First Gen 101

Miguel E. Sanchez Robles

5.0 (5)
SELF-IMPROVEMENT
UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

🎉 Welcome to First Gen 101 – the podcast where first-generation graduates share their stories and career tips. 🌟

4D AGO

Building Financial Clarity: Education, Culture, and the Long Game with Elizaveta Shafir

Send us Fan Mail 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 🔔 Subscribe to this podcast and follow us on: 📱 Facebook: First Gen 101 📸 Instagram: @firstgen101podcast 🎵 TikTok: @firstgen101 🌐 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 🙏 Thank you for listening! Please leave a ⭐️ rating and review!

31 min
APR 17

Building a Law Firm: Insights from Hasmik Vardanyan

Send us Fan Mail 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 🔔 Subscribe to this podcast and follow us on: 📱 Facebook: First Gen 101 📸 Instagram: @firstgen101podcast 🎵 TikTok: @firstgen101 🌐 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 🙏 Thank you for listening! Please leave a ⭐️ rating and review!

29 min
APR 10

Building Wealth and Legacy with Eustache Clerveaux

Send us Fan Mail 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 🔔 Subscribe to this podcast and follow us on: 📱 Facebook: First Gen 101 📸 Instagram: @firstgen101podcast 🎵 TikTok: @firstgen101 🌐 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 🙏 Thank you for listening! Please leave a ⭐️ rating and review!

33 min
MAR 20

From Tax Basics to Investment Insights: A Conversation with Alex Embree

Send us Fan Mail 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 🔔 Subscribe to this podcast and follow us on: 📱 Facebook: First Gen 101 📸 Instagram: @firstgen101podcast 🎵 TikTok: @firstgen101 🌐 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 🙏 Thank you for listening! Please leave a ⭐️ rating and review!

37 min
MAR 6

Navigating Business and Education: The Story of GET 9

Send us Fan Mail 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 🔔 Subscribe to this podcast and follow us on: 📱 Facebook: First Gen 101 📸 Instagram: @firstgen101podcast 🎵 TikTok: @firstgen101 🌐 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 🙏 Thank you for listening! Please leave a ⭐️ rating and review!

26 min
FEB 20

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

Send us Fan Mail 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 🔔 Subscribe to this podcast and follow us on: 📱 Facebook: First Gen 101 📸 Instagram: @firstgen101podcast 🎵 TikTok: @firstgen101 🌐 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 🙏 Thank you for listening! Please leave a ⭐️ rating and review!

34 min
FEB 6

Overcoming Debt and Building a Future with Edward Disi

Send us Fan Mail 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 🔔 Subscribe to this podcast and follow us on: 📱 Facebook: First Gen 101 📸 Instagram: @firstgen101podcast 🎵 TikTok: @firstgen101 🌐 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 🙏 Thank you for listening! Please leave a ⭐️ rating and review!

28 min
11/10/2025

Stories of Transition: The First Gen Experience with Cesar Margarito

Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ 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. 🔔 Subscribe to this podcast and follow us on: 📱 Facebook: First Gen 101 📸 Instagram: @firstgen101podcast 🎵 TikTok: @firstgen101 🌐 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 🙏 Thank you for listening! Please leave a ⭐️ rating and review!

31 min

TRAILER

First Gen 101: Trailer

Send us Fan Mail 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: 📱 Facebook: First Gen 101 📸 Instagram: @firstgen101podcast 🎵 TikTok: @firstgen101 🌐 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 🙏 Thank you for listening! Please leave a ⭐️ rating and review!

S1

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1 min

5

out of 5

5 Ratings

Excellent podcast!

01/31/2025

Jonathan Campozano

Very informative and insightful.

🎉 Welcome to First Gen 101 – the podcast where first-generation graduates share their stories and career tips. 🌟

Creator

Miguel E. Sanchez Robles
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

28
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2026 First Gen 101
Show Website

First Gen 101