Join us as we chat with Dr. Martina Vasil, Associate Professor of Music Education and Division Coordinator for the Department of Music Education and Music Therapy at the University of Kentucky. In this episode, Dr. Vasil shares her experience as a first generation student and the financial struggles she's faced as a student. She provides advice for those in school and emphasizes the importance of understanding the resources available to first generation students.

Dr. Vasil has written a publication regarding the struggles faced by first generation students pursuing Doctoral Degrees in Music Education. This publication can be accessed via email [email protected]. The abstract for this publication can also be accessed: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1057083717717464?journalCode=jmta.

In today's episode, we chat with Dr. Pat Whitlow, the Director of the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards at the University of Kentucky. During her time at UK, Dr. Whitlow has successfully guided many students in their journey towards obtaining prestigious awards, as she personally works with students throughout their application process.  In this episode, she discusses the various resources and awards from the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards. Her goal is to ensure that students are aware of all the opportunities available to them. Dr. Whitlow also provides advice for students applying for awards and programs, as well as tips for those wanting to simply learn more about programs offered. 

Join us as we chat with Dr. Jonathan Thomas, who is an Associate Professor of Mathematics Education and the chair of the STEM Education department at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Thomas strives to create a learning environment in STEM that is inclusive and engaging for all. During this episode, Dr. Thomas shares his experiences with mathematics as a child, and how he came to enjoy the subject over the years after understanding its real life applications. He also discusses the positives and negatives of the Gifted and Talented Program, as well as the impacts of social change platforms among student populations. 

Today's episode introduces Melanie Miller, a first generation Counseling Psychology PhD student at the University of Kentucky. Ms. Miller is also an Academic Coach in UK's Transformative Learning, as well as a Doctoral Practicum Counselor at UK. As a student herself, she understands the challenges of being in school. In this episode, Ms. Miller discusses the stigma surrounding mental health within students and offers advice to students needing support. She also discusses methods of preventing burnout and remaining successful, along with the resources available to UK students, such as Academic Coaching, the Counseling Center, and the Stuckert Career Center. 

Join us as we chat with Mr. Casey Owen Shadix, Advisor and Director of Student Affairs for the College of Health Sciences. A first generation student himself, Mr. Shadix has earned two Bachelor of Arts degrees, a Master's degree, as well as a Ph.D. degree. In this episode, Mr. Shadix shares his first generation journey, as well as his aspirations as a student. He discusses the concept of the "American Dream" and how it applies to people from different backgrounds and experiences. He also speaks of the possible challenges faced by first generation students and offers insightful advice on succeeding while in college and after. 

Join us as we talk to Julie Bradley, Assistant Director of Academic Coaching. Ms. Bradley shares her story of navigating college as a first generation student in Ohio. She speaks of the University of Kentucky’s Transformative Learning, a student support unit designed to enhance students’ academic experiences. She gives advice to first generation students on ways to adjust and succeed in college. She also shares the resources available in Transformative Learning, such as Academic Coaching, Academic Preparation & Placement, and The Study.

https://www.uky.edu/acadcoach/connect-resources

In this episode, we talk to Mr. Robert Hayes, Director of Student Transitions and Family Programs. Mr. Hayes reflects on his experience as a first generation student from Eastern Kentucky and discusses the challenges that he overcame. He gives advice to incoming and current first generation students and shares resources that aid students in their transition to college. 

Join us as we chat with Dr. Kim White, an Associate Clinical Faculty in the College of Education. Dr. White specializes in child development and serves as a Co-chair of the Elementary Education Program. In this episode, Dr. White discusses the challenges she faced as a first-generation student and her journey in the field of education. 

From the Bronx, NY to Lexington, KY...Dr. Trisha Clement Montgomery shares her first-generation student journey and the challenges of navigating the first-generation student experience as a women of color. 

Today's episode introduces Ms. Tiffany Jackson, Director of the University of Kentucky's Financial Wellness Office. Ms. Jackson, a first-generation student graduate, shares her story of navigating college. Understanding that college is a financial investment, she shares financial wellness insights, special considerations for first-generation students, and resources available for undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Kentucky.