Unlocking College Life Ilona Phillips and Joy Pehlke

Joy and Ilona wrap-up the season by reflecting on the many students who joined the show to share their college experiences. The hosts are grateful for the bravery and vulnerability of each guest and hope each episode will continue to help listeners feel less alone in their struggles and paths throughout college.

Joy and Ilona welcome guest Mel Selber, who is a graduating senior at the University of Michigan. Mel talks about how she redefined who she is over the course of her college experience, and how continuing to take small risks played a role.

Ilona and Joy welcome guest Kate Panzer, who is a 2nd-year medical student at the University of Michigan. Kate followed the pre-med track at the University of Pennsylvania as an undergrad where she developed an interest in disability health through learning American Sign Language (ASL). She is now integrating her interest in disability health into her experience in medical school.

Joy and Ilona are joined by Merry Gebretsadik, a first-generation student studying political science and ethnic studies at Colorado State University. Merry outlines her path at CSU from being a disconnected first-year student to ultimately being elected as the Vice President of Student Government (ASCSU).

Ilona and Joy are joined by Senaida, a student at New York University’s Clive Davis Institute for Recorded Music. Senaida talks openly about her experiences as a musical artist, and the challenges she went through to find her unique artistry now. She says: “My art is my life, and my life is always a work in progress.”

Joy and Ilona talk with Todd Perry who never imagined he would be a college student. This episode is especially for those who have struggled with addiction and don’t believe college is a possibility. Todd had behavioral issues as a young person, and a traumatic upbringing. He lived through the years as an addict, and eventually broke the cycle of drug and alcohol addiction. With essential help from others, Todd is now a social work student and a peer-support specialist for the Spartan Recovery Program at UNC Greensboro.