First Up: Brought to You by ISAC Illinois Student Assistance Commission

Welcome to the season one finale of First Up! In this episode, Brian and Jasmine are joined by Jacqueline Moreno- ISAC Chief Service Officer, and producers Joey Lieberman, and Matt Montez to recap this season. Join in on the discussion as everyone provides reflections, relives their favorite moments, and hint at plans for future season(s). We would like to give a special thanks to all our guest who have joined this season, as well as all our listeners. We look forward to the future stories an...

This episode of First Up is part two of a two part series that dives into navigating mental health, this time through the eyes of former ISACorps Alum, Keeayla Jones, LMSW. Keeayla is currently working in the high school setting as a social behavioral counselor in the state of Texas. In this one on one conversation, Brian and Keeayla discuss the ways in which people can fight against social barriers, uplift students, and build safe spaces in both the high school and college setting.

This episode of First Up is part one of a two part series that dives into navigating mental health through the eyes of Maggie Espinoza. Maggie is a licensed clinical professional counselor, certified integrative medicine, and certified clinical trauma professional. In this one on one conversation, Brian and Maggie discuss the unique ways in which people can heal from trauma, as well how to go about supporting students through therapy, while propelling them towards their future.

In this episode of First Up, Brian has a one on one conversation with first generation student and first generation veteran, Jesus Molina. Jesus is a Communications Specialist from the US Department of Veterans Affairs (Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital). Join us in the discussion, as Jesus shares some of the benefits available to veterans, as well as his personal journey navigating from the U.S. Marines to college. Are you a veteran interested in learning more some of the benefits available to yo...

In this episode of First Up, Brian and Jasmine discuss the importance of friendship and finding your people in college. They are joined by Fernando Bazaldua - ISAC Gear Up Grant Manager and Account Liaison, and their very own producer, Matthew Montez -ISAC Outreach Planning and Partnership Manager, as they reminisce about their experience becoming friends and eventually working together years later. We hope you will enjoy this episode!

Welcome to another episode of First Up! In today's episode our host are joined by Maggie West, Community Relations Strategist for the City Colleges of Chicago. Maggie is a former ISACorps member who continues to navigate in the higher education space as a young professional. We hope you find this to be an insightful episode!