Have you ever wondered how young men of color navigate the maze of college life while embracing their unique identities? Join us as Nephi, Darren, and Michael, three inspiring students from San Diego State University, open up about their academic journeys, offering a powerful lens into the world of college success and identity. From Nephi's excitement as a first-year transfer student to Darren's reflective senior-year insights and Michael's challenges in switching majors and meeting GPA requirements, you’ll discover the empowering role of community support. Listen as they share how the Young Men of Color Alliance supports their academic pursuits and amplifies their voices and experiences in a university setting.

But that's not all. We also explore the often-overlooked perspective of commuter students, uncovering the strategies they employ to balance the demands of work and study. Through heartfelt stories, we highlight the crucial role of creating a "third place" where students find comfort and community beyond home and work, with college often serving as this sanctuary. As we take you behind the scenes of our podcast production at the Digital Humanities Center, you'll gain insights into the technical joys of crafting a seamless audio experience. Embark on this journey with us and understand the art of building a supportive network for college success. Moreover, this episode demonstrates how YMOC students utilize the resources available on campus and the power contained in the SDSU’s Love Library when collaborating with librarians like Patrick Flanigan, the Digital Humanities Center Programs & Operations Specialist—a big thank you to the YMOCA Peer Mentors, Angel for inspiring the episode, and the Student Success Interns for their editing support.