Recent college graduate VaLanDria Smith-Lash '23 is now the CEO and founder of Coarse Culture, a personal skin care brand that was launched during her junior year. We’ll talk about what happens when college plans change, about what it takes to create a student-run startup, and about why it’s vital for all students to explore interests beyond school. Success is often shaped by unexpected opportunities. So embrace change and trust the process. 

For more info, visit: shopcoarseculture.com, or follow VaLanDria on Instagram @valandriaa

Featured Majors: Speech Pathology & Audiology, Dance

Never underestimate the power of an email. That’s how Audrey Allen started her journey as an awarding-wining undergraduate researcher, who uses her passion for the environment and sustainability to make this world a better place. We’ll also talk about the importance of self-discovery in college, and about the dreaded imposter syndrome. Hear how common it really is, how to overcome self-doubt with self-compassion, and about all the confidence you’ll gain in college.

Featured Majors: Environmental Earth Science, Sustainability, Entrepreneurship

Featured Organizations: American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG)

College comes alive in this new short-form documentary series that explores the social side of campus life. Hear short stories about the orgs and activities that lead to self-discovery and community connection. In this episode, we go inside Meeples, the tabletop gaming club where students bond over board games.

Lauren Kelley always wanted to become a storyteller to uplift the voices of others, and along the way she found an inspiring voice of her own. Her interests in media, political science, and technology have also unlocked amazing opportunities that have led to new levels of self-esteem and confidence. We’ll also talk about realizing when you’ve taken on way too much in college, and how to adjust and recalibrate along the way.

Featured Majors: Strategic Communication, Individualized Studies, Political Science, Film Studies

A love of art and teaching have inspired Isa Obradovich to share her passions with others. As a successful artist and aspiring educator, her work is displayed across university halls, in local art centers, and in the Boomer Gallery of London. Isa has also received attention and acclaim across social media, where her massive following continues to expand. We’ll also talk about the joy of building a community in college, the transformative impact college can have on your confidence, and about making art education more accessible to everyone.

Featured Majors: Art Education, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certification

Succeeding in college can sometimes be a balancing act. But Rachel Banitt has found insightful and relatable ways to balance a thriving academic and social life, while also leading the largest student organization on campus. We’ll also talk about overcoming the fears of making new friends, about finding a supportive campus community, and about keeping the courage to push yourself to new heights.  

Featured Majors: Finance, Accounting

Even when the path ahead may seem long and daunting, with hard work, success is always possible. This is one of the most important lessons that Charles Ellis ’25 has learned in college so far. We’ll also talk about the importance of gaining first hand experience in college, how it’s okay to take time to find your path, and why the fear of feeling behind is just an illusion.

Featured Majors: Biomedical Engineering, Premedical Studies

It’s the start of a new adventure on Major Insight as we welcome Maggie Snee to the podcast as our new host. Maggie is an award-winning student researcher whose love of animals and science has inspired her to study Zoology and Geography. We'll also talk about overcoming the pressure to be extraordinary, how friends and “found-family” can make all the difference in college, and about how everything has a way of working itself out.

Featured Majors: Zoology, Geography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

From a first-generation undergraduate all the way to becoming the President of Miami University, Greg Crawford has seen how the entire college experience can unfold. On this special episode, President Crawford talks about what makes college so special including all the doors it can open, all the unimaginable ways to get involved, and about how it can provide the skills and experiences that will last a lifetime.  

Featured Majors: Physics, Mathematics

Part two of our special summer series will help you navigate all the ups and downs of college life with more advice and inspiration from successful students who have already been through it all.