First Year to Fearless

WooTalks

Starting college is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. First Year to Fearless is a weekly podcast created just for Worcester State students to help you navigate the ups, downs, and everything in between during your first year as a Lancer. Hosted by Tammy Tebo, Assistant Dean in the Academic Success Center, and Thomas Kelley (TKay), Director of Retention, the show breaks down the first-year experience into real, relatable conversations. From navigating Self-Service and Blackboard to finding parking, managing finances, and connecting with faculty, Tammy and TKay give you the tools, tips, and encouragement you need to thrive. Whether you’re thriving, surviving, or somewhere in between, First Year to Fearless is here to stay curious, stay connected, and above all… stay fearless. 🎧 Need a transcript with the episode? Full transcripts are available on Podbean and Apple Podcasts App alongside each episode of First Year to Fearless. 👉 Listen and read along on Podbean or Apple Podcasts to follow every detail of the conversation.

  1. 12/15/2025

    Semester Wrap-Up – Reflect, Reset, Recharge.

    This week on First Year to Fearless, Tammy & TKay close out the semester with Episode 16: Semester Wrap-Up – Reflect, Reset, Recharge. 🎙️ Finals are underway, grades are posting, and the semester is officially coming to a close. In this final episode of the season, Tammy & TKay walk you through everything you need to do before stepping into winter break. They cover how to review your final grades, clear up any discrepancies, and communicate respectfully with faculty if something doesn’t look right. The conversation also focuses on setting yourself up for a strong spring. Tammy & TKay remind students to confirm that Spring 2026 classes are registered (not just planned), explain how fall grades can impact spring schedules, and encourage connecting with academic advisors early to keep options open. They also highlight key end-of-semester housekeeping tasks, from returning library materials to checking student accounts, managing housing check-out, and cleaning out your email so you can start fresh in January.   🎧 Need a transcript with the episode? Full transcripts are available on Podbean and the Apple Podcasts app alongside each episode of First Year to Fearless. 👉 Listen on Podbean or Apple Podcasts and finish the semester fearlessly. Production by Brendan Bailey.

    18 min

  2. 12/08/2025

    The Final Stretch – How to Close the Semester Fearlessly!

    This week on First Year to Fearless, Tammy & TKay are back with Episode 15: How to Close the Semester Fearlessly! 🎙️ It is the last day of classes, and the end of the fall semester is in sight. Tammy & TKay walk you through how to confirm what finals you actually have, how to read the Worcester State final exam schedule, and why understanding the format of each final is essential. They also share strategies for creating a finals week checklist, organizing your study materials, breaking your study sessions into manageable chunks, and tapping into campus supports like the Writing Center, STEM Center, Counseling Services, and ASC advising before schedules fill up. The episode also digs into managing stress during finals, using healthy breaks and realistic goals, avoiding burnout, and recognizing your small wins throughout these next two weeks. Tammy and TKay also remind you to clean up your inbox, return library books, check for missing grades or assignments, and make sure your Spring 2026 classes are fully registered, not just planned. 🎧 Full transcripts are available on Podbean and the Apple Podcasts app. 👉 Listen on Podbean or Apple Podcasts for every detail. Production by Brendan Bailey.

    29 min

  3. 12/01/2025

    Back From Break: Finishing the Semester Fearlessly

    This week on First Year to Fearless, Tammy & TKay are back with Episode 14: Back From Break: Finishing the Semester Fearlessly! 🎙️ Thanksgiving recess is over, and it’s time to get back into your routine. Tammy & TKay walk you through resetting your sleep schedule, cleaning up your inbox, checking your syllabi, and creating a two-week academic game plan. They also cover how to find missing grades or assignments in Blackboard or Google Classroom and when to connect with campus supports like the Writing Center, Counseling Services, and your academic advisor. The episode also breaks down everything you need to know about finals: what type you have, when they’re scheduled, and how the finals calendar works. Plus, they remind you to double-check that your Spring 2026 classes are fully registered and make any needed schedule changes before the semester ends.   🎧 Full transcripts are available on Podbean and the Apple Podcasts app. 👉 Listen on Podbean or Apple Podcasts for every detail. Production by Brendan Bailey.

    23 min

  4. 11/24/2025

    The Week After Pre-Registration – What Happens Now?

    This week on First Year to Fearless, Tammy & TKay are back with Episode 13: The Week After Pre-Registration – What Happens Now? 🎙️ Pre-registration might be over, but the work (and the choices) aren’t. In this episode, Tammy & TKay walk you through what comes next: how to double-check that your schedule is actually registered (not just planned), why joining waitlists still matters, and how to make smart changes without accidentally losing a class you need. They also break down what to do if you didn’t register, how to tackle holds, and how to connect with advisors in the Academic Success Center to get back on track. Plus, with Thanksgiving recess coming up, they talk about setting boundaries, resetting your routine, and using the short break to recharge before the final sprint to the end of the semester. In this week’s Campus Connection, TKay sits down with Steven Edwards, Assistant Director of LGBTQIA+ Outreach and Confidential Title IX Resource Provider, to highlight the newly expanded LGBTQIA+ Community Center. Steven shares how the space supports students through community-building, support groups, resources, and upcoming programming, all in a welcoming, visible, and centralized location on campus. 🌈💙 🎧 Need a transcript with the episode? Full transcripts are available on Podbean and the Apple Podcasts app alongside each episode of First Year to Fearless. 👉 Listen and read along on Podbean or Apple Podcasts to catch every detail of the conversation. Production by Brendan Bailey.

    31 min

  5. 11/17/2025

    Ready, Set, Pre-Register!

    This week on First Year to Fearless, Tammy & TKay are back with Episode 12: Ready, Set, Pre-Register! 🎙️ It’s officially pre-registration week, and this episode is your playbook for navigating one of the biggest moments of your first year. Tammy & TKay break down everything you need to know—from finding your exact registration day and time to what to do if classes start filling up before you log in. You’ll learn how to stay flexible, how to use the waitlist the right way, and why “planned” does not mean “registered.” They also cover what to do if you miss your time, how many credits you really need for financial aid, and how to keep your schedule—and your stress—on track. In this week’s Campus Connection, TKay chats with Julie Carmel, Director of Student Accounts, about what happens after you register. Julie walks listeners through spring billing timelines, payment plans, outstanding balance options, and why setting up a proxy may save you a headache later. 💵💙 🎧 Need a transcript with the episode? Full transcripts are available on Podbean and the Apple Podcasts app alongside each episode of First Year to Fearless. 👉 Listen and read along on Podbean or Apple Podcasts to catch every detail of the conversation. Production by Brendon Bailey.

    35 min

  6. 11/10/2025

    Countdown to Pre-Registration

    This week on First Year to Fearless, Tammy & TKay are back with Episode 11: Countdown to Pre-Registration! 🎙️ We’re in the home stretch of advising season, and this episode is your guide to finishing strong. From making that last-minute advising appointment to double-checking your holds, Tammy & TKay walk you through the final steps to make sure you’re ready when registration officially opens. You’ll learn how to plan your schedule, what to do if your advisor’s calendar is full, and why it’s still worth registering even if you’re unsure about returning next semester. In this week’s Campus Connection, TKay sits down with Kristie McNamara, Director of the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership Development, to talk about Thea’s Pantry, Worcester State’s on-campus resource supporting students through food, toiletries, and community care. 🥫💙 🎧 Need a transcript with the episode? Full transcripts are available on Podbean and the Apple Podcasts app alongside each episode of First Year to Fearless. 👉 Listen and read along on Podbean or Apple Podcasts to catch every detail of the conversation. Production by Brendon Bailey.

    42 min

  7. 11/03/2025

    Wait, What is Pre-Registration? (Part II)

    This week on First Year to Fearless, Tammy & TKay are back with Episode 10: Wait, What is Pre-Registration Part II! 🎙️ We’re diving deeper into the pre-registration process with everything you need to know as advising season hits full swing. From booking your faculty advising appointment to attending Academic Success Center workshops, this episode breaks down how to finalize your spring schedule like a pro. You’ll learn how to find and fix holds or restrictions, what to do if your advisor’s calendar is full, and how to handle schedule conflicts without the stress. In this week’s Campus Connection, TKay chats with Julie Carmel, Director of Student Accounts, to talk spring billing, payment plans, and how to make the financial side of college a little less intimidating.  🎧 Need a transcript with the episode? Full transcripts are available on Podbean and the Apple Podcasts app alongside each episode of First Year to Fearless. 👉 Listen and read along on Podbean or Apple Podcasts to catch every detail of the conversation. Production by Brendon Bailey.

    36 min

  8. 10/27/2025

    Wait, What is Pre-Registration? (Part I)

    This week on First Year to Fearless, Tammy & TKay dive into “Episode 9: Wait, What is Pre-Registration?” 🎙️ We break down everything you need to know to prepare for pre-registration and advising, what it is, why it matters, and how to get ready to build your spring schedule with confidence. You’ll learn how to use Self-Service to plan your courses, what “getting cleared” by your faculty advisor means, and why bringing your laptop to an Academic Success Center workshop is a must. Plus, we share how to check your account for holds or restrictions before they hold you back, and the importance of having backup plans for your classes. In this week’s Campus Connection, TKay sits down with Dannie Lacks, Director of the Career Development Center, to explore all the ways the CDC helps students prepare for life after graduation, from resume reviews and mock interviews to career conversations and employer networking through Handshake🎧 Need a transcript with the episode? Full transcripts are available on Podbean and the Apple Podcasts app alongside each episode of First Year to Fearless. 👉 Listen and read along on Podbean or Apple Podcasts to follow every detail of the conversation. Production by Brendon Bailey.

    45 min
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About

Starting college is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. First Year to Fearless is a weekly podcast created just for Worcester State students to help you navigate the ups, downs, and everything in between during your first year as a Lancer. Hosted by Tammy Tebo, Assistant Dean in the Academic Success Center, and Thomas Kelley (TKay), Director of Retention, the show breaks down the first-year experience into real, relatable conversations. From navigating Self-Service and Blackboard to finding parking, managing finances, and connecting with faculty, Tammy and TKay give you the tools, tips, and encouragement you need to thrive. Whether you’re thriving, surviving, or somewhere in between, First Year to Fearless is here to stay curious, stay connected, and above all… stay fearless. 🎧 Need a transcript with the episode? Full transcripts are available on Podbean and Apple Podcasts App alongside each episode of First Year to Fearless. 👉 Listen and read along on Podbean or Apple Podcasts to follow every detail of the conversation.

Information

  • Creator
    WooTalks
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    First Year to Fearless