My First Year - A GEAR UP 4 LA Podcast

My First Year is an original GEAR UP podcast that explores how students become success stories after they graduate high school. And just like all great stories, it comes with humble beginnings. Host Casey Weld talks with interesting Gear Up alumni and educators about their first starts in college, finding a job and more. Experience is always the best teacher. Join the conversation today! For more information, visit www.gearup4la.net

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Episodes

Study Abroad

Study Abroad Programs give you the opportunity to experience the world as your classroom. Navigating a new landscape may open your eyes to culture, history, a new language or your heritage. Studying Abroad opens the door to personal growth and discovery too. Joining Casey in talking about her Study Abroad in India is Angela Velarde. The “My First Year” podcast is a GEAR UP production. Series Concept by Juan Maya Hernandez. Hosted by Casey Weld Audio production and post-production services by Tin...

Jun 04, 2021•13 min

The Transition to College

Between graduating high school and enrolling in College Orientation, there is a lot of work that has to be done to get ready for college in the summer. Guest Victor Sanchez sits down to explain what drove him to take this summer of transitions seriously. The “My First Year” podcast is a GEAR UP production. Series Concept by Juan Maya Hernandez. Hosted by Casey Weld Audio production and post-production services by TinDragon Media. Production music courtesy of epidemicsound.com Special thanks to: ...

May 28, 2021•14 min

Going Ivy League

Harvard, Princeton, oh my! Starting your college experience at a prestigious Ivy League can be full of high expectations and demanding course load. Casey sits down with guest Jesus Lino to discuss how he found his way to Harvard University. The “My First Year” podcast is a GEAR UP production. Series Concept by Juan Maya Hernandez. Hosted by Casey Weld Audio production and post-production services by TinDragon Media. Production music courtesy of epidemicsound.com Special thanks to: GEAR UP 4 LA S...

May 21, 2021•15 min

Finding Your Family On-Campus

Speaking to her experiences of joining a college organization, Blandina Flores talks to Casey about how to find your 'familia' in a new community when feeling homesick. The “My First Year” podcast is a GEAR UP production. Series Concept by Juan Maya Hernandez. Hosted by Casey Weld Audio production and post-production services by TinDragon Media. Production music courtesy of epidemicsound.com Special thanks to: GEAR UP 4 LA Study Smart Tutors The GEAR UP Alumni Association And to listeners, like ...

May 14, 2021•15 min

A Tale of Two Majors / Time Management

In this episode, Casey sits down with guest Terran Artis, current student at University of California Irvine, explains how he has balanced his time between studying two majors and fulfilling his personal aspirations. The “My First Year” podcast is a GEAR UP production. Series Concept by Juan Maya Hernandez. Hosted by Casey Weld Audio production and post-production services by TinDragon Media. Production music courtesy of epidemicsound.com Special thanks to: GEAR UP 4 LA Study Smart Tutors The GE...

May 07, 2021•14 min•Season 1Ep. 6

My First Year Returns!

All new episodes return every Friday in May 2021!

Apr 30, 2021•57 sec

College Journey

On the mid-season finale, we’ll be talking about all the twists and turns the journey to obtaining a college degree can take. Many people have this idea that you have to go to a 4-year college right after high school and graduate in 4 years, or else you are on the wrong track. And that’s just not true! Joining Casey to demystify these myths and anxieties is Ashley Aragón from Highland Park. Ashley is now working on her PhD at the University of Maryland, but her college journey didn’t have such a...

Aug 07, 2020•17 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Being a Dreamer

Many students believe that their undocumented status will prevent them from attending college. These students may live in fear of being exposed and deported should they apply for school or financial aid. However, Juan is a Dreamer whose optimism helped him achieve a great education at UCLA. Casey sits down with Juan to learn about the undocumented experience. __________________________________________________________________________ The “My First Year” podcast is a GEAR UP production. Series Con...

Jul 31, 2020•18 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Community College

Community college can be an opportunity to reinvent yourself. It gives you the chance to explore majors and career pathways without committing to a 4 year program. Community colleges are becoming more and more popular due to its affordable tuition and services. Stuart Roco, a student at Los Angeles City college, talks with Casey about his time at community college. The “My First Year” podcast is a GEAR UP production. Series Concept by Juan Maya Hernandez. Hosted by Casey Weld Audio production an...

Jul 24, 2020•11 min•Season 1Ep. 3

Studying STEM

As technology becomes integrated into our day-to-day lives, the job market is booming with tech and engineering jobs. So schools are pushing students to pursue a major in STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics). Casey Weld speaks with his old student, Esmeralda Leon, who is currently studying aerospace engineering at USC. The “My First Year” podcast is a GEAR UP production. Series Concept by Juan Maya Hernandez. Hosted by Casey Weld Audio production and post-production services by ...

Jul 17, 2020•15 min•Season 1Ep. 2

Finding First Jobs

On the premiere episode of “My First Year,” Casey discusses the challenges of finding that first job after college. William Ruiz stops by to talk about his time at FOX Sports Radio and how he kick started his career. The “My First Year” podcast is a GEAR UP production. Series Concept by Juan Maya Hernandez. Hosted by Casey Weld Audio production and post-production services by TinDragon Media. Production music courtesy of epidemicsound.com Special thanks to: GEAR UP 4 LA Study Smart Tutors The GE...

Jul 17, 2020•13 min•Season 1Ep. 1

My First Year Trailer

Jul 10, 2020•1 min

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