Study Abroad Programs give you the opportunity to experience the world as your classroom. Navigating a new landscape may open your eyes to culture, history, a new language or your heritage. Studying Abroad opens the door to personal growth and discovery too. 

Joining Casey in talking about her Study Abroad in India is Angela Velarde.

The “My First Year” podcast is a GEAR UP production.
Series Concept by Juan Maya Hernandez.
Hosted by Casey Weld
Audio production and post-production services by TinDragon Media. 
Production music courtesy of epidemicsound.com

Special thanks to: 
GEAR UP 4 LA 
Study Smart Tutors
The GEAR UP Alumni Association
And to listeners, like you.

Between graduating high school and enrolling in College Orientation, there is a lot of work that has to be done to get ready for college in the summer. Guest Victor Sanchez sits down to explain what drove him to take this summer of transitions seriously. 

The “My First Year” podcast is a GEAR UP production.
Series Concept by Juan Maya Hernandez.
Hosted by Casey Weld
Audio production and post-production services by TinDragon Media. 
Production music courtesy of epidemicsound.com

Special thanks to: 
GEAR UP 4 LA 
Study Smart Tutors
The GEAR UP Alumni Association
And to listeners, like you.

Harvard, Princeton, oh my! Starting your college experience at a prestigious Ivy League can be full of high expectations and demanding course load. Casey sits down with guest Jesus Lino to discuss how he found his way to Harvard University.

The “My First Year” podcast is a GEAR UP production.
Series Concept by Juan Maya Hernandez.
Hosted by Casey Weld
Audio production and post-production services by TinDragon Media. 
Production music courtesy of epidemicsound.com

Special thanks to: 
GEAR UP 4 LA 
Study Smart Tutors
The GEAR UP Alumni Association
And to listeners, like you.

Speaking to her experiences of joining a college organization, Blandina Flores talks to Casey about how to find your 'familia' in a new community when feeling homesick.

The “My First Year” podcast is a GEAR UP production.
Series Concept by Juan Maya Hernandez.
Hosted by Casey Weld
Audio production and post-production services by TinDragon Media. 
Production music courtesy of epidemicsound.com

Special thanks to: 
GEAR UP 4 LA 
Study Smart Tutors
The GEAR UP Alumni Association
And to listeners, like you.

 In this episode, Casey sits down with guest Terran Artis, current student at University of California Irvine, explains how he has balanced his time between studying two majors and fulfilling his personal aspirations.

The “My First Year” podcast is a GEAR UP production.
Series Concept by Juan Maya Hernandez.
Hosted by Casey Weld
Audio production and post-production services by TinDragon Media. 
Production music courtesy of epidemicsound.com

Special thanks to: 
GEAR UP 4 LA 
Study Smart Tutors
The GEAR UP Alumni Association
And to listeners, like you.

All new episodes return every Friday in May 2021!

On the mid-season finale, we’ll be talking about all the twists and turns the journey to obtaining a college degree can take. Many people have this idea that you have to go to a 4-year college right after high school and graduate in 4 years, or else you are on the wrong track. And that’s just not true!

Joining Casey to demystify these myths and anxieties is Ashley Aragón from Highland Park. Ashley is now working on her PhD at the University of Maryland, but her college journey didn’t have such a smooth start. 
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The “My First Year” podcast is a GEAR UP production.
Series Concept by Juan Maya Hernandez.
Hosted by Casey Weld
Audio production and post-production services by TinDragon Media. 
Production music courtesy of epidemicsound.com

Special thanks to: 
GEAR UP 4 LA 
Study Smart Tutors
The GEAR UP Alumni Association
And to listeners, like you.

Many students believe that their undocumented status will prevent them from attending college. These students may live in fear of being exposed and deported should they apply for school or financial aid. However, Juan is a Dreamer whose optimism helped him achieve a great education at UCLA. Casey sits down with Juan to learn about the undocumented experience.
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The “My First Year” podcast is a GEAR UP production.
Series Concept by Juan Maya Hernandez.
Hosted by Casey Weld
Audio production and post-production services by TinDragon Media. 
Production music courtesy of epidemicsound.com

Special thanks to: 
GEAR UP 4 LA 
Study Smart Tutors
The GEAR UP Alumni Association
And to listeners, like you.

Community college can be an opportunity to reinvent yourself. It gives you the chance to explore majors and career pathways without committing to a 4 year program. Community colleges are becoming more and more popular due to its affordable tuition and services.

Stuart Roco, a student at Los Angeles City college, talks with Casey about his time at community college.

The “My First Year” podcast is a GEAR UP production.
Series Concept by Juan Maya Hernandez.
Hosted by Casey Weld
Audio production and post-production services by TinDragon Media. 
Production music courtesy of epidemicsound.com

Special thanks to: 
GEAR UP 4 LA 
Study Smart Tutors
The GEAR UP Alumni Association
And to listeners, like you.

As technology becomes integrated into our day-to-day lives, the job market is booming with tech and engineering jobs. So schools are pushing students to pursue a major in STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics). Casey Weld speaks with his old student, Esmeralda Leon, who is currently studying aerospace engineering at USC.

The “My First Year” podcast is a GEAR UP production.
Series Concept by Juan Maya Hernandez.
Hosted by Casey Weld
Audio production and post-production services by TinDragon Media. 
Production music courtesy of epidemicsound.com

Special thanks to: 
GEAR UP 4 LA 
Study Smart Tutors
The GEAR UP Alumni Association
And to listeners, like you.