Student Stories

Title: Miss Travesía of the Garifuna Community

In this episode, UAlbany student (and season's 4 co-host) J-Lyn discusses her Afro-Latinx heritage and her experiences as part of the Garifuna people. J-Lyn also speaks about the historical background of the Garifuna people and how this has impacted her family history as well. She focuses on her experience participating in a cultural beauty pageant where she represented her Garifuna pueblo and how that participation has helped shape her cultural identity. J-Lyn would also like to invite the listeners to watch the video of her excellent talent of dancing, Chumba  Miss Garifuna 2017 Original (Start at 17:10).

0:00 Introduction

0:15 J-Lyn’s Introduction

0:31 Afro-Latina Heritage and Upbringing.

0:56 Who are the Garifuna people?

2:05 What is my cultural experience?

4:03 I do not speak the language

6:22 Family’s immigration to the U.S.

7:31 I owe all my respect to my grandma

9:36 Cultural beauty pageant, Miss Garifuna

10:35 Miss Travesía

10:48 History of the Garifuna people

13:34 There’s power in learning history

15:38 Speech in Garifuna

21:08 Chumba: My dancing talent

25:13 Become a mentor and be part of the process

Contributors:

J-Lyn Thomas (Storyteller/ Host), Yesenia Melo (Host), Brandon Lemus (Editor), Yehara Gutierrez Rodriguez (Marketing), Christopher Miller (Marketing), Carmen Serrano (Editor/Executive Producer). UAlbany Student Stories, Season 4, Episode 1 [podcast].

Music from El Pañuelo de Pepaby Javier Colina and Pepe Rivero. José Cruz, Executive Producer.

Funding provided by the UAlbany Faculty Research Awards Program (FRAP).

Special thanks to Ryan C. Clow, Digital Scholarship Center Training Specialist, for allowing us to use the equipment and recording studio.

Email Carmen Serrano: [email protected]

Interested in supporting future podcast programming? Please donate to LLC and specify “UAlbany Student Stories.” Click on the following link:

https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1642/18-giving/form.aspx?sid=1642&gid=2&pgid=399&cid=1042&bledit=1&dids=156.157.158.159.160.241.177.178&sort=

Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ualbanypodcastteam/message

Seasons 3: Episode 5

Season Finale: Meet the Podcast Team!

In this episode the entire Podcast team introduces themselves, and gives the audience a sneak peak of what occurs behind the scenes when producing podcasts. Each podcast member explains why they decided to join the team, and how UAlbany Student Stories has changed their lives for the better. They each get personal and share a piece of advice with future and current students on how to make the most of their experience here at UAlbany.

:00 Introduction

1:05 Why did we join the Podcast Team?

5:22 Skills that we learned

11:53 How did our semester go?

14:33 Protecting our mental health

18:32 Advice to fellow students

22:40 A Wrap on Season 3!

Contributors:

Yesenia Melo (Host), Delvi Paez (Host), Caitlin Fanning (Editor), Rosmery Reyes (Marketing), Quialmeiry Carrasco Puntier (Marketing), Carmen Serrano (Editor/Executive Producer). UAlbany Student Stories, Season 3, Episode 5 [podcast]. Music from El Pañuelo de Pepa by Javier Colina and Pepe Rivero. José Cruz, Executive Producer.

Funding provided by the UAlbany Faculty Research Awards Program (FRAP).

Special thanks to Ryan C. Clow, Digital Scholarship Center Training Specialist, for allowing us to use the equipment and recording studio.

Email Carmen Serrano: [email protected] or the Podcast team: [email protected]

Interested in supporting future podcast programming? Please donate to LLC and specify “UAlbany Student Stories.” Click on the following link:

https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1642/18-giving/form.aspx?sid=1642&gid=2&pgid=399&cid=1042&bledit=1&dids=156.157.158.159.160.241.177.178&sort=

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Seasons 3: Episode 4

Title: UAlbany Changed My Life

In this episode, UAlbany student Ava Green speaks about their coming out story, alongside the many challenges they had to encounter as the only queer individual in their high school. Ava discusses how UAlbany opened up many doors that they didn’t know existed, it opened their mind and introduced them to what the rest of the world has to offer. Their unique experiences have played a significant role in their current view on the world. Coming to UAlbany taught them the importance, as well as the beauty in diversity. Make sure you tune in next week for our last episode of the season!

:00 Introduction

:17 Who is Ava?

:48 Growing up in a rural town

1:25 The only queer person

2:10 Alienated by my town

4:00 GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance)

4:48 Albany accepted my true self

5:02 Gentrification in Delhi

8:14 What UAlbany has to offer

11:30 Relearning history

13:34 Next steps with political science

14:45 Possibility of moving back to Delhi?

16:57 Wrapping things up

Contributors:

Ava Green (Storyteller), Yesenia Melo (Host), Delvi Paez (Host), Caitlin Fanning (Editor), Rosmery Reyes (Marketing), Quialmeiry Carrasco Puntier (Marketing), Carmen Serrano (Editor/Executive Producer). UAlbany Student Stories, Season 3, Episode 4 [podcast]. Music from El Pañuelo de Pepa by Javier Colina and Pepe Rivero. José Cruz, Executive Producer.

Funding provided by the UAlbany Faculty Research Awards Program (FRAP).

Special thanks to Ryan C. Clow, Digital Scholarship Center Training Specialist, for allowing us to use the equipment and recording studio.

Email Carmen Serrano: [email protected] or the Podcast team: [email protected]

Interested in supporting future podcast programming? Please donate to LLC and specify “UAlbany Student Stories.” Click on the following link:

https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1642/18-giving/form.aspx?sid=1642&gid=2&pgid=399&cid=1042&bledit=1&dids=156.157.158.159.160.241.177.178&sort=

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Season 3: Episode 3

Title: Unmasking The American Dream

In this episode, UAlbany student Willy Estevez talks about the hardships he encountered when he immigrated to the United States. Willy mentions the difficulty he had learning a new language and having to choose the correct path. He also states that UAlbany felt like the right choice due to its student diversity and the opportunity offered to minorities. His story captures the realities of many immigrants in the United States, who face discrimination, insufficient employment opportunities, and lack of resources. You will find Willy’s strength inspiring.

Warning Explicit Language

:00 Introduction

:12 Willy’s introduction

1:11 Issues adapting to a new language

1:50 Hardships with employment

03:43 My first job

05:02 Strengthening my skills/ developing my skills

05:34 Deviating from the norm

05:45 Why UAlbany?

07:13 Learning to love myself

08:28 Being an advocate

09:16 Being bullied

11:02 bad influences

11:40 Easy money

12:20 Doing the right thing

13:22 Lack of resources

14:43 Experiencing constant violence

15:30 Next steps

16:25 Working toward greatness

Contributors:

Willy Estevez Cruz (Storyteller), Yesenia Melo (Host), Delvi Paez (Host), Caitlin Fanning (Editor), Rosmery Reyes (Marketing), Quialmeiry Carrasco Puntier (Marketing), Carmen Serrano (Editor/Executive Producer). UAlbany Student Stories, Season 3, Episode 3 [podcast]. Music from El Pañuelo de Pepa by Javier Colina and Pepe Rivero. José Cruz, Executive Producer.

Funding provided by the UAlbany Faculty Research Awards Program (FRAP).

Special thanks to Ryan C. Clow, Digital Scholarship Center Training Specialist, for allowing us to use the equipment and recording studio.

Email Carmen Serrano: [email protected] or the Podcast team: [email protected]

Interested in supporting future podcast programming? Please donate to LLC and specify “UAlbany Student Stories.” Click on the following link:

https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1642/18-giving/form.aspx?sid=1642&gid=2&pgid=399&cid=1042&bledit=1&dids=156.157.158.159.160.241.177.178&sort=

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Season 3: Episode 2

Title: They Told Me It Was Important to "Improve The Race"

In this episode, UAlbany student Bianca discusses the many hardships her family has endured, and specifically during the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo (1930-1961). She focuses on her brave grandfather and how he stood up for what was right regardless of the repercussions. Bianca also speaks about issues of discrimination and self-identity in the Dominican Republic. This is a profound discussion that addresses themes of liberty, life, and the pursuit of happiness.

:00 Introduction

:17 Bianca’s introduction

:48 My grandfather was arrested

02:49 The Trujillo dictatorship

02:57 Issues that led to his arrest

04:17 Historical timeline of both dictatorships

05:35 Spirit of rebellion

08:39 Racial tension in the Dominican Republic

09:06 “Quiero mejorar la raza”/ I want to better the race

10:21 What Trujillo destroyed and the colorism he created

10:59 Haitian hate fueled by the church

12:24 A push towards accepting ones blackness

15:10 Bilingualism in the island

16:37 “La masacre del perejil” / Parsley massacre

18:21 Bianca’s final thoughts

Contributors:

Biancan Zazzarini-León (Storyteller), Yesenia Melo (Host), Delvi Paez (Host), Caitlin Fanning (Editor), Rosmery Reyes (Marketing), Quialmeiry Carrasco Puntier (Marketing), Carmen Serrano (Editor/Executive Producer). UAlbany Student Stories, Season 3, Episode 2 [podcast]. Music from El Pañuelo de Pepa by Javier Colina and Pepe Rivero. José Cruz, Executive Producer.

Funding provided by the UAlbany Faculty Research Awards Program (FRAP).

Special thanks to Ryan C. Clow, Digital Scholarship Center Training Specialist, for allowing us to use the equipment and recording studio.

Email Carmen Serrano: [email protected] or the Podcast team: [email protected]

Interested in supporting future podcast programming? Please donate to LLC and specify “UAlbany Student Stories.” Click on the following link:

https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1642/18-giving/form.aspx?sid=1642&gid=2&pgid=399&cid=1042&bledit=1&dids=156.157.158.159.160.241.177.178&sort=

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Season 3~Episode 2: Part 2 of 2

Moving On to Bigger & Better Things

In this episode, our hosts Delvi and Yesenia finish interviewing our anonymous guest who is referred to as Maui Matthews. This is the second and final part of Maui’s story, where he describes in intimate detail his academic and personal life throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. He later talks about becoming comfortable in his own skin, living life to the fullest, and spreading kindness all around. Tune in for new episodes!

:00 Introduction

:05 Start of sophomore year

:20 Struggling to get back into school mode

:53 Substance abuse resurfacing

01:11 Getting arrested

01:41 Destroying my image

02:31 Caged in

04:26 My criminal record

05:21 I want to get out of here

05:30 My first apartment

06:46 Getting my life together

07:28 Coming out

08:28 I can’t be myself

09:28 Accepting myself

11:05 Feeling safe

13:54 Comfortable with my sexuality

14:58 Senior year

15:04 Optimistic about the future

16:09 Accepting people for who they are

Contributors:

Maui Matthews (Storyteller), Yesenia Melo (Host), Delvi Paez (Host), Caitlin Fanning (Editor), Rosmery Reyes (Marketing), Quialmeiry Carrasco Puntier (Marketing), Carmen Serrano (Editor/Executive Producer). UAlbany Student Stories, Season 3, Episode 2 [podcast]. Music from El Pañuelo de Pepa by Javier Colina and Pepe Rivero. José Cruz, Executive Producer.

Funding provided by the UAlbany Faculty Research Awards Program (FRAP).

Special thanks to Ryan C. Clow, Digital Scholarship Center Training Specialist, for allowing us to use the equipment and recording studio.

Email Carmen Serrano: [email protected] or the Podcast team: [email protected]

Interested in supporting future podcast programming? Please donate to LLC and specify “UAlbany Student Stories.” Click on the following link:

https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1642/18-giving/form.aspx?sid=1642&gid=2&pgid=399&cid=1042&bledit=1&dids=156.157.158.159.160.241.177.178&sort=

Season 3~Episode 1: Part 1 of 2

In this episode, our hosts Delvi and Yesenia interview an anonymous guest who is referred to as Maui Matthews. This is a UAlbany student’s coming of age story. Maui describes in detail how he fell out with his family, became homeless, as well as the many struggles he encountered in high school that led him to lean into drugs and alcohol for comfort. This is part one of Maui’s story, in part two he talks about overcoming his challenges, and how he was able to embrace adversity with the help of our UAlbany community. Make sure you tune in soon to hear the rest of his story!

Warning Explicit Language

:00 - Introduction

:00 - Maui

:29 - The start of family issues

03:10 - Eviction and homelessness

06:30 - Moving around the city

09:29 - Relying on drugs & alcohol

11:30 - Where was my brother?

13:20 - My godmother saved us

14:43 - Discovering who my true friends were

16:07 - Why UAlbany?

17:36 - My freshman year at UAlbany

18:45 - COVID forced me to move back “home”

20:35 - I wanted my grandmother dead

22:05 - Wrapping up my freshman year experience

Contributors:

Maui Matthews (Storyteller), Yesenia Melo (host), Delvi Paez (host), Caitlin Fanning (Editor), Rosmery Reyes(marketing), Quialmeiry Carrasco Puntier (marketing), Carmen Serrano (Editor/Executive Producer). UAlbany Student Stories, Season 3, Episode 1 [podcast]. Music from El Pañuelo de Pepa by Javier Colina and Pepe Rivero. José Cruz, Executive Producer.

Funding provided by the UAlbany Faculty Research Awards Program (FRAP).

Special thanks to Ryan C. Clow, Digital Scholarship Center Training Specialist, for allowing us to use the equipment and recording studio.

Email Carmen Serrano: [email protected] or the Podcast team: [email protected]

Interested in supporting future podcast programming? Please donate to LLC and specify “UAlbany Student Stories.” Click on the following link:

https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1642/18-giving/form.aspx?sid=1642&gid=2&pgid=399&cid=1042&bledit=1&dids=156.157.158.159.160.241.177.178&sort=

Season Finale

Season 2 – Episode 8 – In this episode, Claudia and Henry interview each other and speak about their experiences as podcasters. They reflect upon their experiences at UAlbany and tell listeners how these podcasts have been transformative. They also express their love for language. They give advice to future podcasters. 

With this episode we conclude Season 2. We will return in the fall with a new podcast team and new inspirational stories. 

:00 Introduction

1:00 How do you feel about graduation?

4:44 We love Spanglish

14:30 Adjusting to Life when visiting Cuba

20:15 Expressing their love for Mom & Learning to be Patient 

27:00 Living in the present

32:12 How Henry and Claudia perfected their podcasting skills

38:00 Podcasts build communities

42:30 Shout out to Jessica Dandrow and Rashel Jimenez

44:43 Bittersweet Farewell and Thank you!

Contributors:

Claudia Pique (host/storyteller), Henry Grygas (host/storyteller), Jessica Dandrow (sound editor/marketing), Rashel Jimenez (marketing), Carmen Serrano (Editor/Executive Producer). UAlbany Student Stories, Season 2 [podcast]. Music from El Pañuelo de Pepa by Javier Colina and Pepe Rivero. José Cruz, Executive Producer. 

Special thanks to Ryan C. Clow, Digital Scholarship Center Training Specialist, for allowing us to use the equipment and recording studio.

Email Carmen Serrano: [email protected] or the Podcast team: [email protected]

Funding provided by the UAlbany Faculty Research Awards Program (FRAP).

Logo created by the Office of Communications and Marketing (OCM)

Interested in supporting future podcast programming? Please donate to LLC and specify “UAlbany Student Stories.” Click on the following link: https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1642/18-giving/form.aspx?sid=1642&gid=2&pgid=399&cid=1042&bledit=1&dids=156.157.158.159.160.241.177.178&sort=

A Sense of Belonging

Season 2 – Episode 7 – In this episode, alumnus David (English/Law and Philosophy) and soon to be alumna Rashel (Communication/Spanish) speak about their experiences with racism. They describe their work as teachers and how they foster a positive environment with young students. They later talk about their own struggles to find a place of belonging in society and within their communities. They also explore how identity shapes their own unique experiences. Topics such as racism, white-passing Latinx, media, and government are addressed as well. 

:00 Introduction

:24 Who is David?

2:58 Rashel’s work as a bilingual teacher

4:05 Children's emotional needs in education/ emotional needs

7:06 Building community with students through videogames 

12:50 Getting in touch with their roots

19:00 Dealing with racism, identity, and belonging

26:39 Experiencing racism firsthand as a white-passing Mexican

34:00 We should stand up for one another

36:00 Building each other up instead of bringing each other down 

36:31 How the media and government perpetuate division

40:20 Opening up to new experiences in the Southwest

Contributors:

Rashel Jimenez (Storyteller), David Mitchell (Storyteller), Claudia Pique (host), Henry Grygas (host), Jessica Dandrow (sound editor/marketing), Rashel Jimenez (marketing), Carmen Serrano (Editor/Executive Producer). UAlbany Student Stories, Season 2 [podcast]. Music from El Pañuelo de Pepa by Javier Colina and Pepe Rivero. José Cruz, Executive Producer. 

Special thanks to Ryan C. Clow, Digital Scholarship Center Training Specialist, for allowing us to use the equipment and recording studio.

Email Carmen Serrano: [email protected] or the Podcast team: [email protected]

Funding provided by the UAlbany Faculty Research Awards Program (FRAP).

Logo created by the Office of Communications and Marketing (OCM)

Interested in supporting future podcast programming? Please donate to LLC and specify “UAlbany Student Stories.” Click on the following link: https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1642/18-giving/form.aspx?sid=1642&gid=2&pgid=399&cid=1042&bledit=1&dids=156.157.158.159.160.241.177.178&sort=

Season 2 – Episode 6 – In this episode, Ivan KristhianeGuzman Daquial(Philosophy/Political Science) describes his upbringing in the Philippines and explains how coming to the United States has changed his life. His childhood experiences include helping with the family business from the age of 7 and going to seminary school at the age of 13. He also explains the cultural shock he experienced when attending high school in Queens, NY. He finally landed at the University at Albany, where Ivan found the resources to fulfill his soulful purpose of being a leader. Through it all, he excelled as a student and as a leader, however, he also knew when it was time to minimize stress.

:00 Introduction

:22 Life in the Philippines

4:00 Ivan’s years in the seminary

10:40 Arriving to the United States

14:50 Choosing a university

17:35 From the bottom to the top

20:18 Balancing leadership and academics

23:00 Recognizing great leaders in students

25:20 Looking for fulfillment, but not at the cost of stress

32:00 Exploring different majors and minors

35:30 Ivan’s theses

39:37 What is Ivan doing next?

Contributors:

Ivan KristhianeGuzman Daquial (Storyteller), Claudia Pique (host), Henry Grygas (host), Jessica Dandrow (sound editor), Rashel Jimenez (marketing), Carmen Serrano (Editor/Executive Producer). UAlbany Student Stories, Episode 6 [podcast]. Music from El Pañuelode Pepa by Javier Colina and Pepe Rivero. José Cruz, Executive Producer. Funded provided by the UAlbany

Special thanks to Ryan C. Clow, Digital Scholarship Center Training Specialist, for allowing us to use the equipment and recording studio.

Email Carmen Serrano: [email protected] or the Podcast team: [email protected]

Funding provided by the UAlbany Faculty Research Awards Program (FRAP).

Interested in supporting future podcast programming? Please donate to LLC and specify “UAlbany Student Stories.” Click on the following link:

https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1642/18-giving/form.aspx?sid=1642&gid=2&pgid=399&cid=1042&bledit=1&dids=156.157.158.159.160.241.177.178&sort=