On this episode of First Gen 101, Miguel interviews Katie Leiva about career growth, networking, and life after college. Katie shares how her mother’s journey from Cuba shaped her family’s commitment to education.

She reflects on changing career path, pivoting into student affairs, and landing her first job at Vanderbilt after attending a professional conference. As a military spouse, she learned to adapt, reinventing herself when needed before building a career as an Accredited Financial Counselor who now trains financial coaches.

 Katie offers practical networking advice, encourages exploring new professional opportunities, and defines success as meaningful work, continuous learning, and having the courage to seek change. 

00:00 Welcome to First Gen 101 + What This Episode Covers

00:28 Katie’s First-Gen Story: Cuban Roots & Family’s Path to North Carolina

02:19 College to Grad School: Loving Learning, Then Questioning Academia

04:45 Landing the First Job: Mentors, Professional Orgs & the Conference Breakthrough

08:01 Marriage, Moving to California & Rebuilding a Career on the Fly

10:39 Military Spouse Mindset: Reinvention, Resources & Staying Resume-Ready

12:25 Finding the Right Fit: From Student Affairs to Financial Coaching & Teaching

15:14 Discovering the “Universe of Opportunities”: Professional Orgs & Exploration

17:33 Conference Networking Playbook (Even for Introverts)

22:39 Career Growth Skills: Seeing the Big Picture & Building Internal Networks

24:53 Redefining Long-Term Success: Pride, Fulfillment & Continuous Learning

25:51 Final Reflections: Advice to Younger Self, Biggest Achievement & Closing

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Financial Clarity Starts Within: Insights from Samuel Molina

In this episode of the First Gen 101 podcast, Miguel interviews Samuel Molina, founder of the Academy of Financial Education, a nonprofit delivering practical and culturally relevant financial education.  They discuss his first-gen college experience and the key money lessons he learned from his mother. Samuel explains the Academy’s holistic approach, paired with financial counseling and therapy, to address money beliefs. 

00:00 Welcome to First Gen 101 + Meet Samuel Molina

01:05 From Service & Politics to Personal Finance: The Turning Point

03:49 First-Gen Perspective: Family, Education, and Money Mindsets

06:51 Networking as a First-Gen Grad (and the Bulldog Connection)

08:38 Biggest First-Gen Wins + Early Money Lessons Growing Up

10:47 Inside the Academy of Financial Education: Holistic Money Skills

13:38 Financial Counseling vs. Financial Therapy: What’s the Difference?

15:38 Who Needs Financial Therapy? A Real Client Debt Story

18:08 Serving Spanish-Speaking Communities & Breaking the Money Taboo

20:28 What’s Next: Group Financial Therapy, Community Events, and Going Global

22:24 DIY Resources, Credit Repair Tools, and How to Reach Samuel

24:26 3 Money Principles in 2 Minutes + Final Wrap-Up

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In this episode of the First Gen 101 podcast, Elizaveta Shafir, founder of Intentional Money, shares how becoming financially independent at 20 pushed her from month-to-month budgeting into long-term planning. She discusses moving from Russia to the U.S. at 27 and learning a new financial system, including how to navigate credit history, 401(k)s, retirement planning, and investing. Elizaveta explains how her interest in personal finance led her to launch Intentional Money. She breaks down education as an investment—degree, knowledge, brand, and network.

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

00:49 Money Independence at 20

02:38 First Paycheck and Russia Roots

03:55 Immigrating and US Money Culture

07:29 Launching Intentional Money

10:24 Education as ROI Decision

17:10 Why MIT Was the Accelerator

21:00 Networking for First Gen Pros

23:52 Work Life Balance and Saying No

29:24 Consistency and Closing Thoughts

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In this episode of the First Gen 101 Podcast, host Miguel welcomes Hasmik Vardanyan, a former legal intern at John Jay Legal Services and now a successful law firm owner of the Vardanyan Law Group. Hasmik shares her inspiring journey from moving to the USA at 17, gaining invaluable experience at Pace Law, to eventually opening her own firm. They discuss the importance of internships, the realities of running a law firm, and essential advice for first-gen students and aspiring business owners. Packed with insight and personal anecdotes, this episode offers practical advice for anyone passionate about a legal career or entrepreneurship. Tune in for an engaging conversation that underscores the importance of mentorship, networking, and resilience.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:15 Early Legal Experiences and Internships

02:49 Deciding to Become a Lawyer

04:56 Starting and Running a Law Firm

09:31 Balancing Law Practice and Business Operations

18:22 Advice for Aspiring Law Firm Owners

23:19 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts

27:40 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

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Miguel welcomes first-gen graduate Eustache Clerveaux to the First Gen 101 podcast to discuss his journey from Haiti to the U.S. Eustache describes working multiple jobs through school, completing an MBA in finance, and spending years trying to break into the industry before starting in life insurance sales and building credentials. Now a partner and private wealth advisor firm, he helps clients reach their financial goals. He emphasizes legacy as access and persistence as the key to progress.

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

00:27 Shared College Roots

00:55 Dreams Math to Law

04:17 Family Loss and Finance Shift

05:51 Working Through College

07:38 Student Debt Tradeoffs

09:55 Breaking Into Finance

12:32 MBA and Five Year Plan

15:08 Wealth Advisor Mission

16:37 Legacy and Behavior

18:35 First Gen Money Pitfalls

20:48 Top Worries and Retirement

22:37 Advice for New Grads

24:48 Spending Traps and Automating Savings

28:07 Connect and Final Takeaways

29:43 Biggest Achievement and Closing

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In this episode of the First Gen 101 podcast, host Miguel sits down with Alex Embree, M.Ed., AFC®, a first-generation college graduate and Program Manager for the Office for Financial Success at the University of Missouri, where she leads a team of Peer Financial Coaches.

Alex shares her journey into personal finance and breaks down the essentials every first-gen student should know—taxable income, deductions, credits, and how taxes impact your financial future. The conversation also explores smart investment strategies, tax-advantaged accounts, and practical financial planning tips designed to help students build long-term stability and confidence.

Whether you’re just learning about taxes or ready to start investing, this episode offers trusted resources and actionable insights to help you take control of your financial future.

🎧 Tune in and start building wealth with knowledge.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:02 Alex's Background and Journey

04:09 The Importance of Financial Decisions for First Gen Students

04:47 Understanding Taxes: Basics and Definitions

11:11 Deductions vs. Credits: Simplified

20:07 Investing: When and How to Start

24:40 Tax-Advantaged Accounts Explained

31:09 Trusted Resources for Financial Literacy

34:54 Biggest Achievement as a First Gen Graduate

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Navigating Business and Education: The Story of GET 9

Welcome to the First Gen 101 Podcast! In this episode, host Miguel welcomes back Jacquie Carroll to discuss her journey in starting a business. Jacquie, who shared her first-gen story in Season 2, Episode 7, focuses on the business aspects of launching 'GET 9', an educational game designed to improve math skills and reduce math anxiety. They delve into topics such as the importance of a business plan, managing hidden costs, and leveraging resources like the Small Business Administration. Jacquie also offers practical advice for balancing a stable career while developing a side business. Tune in for valuable insights and tips for aspiring first-gen entrepreneurs!

Get 9: https://www.gamekraft.us/

00:00 Introduction to the First Gen 101 Podcast

00:28 Jacquie's Game: GET 9

01:39 The Educational Value of GET 9

05:15 Creating a Business Plan

07:45 Navigating Business Costs and Resources

12:32 Leveraging Networks and Volunteering

16:17 Balancing Stability and Entrepreneurship

20:03 Evaluating Business Ideas

23:33 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

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Mentorship and Growth: A Lawyer's Journey with Tyler Rutherford

In this episode of the First Gen 101 Podcast, host Miguel welcomes Tyler Rutherford, a first-generation lawyer. Tyler shares his journey from a small town in Texas to becoming a corporate lawyer in New York. He discusses his educational background, the challenges of law school, and the importance of building a strong support network. Tyler also touches on financial planning, mentorship, and maintaining a work-life balance. This insightful conversation is a must-watch for aspiring first-generation law students and anyone interested in the legal profession.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:17 Tyler's Background and Early Life
04:23 Deciding to Pursue Law
06:59 Choosing Pace Law School
08:38 Transition to New York and Law School Challenges
12:48 Building a Support Network
16:54 Mentorship and Career Path
24:29 Advice for Aspiring Law Students
28:58 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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Overcoming Debt and Building a Future with Edward Disi

Join us on the First Gen 101 podcast as we speak with Edward Disi, a Nigerian immigrant and college graduate with over 20 years in the software industry, who now empowers others through financial coaching at CLY Coaching. In this episode, Edward shares his inspiring journey from Nigeria to the US, his career progression in technology, and how he developed a passion for personal finance. Learn how family, community, and faith have shaped his path, and gain valuable insights into achieving financial clarity and building a legacy for future generations. Don't miss this deep dive into success, technology, and financial stewardship!

CLY Coaching: https://www.clycoaching.com/

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

00:35 Edward's Early Life and Journey to the US

03:28 Career Beginnings in the Software Industry

07:04 Transition to Personal Finance

13:05 Founding of CLY Coaching

17:45 Financial Clarity and Legacy Building

22:29 Challenges and Barriers in Financial Education

25:39 Conclusion and Contact Information

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🎙️ New Episode of First Gen 101!

In this inspiring episode, host Miguel sits down with Cesar Margarito, a proud first-generation college graduate and advocate for educational equity. Cesar opens up about his journey from his roots as an immigrant from Jalisco, Mexico, to navigating the U.S. education system and launching Fly Socks—a creative venture that funds scholarships for first-generation students through the sale of stylish socks.

From working at Staples after graduation to discovering his passion for educational outreach and now pursuing a doctoral degree, Cesar’s story is a powerful reminder of resilience, purpose, and the importance of giving back.

Tune in as we explore themes of mentorship, community, and the first-gen experience—and learn how one student’s journey can spark change for many others.

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In this episode of the First Gen 101 podcast, host Miguel welcomes guest Jacquie Carroll. Jacquie shares her inspiring journey from being the daughter of immigrants and a restaurant business owner to becoming a doctoral graduate. She dives into the challenges of navigating the education system as a first-generation student, the importance of mentorship, and the skills needed to learn effectively. Jacquie also offers financial strategies for managing educational costs and building a successful career. 

Now, with a rich background in higher education, instructional design, and student success, her passion for making education engaging and effective has led her to create GameKraft. Jacquie is committed to bringing her expertise full circle by integrating fun and learning, ensuring that students not only succeed but thrive in their educational journeys.

GameKraft Website: https://www.gamekraft.us/

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:27 How We Met: A Financial Aid Conference

01:26 First Generation Story

02:35 Navigating Education as a First Gen Student

02:56 Balancing Family and Education

05:56 Learning to Learn: Study Skills and Time Management

12:09 Challenges Faced by First Gen Students

15:30 Financial Hacks for First Gen Students

16:55 Networking and Co-Curricular Opportunities

17:05 Leveraging Dual Credit and Demonstrating Mastery

17:40 Non-Traditional Student Hacks

03:08 Work-Study and Leveraging Scholarships

20:09 Tuition Assistance Programs

22:41 The Importance of Mentorship

25:40 Finding Your First Job

28:26 Biggest Achievement and New Ventures

30:30 Promoting Learning Through Games

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Navigating College and Career as a First-Generation Student: Sarah Smyth’s Journey

In this episode of the First Gen 101 Podcast, we dive deep with Sarah Smyth, a certified social worker and program director for Trio Student Support Services at St. Peter's University. Sarah shares her inspiring journey from being a first-generation college student to becoming a business owner. She emphasizes the importance of social capital, mentorship, and finding one's purpose in academic and professional settings. Sarah also offers valuable insights into the financial, personal, and academic challenges faced by first-generation students and highlights the crucial role of community colleges and institutional support programs. Tune in to learn about the power of storytelling, building genuine connections, and navigating the complexities of college life and beyond.

Learn more about E. Smyth& Co. Consulting by contacting: esmythconsulting@gmail.com. 

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In this episode of the First Gen 101 podcast, host Miguel Sanchez chats with Nick Moustakas, a recent graduate of the Elisabeth Haub School of Law. They delve into Nick's transformative journey through law school, from initial doubts and challenges to successful bar exam preparation. Nick shares his insights on what sparked his interest in law, the importance of mentorship, and how he overcame the stresses of studying and the bar exam. This episode is a must-listen for prospective law students and anyone interested in the personal and professional growth that comes with a legal education.

00:00 Introduction: The Law School Transformation

00:36 Guest Introduction: Meet Nick Moustakas

00:48 Post-Graduation Reflections

01:37 The Spark: Why Law?

03:02 College Journey and Decisions

05:59 Parental Support and High School Challenges

07:25 Guidance Counselor's Impact

11:33 Law School Preparation: The LSAT Challenge

14:09 Orientation and First Impressions

18:00 Navigating the First Semester

19:36 Deciding to Stay in Law School

19:57 Communicating Doubts to Family

21:16 Finding a Groove in 2L Year

24:08 Choosing a Law Specialization

26:02 Importance of Mentorship

29:06 Bar Exam Preparation

32:37 Reflecting on Law School Experience

40:04 Future Aspirations

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In this episode of the First Gen 101 podcast, host Miguel Sanchez is joined by social worker Dashelle Disna. They discuss Dashelle's journey as a first-generation American, her path from high school at Spring Valley to Dominican University, and her transition to social work.  Dashelle shares the impact of extracurricular activities, such as Habitat for Humanity, and the value of vocational schools and community involvement. The conversation offers a deep dive into the challenges and triumphs of a first-gen college student and provides valuable advice for navigating college, career choices, and the importance of networking and financial planning.

00:00 Introduction to Social Work
00:57 Welcome to the First Gen 101 Podcast
02:04 Dachelle's Background and High School Experience
02:32 College Decisions and Family Influence
04:14 Switching Majors and Finding Passion in Social Work
05:03 College Life and Extracurricular Activities
08:07 Impactful Experiences with Habitat for Humanity
12:50 Challenges and Rewards of Social Work
21:36 Advice for Future Students
26:50 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

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🎧 Ever wondered what it's like to navigate law school as a first-gen student? Join us on the latest episode of "First Gen 101" as Jonathan Campozano shares his personal experiences and tips for future law students. Don’t miss it! ⚖️ #LawSchool #FirstGenSuccess

In this episode of First Gen 101, host Miguel Sanchez interviews Jonathan Campozano, a practicing immigration attorney. Jonathan shares insights into his journey through law school, how he managed the challenges as a first-generation student, and the importance of finding supportive mentors and student groups. He discusses his work in the immigration clinic under Professor Vanessa Merton, his internships, and offers practical advice for preparing for and succeeding in law school. Tune in to hear about Jonathan's transformative experience and his career path in immigration law.

00:00 Introduction 

01:05 Meet Jonathan Campuzano

01:40 Jonathan's Journey to Law School

05:34 Challenges and Preparation for Law School

08:03 First Year Law School Experiences

12:25 Finding Community and Support

17:24 Immigration Clinic and Mentorship

21:01 Memorable Experiences and Career Impact

24:10 Advice for First Generation Law Students

28:30 Conclusion and Final Tips

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In this episode of the First Gen 101 podcast, Miguel welcomes Richard Mejia, who shares his compelling journey in the field of education. Growing up in Clifton, NJ, Richie faced numerous challenges, both academically and personally. He recounts his high school years, the pivotal moments that shaped his future.  Richie discusses his family's role in motivating him and the turning point when his teacher's encouraging words changed his perspective. He dives into his college experience at Felician University, his eventual role in admissions, and his unique experience of running for and winning a seat on the Clifton Board of Education. Offering wisdom and inspiration for first-generation students, Richie emphasizes the importance of mentorship, networking, and perseverance. Tune in to learn more about Richie's aspirations and vision for the future in this uplifting episode.

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In this episode of First Gen 101, Jessica Tursi, Director of Disability Services and Navigation at Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, shares how her passion for psychology led her to make impactful changes in her community and how she's paving the way for more inclusive environments.  Jessica discusses overcoming challenges, redefining career paths, and the importance of building a supportive community. 

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Meet Nia Adams, a first-gen student turned financial mentor. In our latest First Gen 101 episode, Nia openly discusses her path from uncertainty to financial empowerment, offering listeners practical strategies to conquer money challenges and pursue higher education. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to transform their financial habits and gain confidence in their decisions. Catch the episode to change your perspective and your future! 🎙️

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In this episode of the First Gen 101 podcast, Miguel interviews Anthony Surrat, founder, CEO, & President of the  National Leadership Society of First Generation College Students (First Gen Society). Anthony shares his personal journey from a lower economic background to becoming a successful academic and professional. They discuss the significance of mentorship, the holistic college experience, and the importance of building confidence. Anthony describes how the First Gen Society provides first-gen students with resources and support. Please listen to his inspirational story and valuable insights for first-gen students navigating their educational paths.

National Leadership Society of First Generation College Students

https://www.firstgensociety.org/

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:39 Anthony's High School and College Journey

01:17 Impact of Family and Early Inspirations

02:10 College Experiences and Personal Growth

04:40 Parental Support and Overcoming Challenges

08:41 Path to Enrollment Management

12:00 First Gen Society: Vision and Challenges

12:20 Addressing First-Gen Student Challenges

13:04 Creating the First Gen Society

13:57 Service Pillars and Community Building

15:43 Career Guidance and Mentorship

18:14 Navigating Educational Challenges

21:40 Personal Reflections and Inspirations

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In this episode of the First Gen 101 podcast, host Miguel sits down with Joshua Pilgrim, a dedicated school psychologist.  He talks about his decision to study psychology, the initial challenges of college life, and how he navigated career decisions. Joshua also provides insightful advice for first-generation college students with anxiety about college selection and future career paths. This episode is brimming with motivation and practical tips for anyone aiming to make a difference through education.

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Welcome to the First Gen 101 podcast, where first-generation graduates share their stories and career tips. In this episode, host Miguel Sanchez interviews Carlos Orbe Jr., a dynamic first-gen graduate. Carlos discusses his background, the importance of mentorship, and his impactful work with Maryland Latinos Unidos.  Carlos's story is filled with lessons on resilience, adaptability, and finding one's true calling. Tune in to discover how Carlos builds bridges, drives change, and helps shape the community through his work.

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Welcome to First Gen 101, the podcast where first-generation graduates share their stories and career tips. In this episode, host Miguel Sanchez interviews John Manna, who shares his fascinating journey from being a performing musician to graduating from law school. John elaborates on his academic interests, the challenges of law school, the importance of networking, and how his passion for music has complemented his legal studies. He also discusses practical career advice for aspiring lawyers and the value of a JD in various career paths. Don't miss this motivational episode packed with insights and inspiration!

Learn more about John Manna at:

Website

Instagram

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Join host Miguel Sanchez on First Gen 101 as he interviews Miguel Lluesma, an inspiring first-generation attorney. In this episode, Miguel Lluesma shares his journey from the pivotal moments that sparked his passion for law to the challenges of law school and his impactful career in social justice. Learn about the profound influence of social events, the rigorous process of preparing for the LSAT, preparing for the bar exam, and his transition from law school to practicing as an attorney. Discover valuable insights and tips for anyone considering a career in law, especially for first-generation students navigating this demanding field. Don't miss this compelling story of resilience, purpose, and the pursuit of justice.

Law School and LSAT Resources: Law School Admissions Council

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🌐 Website: podcast.firstgen101.com

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📧 Send an email to miguel@firstgen101.com

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In this episode of First Gen 101, host Miguel Sanchez interviews Nelson Rodriguez, a first-generation college graduate. Nelson shares his inspiring journey from a dedicated high school student balancing work and academics to finding mentorship, overcoming financial challenges, and forging a successful career path. Learn valuable advice on navigating college selection, building networks, and asking for help. This episode offers crucial insights for supporting first-generation students.

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📸 Instagram: @firstgen101podcast
🎵 TikTok: @firstgen101
🌐 Website: podcast.firstgen101.com

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📧 Send an email to miguel@firstgen101.com

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In this episode of First Gen 101, host Miguel Sanchez interviews Laura Valencia Gomez, who shares her inspiring college journey as a first-generation graduate. Laura discusses her experiences from moving to the US from Colombia, adapting to a new culture, navigating the college selection process, overcoming imposter syndrome, and the importance of mentorship. She also touches on her role at Latino U College Access (LUCA), where she supports current first-gen students through their academic paths. Tune in to hear about Laura's perseverance, self-discovery, and the valuable lessons she learned.Links to resources mentioned in this episode:

AmeriCorps 

The Peace Corps

Latino U College Access

🔔 Subscribe to this podcast and follow us on:
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📧 Send an email to miguel@firstgen101.com

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In this episode, host Miguel Sanchez chats with Anthony Reda about his inspiring journey from community college to his current role as a library technician and adjunct librarian at SUNY Westchester. Anthony shares the challenges he faced as a first-generation student, the importance of grit and determination, and practical advice for navigating higher education. They also discuss the role of institutional support in easing the transition for first-gen and underrepresented students. Anthony's story highlights the significance of persistence, community support, and the impact of dedicated educators.

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📧 Send an email to miguel@firstgen101.com

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In this episode of First Gen 101, host Miguel Sanchez sits down with Brizeyda to discuss her incredible journey to becoming a successful attorney. Brizeyda shares insights on perseverance, family support, and strategic planning, offering invaluable advice for first-generation students and aspiring lawyers. She talks about the challenges she faced during her undergrad and law school years, her choice of the University of Florida for undergrad, and how she decided on Pace Law School for her legal studies. Don't miss this inspiring story of resilience and achievement.

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In this episode of First Gen 101, host Miguel Sanchez welcomes Gina Villazhiñay, a first-generation graduate working in corporate recruiting at one of the “Big Four” accounting firms. Gina shares her challenges navigating college and the impact of mentorship and networking. She offers practical advice for aspiring professionals on making the most of their college experience, securing internships, and preparing for the job market. Tune in to gain valuable insights and tips from Gina's experiences and expertise.

00:00 Introduction to First Gen 101

00:48 Meet Gina Villazhiñay

01:02 Gina's Early Life and College Journey

02:17 Navigating College as a First-Gen Student

05:36 Choosing a Major and Career Path

06:44 The Importance of Internships and Work Experience

11:31 Finding Mentors and Building Networks

14:23 Landing the First Job

19:05 Pursuing an MBA and Further Education

21:04 Advice for First-Gen Students

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🎤 Do you want to be a podcast guest or know someone with an inspiring story who should be on the podcast?
📧 Send an email to miguel@firstgen101.com

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Jeffrey Arroyo: Lessons Learned as a First-Generation Student

Jeffrey shares his inspiring journey from balancing work and school to becoming the first in his family to attend college. Jeffrey recounts his experiences navigating community college,  transferring to Purchase College, and choosing graduate school. Learn valuable career advice, the importance of networking, and how determination can lead to success. Listen for practical tips and heartfelt stories from a first-gen graduate making his mark.

00:00 Introduction to First Gen 101
00:47 Jeffrey's Background and College Journey
01:29 Navigating Community College
02:58 Transition to Purchase College
04:43 Support from Family and Working Through College
06:57 Choosing a Major and Career Development
08:24 Networking and Mentorship
15:10 Graduate School Experience
17:00 Final Advice and Closing Remarks

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First Gen 101: Empowering First-Generation Students

Welcome to First Gen 101, a podcast where first-generation graduates share their stories and career tips to empower first-generation students. Hosted by Miguel Sanchez, a first-generation college and graduate student, each episode features guests discussing their experiences, struggles, triumphs, and the valuable lessons they’ve learned. Whether you’re a first-gen student or interested in the power of persistence, this podcast is for you. Subscribe and tune in every other Friday starting January 17th, 2025.

00:00 Introduction to First Gen 101

00:19 Meet Your Host: Miguel Sanchez

00:29 What to Expect in Each Episode

00:46 Who Should Listen to This Podcast?

00:59 Subscribe and Tune In

01:11 Closing Remarks

🔔 Subscribe to this podcast and follow us on:
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🌐 Website: podcast.firstgen101.com

🎤 Do you want to be a podcast guest or know someone with an inspiring story who should be on the podcast?
📧 Send an email to miguel@firstgen101.com

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