In today’s episode, we speak with Aaron, a sophomore at the University of Florida. Born in Lima, Peru and raised in Miami, Aaron describes growing up in a largely Hispanic community, learning English quickly after moving to the U.S. with his mother, and enduring intense academic pressure that led to burnout and heated conflicts about leaving home. Unable to afford out-of-state options and facing guilt tied to his mom’s sacrifices, he chose UF and found freedom to be himself and build an LGBTQ friend circle. He describes balancing classes, internships, and a job at Starbucks, while pursuing public relations and journalism, and shares advice about exploring college while staying true to yourself.

Be sure to check out other episodes in the My First Year series, wherever you get your podcasts.

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In Episode 3 of My First Year in College, Sophia and Rosabelle sit down with Shreya, a University of Georgia student, writer, poet, and founder of the autism advocacy nonprofit Color Me Blue.

Shreya reflects on leaving behind the familiarity of home, adjusting to college as an introvert, and finding a group of friends who made her feel truly seen. She shares how poetry helped her process the transition, why she decided it was okay to “care too much,” and how stepping outside her comfort zone opened doors she never expected.  

From choosing UGA over her dream of New York City to navigating homesickness, friendship, ambition, and what she calls “future nostalgia,” Shreya’s story is about learning that you don’t need to have your whole future figured out to embrace where you are right now.

You can check out Shreya’s Substack: https://substack.com/@shreyasophie

And her latest poetry book on Amazon 📚https://www.amazon.com/Stars-Puddles-Clouds-My-Eyes/dp/B0FPXRQJLK?ref_=ast_author_mpb

And follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shreyasophie/ 

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 Learn more: https://sophiamedia.co/MyFirstYear

In today’s episode, co-hosts Sophia and Rosabelle speak with Kayla, a 2026 graduate of Cooper Union School of Engineering in New York City. Kayla describes growing up in a competitive, tight-knit town with strict parents, a childhood centered on swimming and academics, and early pressure—starting in kindergarten—to get good grades and attend a top college. At Cooper Union in Manhattan, she experienced the intensity of engineering coursework, the lack of privacy in a tiny campus, shifting friendships, and the need for boundaries. Kayla reflects on gaining confidence in herself and her abilities in a male--dominated environment and using her voice to stand up for others on campus. Plus, what she wishes she knew going into college, and how her first year helped shape her confidence and the values she carries into her life today. 

Be sure to check out other episodes in the My First Year series, wherever you get your podcasts.

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 Learn more: https://sophiamedia.co/MyFirstYear

In today’s episode, co-hosts Sophia and Rosabelle speak with Dagny, a Los Angeles–based singer-songwriter and NYU Gallatin graduate who created her own college major (“Language Curation and Ethics”). Dagny recounts growing up homeschooled in Connecticut, adjusting to public high school, and graduating in 2020 as COVID ended senior milestones. She chose NYU largely for the excitement of New York during the pandemic and moved into Brittany Hall as an athlete with online classes. Early freshman year she felt isolated, explored her sexuality through a crush on a teammate that ended painfully, and fell into depression, using journaling, songwriting, running, friends, family to cope. A supportive friend group and an influential professor helped her regain confidence, confront imposter syndrome, and reflect on slowing down, self-acceptance, and pursuing music and a grounded life.

Be sure to check out other episodes in the My First Year series, wherever you get your podcasts.

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 Learn more: https://sophiamedia.co/MyFirstYear

How is Gen Z really experiencing college? In Season 1 of My First Year in College, hosts Sophia and Rosabelle talk with college students and recent grads about the dreams and expectations they arrived with-and the anxiety, loneliness, joy, discoveries and triumphs they encountered along the way.

 Going beyond the polished version of college life we see on social media, My First Year in College explores the emotional and intellectual lives of young people as they navigate a defining year of change.

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 Learn more: https://sophiamedia.co/MyFirstYear