"I think persistence is extraordinarily important, and I think that has a lot to do with my childhood," Jin-Quan Yu said. The professor at Scripps Research Institute recently received a "genius grant" from the MacArthur Foundation.

First Person: MacArthur Fellow On Growing Up In A Small Village In China And His Passion For Chemistry

GUEST:

Jin-Quan Yu, chemistry professor, Scripps Research Institute

It’s been five years since the end of the ban on gay men and women from serving openly in the military. We check in with a Marine veteran who was discharged under the policy.

Kofi Agyeman, 30, shares his experience as a young black police officer in San Diego County.

First Person: Why I Became A Police Officer

GUEST:

Kofi Agyeman, officer, Chula Vista Police Department

Imagine getting a letter out of the blue that said your kind words and caring gestures helped a child to achieve her dreams. That's what happened to Monica Medina, the director of diversity, engagement and grants here at KPBS.

First Person: A Dreamer Goes To College

Monica Medina, the director of education and outreach, KPBS.

Paulina Olveda, student, University of California, Davis

Max and Rose Schindler each lost their parents during the Holocaust. Their son, Ben Schindler, interviews them on how they started their own family.

First Person: Holocaust Survivors On Raising A Family

GUESTS:

Max and Rose Schindler, Holocaust survivors

Daniel Noriega, 18, will be the first person in his family to go to college. He's attending San Diego State University this fall.