How to College: First Gen

Meet Alejandro, one of our new co-hosts. He is a first-generation college graduate from St. Edward’s University and a DACA recipient. He shares his story growing up in Houston’s 5th Ward and learning how his citizenship status determined the resources he had access to.

In this episode, Cody sits down with three first gens (Juan, Tomie, and Ken) to talk about their experiences as first generation college students who grew up in rural communities. 

There can oftentimes be many challenges that rural first generation students face in their community and educational settings. Some communities or schools lack resources or financial capital, some struggle with access to basic needs such as housing, transportation, healthcare, etc. and some are not located near many colleges or universities making it a challenge for their students to explore those schools and visa versa.

In this episode, Cody sits down with two first gens (Cheyenne and Richy) to talk about their experiences at Art-specific Colleges and in creative industries.

In this episode we hear from fellow first gen Julio who discusses how he transferred from law school, his reasons, and ultimately how this decision changed the trajectory of his career and life.

What do lawyers do? Why go to law school? In this episode we hear from fellow first gen Cindy who discusses what questions she asked herself to see if law was the right career for her, what skill set she learned in law school, and what she currently does as a civil litigator.

Happy National First-Generation College Student day! To celebrate we sat down with Oscar Garcia, a first gen himself who is the founder/CEO of his own consulting practice and who has been serving the first gen community throughout his career. Listen to how his journey and lessons learned along the way have turned him into a renowned public speaker and writer who hopes to promote more diversity and inclusion.

In this episode Luz chats with Erika as she shares her experience as she navigated her identity, figured out how to make the most out of her college experience, and figuring out her place in the world. Tune in to learn from her lessons learned along the way and as she shares valuable advice for students.

In this episode, Luz chats with newly appointed board member Mac as he walks us through his journey to and through college and in finding his passions with helping and mentoring students via student affairs, service, and civic engagement. Tune in to learn from his lessons learned along the way and as he shares valuable advice for students.

In this episode, Cody sits down with high school student Aniya, college student Michael, and college grad Miguel to discuss the pressure of being the first to go to college in their family and how they dealt with the stress and anxiety that comes along with it.