive, and human.

Want more insights from student life and the people shaping it? Explore the full Campus Chronicles archive for inspiring interviews, ideas, and voices from across the UK.

In college, I often heard, "Focus on the degree; everything else can wait." But, looking back, I wish someone had told me to savour the journey, to immerse myself in the moments that would shape not just my career but the person I would become. That's the heart of the conversation with our guest, Sonia Cacique from Discover You, as we unravel the complexities of career exploration and the critical intersection with mental health.

With her rich expertise in education and counselling, Sonia shares insights on how honouring individual talents and passions can illuminate the path to a fulfilling vocation.

We confront mental wellness challenges, stressing the necessity of aligning career pursuits with our core values. We share candid reflections on how misaligned ambitions can strain mental health and relationships and why remaining adaptable, holding onto transferable skills, and nurturing our values are pivotal as we ride the waves of life's ever-changing seasons.

Have you ever watched a tightrope walker and wondered how they maintain their balance? That's the life of a student entrepreneur, and on Campus Chronicles, we're here to reveal how it's done.

In this episode, I am joined by Asher Dahlgren, the 16-year-old founder and CEO of Dahlgren Social, who's mastering the high-wire act of managing school and a startup. Asher shares the magic of time management and the wisdom behind starting with bite-sized ambitions, offering advice for others wanting to follow in his footsteps.

Together, we swap stories about setting goals that revolve around actions we control and how this strategy can help combat scepticism. We unpack the resilience needed to push through challenges and the power of tuning out the noise, ensuring the static of disbelief doesn't dampen our entrepreneurial spirits.

Exploring the Imaginative Mind with Anne Scott

What happens when a structured life in information technology meets the wild, wonderful world of human creativity?

In this episode, Anne Scott invites us into her story — a journey of rediscovering imagination after years in a logic-driven career. From finding joy in singing to pushing past societal shame around self-expression, Anne shares how creativity isn’t just a hobby — it’s a powerful path to personal fulfilment.

The Question That Changes Everything

“What would I love?” Anne poses this deceptively simple question as a key to unlocking your true self. Whether you're stuck in routine or craving something more, this episode challenges you to listen to the quiet pull of your creative instincts.

Silencing Shame, Reclaiming Joy

We explore the social pressures that discourage adults from creative play — and why reconnecting with artistic outlets like music, art, and writing can be life-changing at any age.

Tech Meets Intuition

Anne's perspective bridges two worlds: the analytical and the intuitive. Her story is a reminder that creativity and logic aren’t opposites — they’re complementary forces we can all learn to balance.

Looking for more inspiring stories?

Browse our Campus Chronicles series — real conversations at the intersection of learning, growth, and life after education.

Stitches of Strength: Weaving Resilience Through Handcrafts with Kelly J. Mendenhall

What happens when life as you know it is disrupted overnight?

In this moving episode of Campus Chronicles, we sit down with Kelly J. Mendenhall—writer, disability advocate, and founder of the Affordable Art Revolution. After becoming suddenly and permanently disabled, Kelly turned to traditional handcrafts as a means of expression, healing, and empowerment.

Kelly’s story is not just about art—it’s about resilience, reinvention, and reclaiming your sense of self through creativity. She shares how quilting, mixed media, and even the simple act of stitching became tools for coping with chronic pain and navigating mental health challenges. These crafts, once seen as outdated or domestic, have become powerful statements of strength and resistance in her journey.

Together, we explore how handcrafts can be more than a hobby—they can be therapy, community, and activism rolled into one. Kelly unpacks the mental health benefits of slow, tactile creation, especially in a digital-first world where productivity is often prioritised over presence. She encourages listeners to embrace imperfection and find freedom in making things with their hands—regardless of skill level.

This episode is especially relevant to students dealing with stress, anxiety, or burnout. Kelly’s insights offer a refreshing perspective: you don’t need to be an artist to benefit from art. Whether it's journaling, collage, knitting, or crochet, creative practices can be a sanctuary—a quiet space to process emotions, express identity, and find joy on your own terms.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by change, disconnected from yourself, or unsure how to channel your energy, Kelly’s story will inspire you to pick up a needle, a pen, or a paintbrush—and stitch together your own version of healing.