Amplifying Persistence Diego Villegas

Welcome to part 2 of my interview with Matthew Morris and Gertrude Elendu! This episode we will focus on Matthew’s journey. Matthew is currently a student at Cal State East Bay and is such an incredible person. Matthew was first a student athlete but an injury changed his path. He tells us about his experience healing from that moment, being homeless while in school, and his journey transferring to CSUEB. We also learn about how Matthew and Gertrude met! Tune in to learn about Matthew and Gertrude’s story!

Music by Timmoor from Pixabay

Welcome to part 1 of my interview with Gertrude Elendu and Matthew Morris! These next two episodes will feature their college experiences, first focusing on Gertrude’s story! Gertrude has recently graduated from Cal State East Bay with a major in political science. She is an international student from Nigeria who faced many challenges the US government and the college system creates for international students. Despite of the hardships she persevered and is on to pursue bigger and greater things. Tune in to learn about Gertrude and Matthew’s story!

Music by Timmoor from Pixabay

Gisel Juarez has recently graduated from Cal State East Bay with a major in health science. Originally a nursing major, Gisel has always had a goal of ensuring that her community is strong and healthy. Thanks to the support of programs offered by her school and by her community, alongside her strong character and perseverance, she was able to get into and succeed through college. She became a star athlete on the track and field team and maintained good grades, all while commuting to and from school. Tune in to learn more about Gisel’s journey to a college diploma!

Music by Timmoor from Pixabay

Brian Tao has recently graduated from San Jose State University with a major in software engineering. As a first gen student, Brian persisted through college and was able to find communities that supported him. In this episode, Brian tells us about his experience discovering his passions and communities, as well as his experience graduating through the COVID-19 pandemic, as he ventures off into his next journey beyond college.

Music by Timmoor from Pixabay

Adriana has recently acquired her Associates Degree at Chabot College and is currently on her way to getting her Bachelor’s at the Rivet School. In this episode, Adriana tells us about her experience discovering aspects about her identity such as her undocumented status and queer identity, and how they impacted her perspectives on college. Tune in to learn about Adriana’s experience persisting through the U.S. immigration and postsecondary education systems, as well as the inspiring person she has become!

Music by Timmoor from Pixabay

Vanessa Torres is a rising sophomore at San Francisco State University where she is planning on majoring in Sociology and minoring in Race and Resistance Studies. In this episode, Vanessa reflects on her experience navigating her first year of college in a completely remote environment. She recalls the programs that supported her in her academic and professional journeys, the leadership positions she became a part of, as well as the ways her intersecting identities impacted her experience. Tune in to learn about the ways Vanessa has made a change in her community!

Music by Timmoor from Pixabay