Dr. Dimitrios Vonofakos joins us to pick up where we left off on our previous episode, “Life’s Pop Quiz: The Unexpected Lessons of a Grad School Exam,” alongside Anish Merchant. Dimitrios summons up his encyclopedia of knowledge on the psychological aspects of test-taking to bring us a fresh perspective on test anxiety, facing your fears, and applying problem-solving frameworks to real-world challenges (not just test-taking). Join us for an in-depth guide to overcoming mental hurdles and acing t...
Aug 17, 2023•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Anish Merchant often recounts “The Hero’s Journey” — the story of a hero who goes on a grand adventure to find where he or she belongs. Stories like this inspired Anish to leave the U.S. in pursuit of his own grand adventure — one that helped him find where he belonged: in Buenas Aires, Argentina. Rather than this signaling the end of his journey, it was the birth of a new one. Anish’s new calling took shape in the form of his company, Merchant GMAT & Admissions , which helps students naviga...
Jul 21, 2023•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast Introduction Maryam Esmat, a Forbes Middle East 30 Under 30 honoree, returns for the second part of her interview. In this episode, Maryam shares the work she’s done for NASA by AURA on the James Webb Space Telescope , her current research on the topic of dark matter, and the rarity of Arabs in the physics realm. Join us to hear how Maryam is mentoring the next generation and paving the way for students looking to follow in her footsteps. Episode Summary 02:00 - Maryam reflects on her time at th...
Jun 02, 2023•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast Introduction Maryam Esmat’s 24 years of life have played out like a greatest hits album. She’s graced the pages of Forbes Middle East 30 Under 30 for her work in astrophysics and donned the title of the youngest published author in the Middle East — yet, if you ask her where we are in her life’s story, she’d tell you we’ve only read the prologue. Maryam is currently pursuing her PhD at Johns Hopkins University , and if that’s any indication, her story is shaping up to be one for the history book...
May 12, 2023•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Introduction Danny Nguyen returns for Part 2 of his two-part interview. In this episode, Danny shares his optimistic outlook for the future of international students and the importance of elevating student voices. Despite his optimism, he sees areas for improvement, particularly in accounting for the experiences of international students. Join Simon and Danny as they discuss the state of job prospecting, the weight of comparison, and the importance of community. Episode Summary 02:09 - Danny spe...
Mar 07, 2023•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Introduction 1977 — In a year remembered for the “ Fall of Saigon ,” and “Black April,” Danny Nguyen and his family were caught in the middle of a war-torn Vietnam. Call it courage or call it desperation — Danny’s parents wanted a better life for their five children, and if that meant sailing out into the dark, cold ocean to find it, then so be it. The VP of Administrative Services at Mission College you see today is in stark contrast to the four-year-old who’d just landed in America in 1977. As...
Feb 07, 2023•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast Introduction Jessie Gentles is the 3%. The world of IT has thrived as a highly-lucrative, high-growth industry — but the caveat? You’re not going to find many Black women crowding in to become the next IT specialist. As a Jamaican-born woman and software engineering student at Miami University, Jessie represents a demographic that’s shied away from IT — one that’s representing only 3% of the IT space, but she’s not alone. Black Wings is a small, but growing community that supports underrepresent...
Jan 19, 2023•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast Introduction Paige Steffy returns for Part 2 of a two-part interview. In this episode, Paige reflects on themes that follow every international student on their journey; hope, empathy, and connection. She’s walked the walk of an international student, and now she’s walking beside them on their student journey as part of Unibuddy . Join us to hear how Paige envisions the future of international students. Episode Summary 02:26 - Simon and Paige take a moment to explore the roots of Paige’s last na...
Nov 22, 2022•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Introduction The magic of Harry Potter captivated a generation of dreamers and stood as a gateway to another world; for one Paige Steffy, it was also a glimpse into her future. Paige graduated from UC Davis with a double major in psychology and Spanish, then worked in the admissions office at Willamette University . Her next adventure wasn’t quite Hogwarts, but, for her Master's program, Paige moved to the U.K. and attended Royal Holloway, University of London . Today, Paige is taking the l...
Nov 01, 2022•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Introduction Juliana Pereira returns for Part 2 of a two-part interview. In this episode, Juliana talks about her career as a Geotechnical Engineer who’s carrying the weight of purpose for women in STEM — and that’s not even her greatest challenge. Juliana was diagnosed with uterine cancer just a few years ago, and her most daunting opponent has taught her that life waits for no one. Juliana’s never been one to accept her circumstances, however, and she’s determined to write a legacy that’ll sta...
Oct 14, 2022•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast Introduction Juliana Pereira is a trailblazer; raised by a single mother in Florianópolis, Brazil , she learned at an early age that there’s nothing women can’t do. She began college at the age of 16 and quickly earned her degree in journalism. Her desire to impact the world led her to forego that degree in pursuit of civil engineering. The journey that ensued saw her traveling to five countries, with Juliana making a lasting difference wherever she went. Today, Juliana is continuing to pave the...
Sep 30, 2022•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Introduction Rezarta Mataj had already achieved a great deal in her career at a young age — a federal judge by the age of 24, a lovely family soon after, and the accolades to be an adjunct professor at public and private law schools all across Albania . There was one caveat, however; she couldn’t rid herself of the thought that she’d be able to build a better life for herself and her family in the U.S. Rezarta took a leap of faith, and the future she envisioned has started to take shape. Arizona...
Sep 16, 2022•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast Introduction Luisa Wiewgorra joins us for Part 2 of her two-part interview. In this episode, Luisa reflects on her most memorable experiences studying journalism, and the doors that were opened during her time at Madonna University . It’s one thing to dream, but another to see your dreams become reality. Join us to hear how Luisa is living out her dream of being an honorary reporter on television! Episode Summary 02:21 - Luisa outlines how Madonna University prepped her for her career in journal...
Jul 01, 2022•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Introduction Luisa Wiewgorra dreamed of one day working as a news reporter or TV anchor. It was her talent in volleyball, however, that would open the door for her to chase her dream. Born and raised in Potsdam, Germany, Luisa worked hard to become an accomplished volleyball player which led her to receiving an athletic scholarship from Madonna University . In Part 1 of our 2-part interview, Luisa opens up about her life in Germany, and the demands of a scholarship athlete in the U.S. Episode Su...
Jun 17, 2022•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast INTRODUCTION Bwejua Fachano returns for Part 2 of his two-part interview. In this episode, Bwejua joins us as we do a retrospective of his last three songs; ‘Fade’, ‘Father Father', and ‘Waylon Smithers’. These songs touch on heavy themes including life, death, and depression. In those defining moments, Bwejua could have sunk under the weight of expectation. That’s not who Bwejua is, however, and it’s why he’s found renewed hope for tomorrow. EPISODE SUMMARY 02:18 - ‘Fade’ by Bwejua Fachano...
Jun 03, 2022•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast INTRODUCTION Bwejua Fachano is a lot of things; he’s a talented musician, a cancer survivor, and an international student - but more than that, he’s a dreamer. Through his journey from Abuja, Nigeria to being months away from graduating from Los Angeles City College , Bwejua’s experiences reflect that of a man who dares to dream. Bwejua and Simon explore topics of friendship, family, spirituality, and love, in part one of their two-part podcast! EPISODE SUMMARY 02:50 - Live Performance of ‘Back ...
May 20, 2022•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast Valeria Rivera returns for Part 2 of her two-part interview. In this episode, we delve into Valeria’s love of art, the inspiration she’s taken from her experiences, and the people who have influenced her outlook on art as well as life. We also discuss the unique challenges facing international students in their job search. Although she’s still early in her career, the impact she’s been able to have is only a sign of the incredible work that’s yet to come. We were so impressed by Valeria's s...
May 06, 2022•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast Valeria Rivera personifies the growth you can experience by stepping out of your comfort zone. Her origins brought her from San Salvador, El Salvador , to now being one semester away from graduating with her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Commercial Design from Lycoming College . She’s transformed from a shy international student who just moved to the U.S. to a bold, confident, and creative spirit. She’s found her voice, and she’s ready to share it with the world. SUMMARY 03:07...
Apr 22, 2022•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Duc Pham returns for Part 2 of a two-part interview. In this episode, Duc talks about his experience going from community college student to college professor. The unique insights he was able to obtain through his experiences have helped him understand that the journey through higher education doesn’t follow a single pathway. Learn about the differences between community college and university, and Duc’s perspective on navigating through it. Even for those who are well past their student years, ...
Apr 07, 2022•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast Duc Pham is building upon a legacy inspired by generosity. His story began in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam , and continued through his studies at Santa Rosa Junior College , eventually earning a bachelor’s degree and PhD from Cornell University . Duc is now an assistant professor at Santa Monica College , passing forward the gift of education to the next generation of students. What inspired his journey from student to teacher? Well, it all started with a single spark... SUMMARY 01:58 - If someone ...
Mar 17, 2022•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Liberty Hombe is an advocate for justice - the ultimate example of someone who turns challenges into opportunities. Liberty is a pre-med student born in Zimbabwe but spent much of his childhood in South Africa. He is attending Minnesota State University in Mankato and has started several student organizations that help improve the lives of international students. Today, you can find Liberty empowering students to find their voice as he himself exemplifies the change he wants to see in the world....
Oct 13, 2021•1 hr 12 min•Transcript available on Metacast Johnny Nezha is the founder and CEO of a tech start-up, Khleon , an active contributor on the Vocal Media blog , and is currently attending Los Angeles City College in pursuit of his goals. Johnny was born in Albania but grew up in the suburbs of Venice, Italy. His travels have helped cultivate an interest in subjects such as astronomy and space travel, as well as more pressing topics including student visa issues and the human psyche. Join us as we explore Johnny’s unique interests, ambitions, ...
Oct 13, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Transcript available on Metacast Pietro Rossini, 29, is a Xaverian Missionary from Salerno, Italy, and is pursuing his Master’s of Science in Journalism at Boston University . Pietro has recently completed an ESL program at Framingham State University and is the host of his own podcast, Mission Outlook . Simon and Pietro delve into his upbringing, a deep connection with family and culture, and his journey into discovering himself through his studies and travels. SUMMARY 01:58 - Pietro speaks of his upbringing, early life, and t...
Oct 12, 2021•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast Our mission is to support, educate and celebrate the international student and higher education communities by providing a platform to share authentic stories and exchange ideas. We aim to unite people. To better appreciate and understand our differences, while recognizing our similarities and shared dreams. To inspire and uplift people. To create a more welcoming environment for all individuals. One voice at a time. One story at a time. SUMMARY 00:58 - Who are we, and what do international stud...
Oct 05, 2021•11 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
