By the Riviera with Special Guest Aranza Rivera

By the Riviera with Special Guest Aranza Rivera

In this episode of Da Collegiate Chronicle, I’m joined by Aranza Rivera, a former Disney College Program participant from the University of Connecticut who spent her fall at Disney’s Resorts. We talk about what it’s like standing at a crossroads—choosing discipline over comfort, returning home to study for the MCAT, and navigating the quiet pressure of feeling behind while doing what’s right for you. From the highs and lows of the Disney College Program to the lessons that take the longest to learn, this conversation is about timing, resilience, and trusting your own path. Because sometimes growth doesn’t happen center stage—it happens by the Riviera.

The Grand Club with Special Guest Julia Abraham

In this episode of Da Collegiate Chronicle, I’m joined by Julia Abraham, a current Disney College Program participant from the University of Nebraska—Lincoln. During her spring at Disney’s Resorts, she stepped away from campus life to immerse herself fully in the program—embracing both the magic and the uncertainty of a gap semester. We talk about the highs and lows of the Disney College Program, what people romanticize about it, and what it really means to pause your expected timeline. This conversation is about timing, resilience, and trusting yourself in seasons that don’t look traditional. Because sometimes growth doesn’t happen at the parks—it happens at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Tea Time with Special Guest Chemya McGhee

In this episode of Da Collegiate Chronicle, I’m joined by Chemya McGhee, a former Disney College Program Participant representing Valdosta State University. We first met while working at Disney’s Water Parks, and since then, Chemya and I have continued our journey at Disney Springs through our program extensions. What started as co-workers turned into a meaningful friendship—and in this conversation, we go deeper. We explore identity, growth, and how being a part of a community has shaped her college and professional experiences. From finding your role and trusting the process, to learning how your sense of self influences the spaces you enter, this episode is about becoming comfortable in who you are—even while you’re still evolving. Because growth isn’t instant. It’s intentional. And it takes time.

The Will to Be with Special Guest Will Kersting

In this episode of Da Collegiate Chronicle, I’m joined by Will Kersting, a transfer student from the University of Kentucky, now studying at the University of Cincinnati. We met in a Kinesiology & Health Promotion class at UK and have stayed close ever since. This conversation explores what it means to grow into your identity, belonging, and the quiet confidence it takes to live authentically. We talk about navigating friendship, masculinity, academics, and the mental weight that can come with self-discovery. Will reflects on transferring schools, stepping away from spaces that no longer felt aligned, and learning to trust his gut. At its core, this episode is about choosing yourself—even when it’s uncomfortable. Because sometimes becoming who you are isn’t loud—it’s intentional. And sometimes the most powerful changes are the ones no one sees but you.

Walker Home with Special Guest Jada Walker

In this episode of Da Collegiate Chronicle, I’m joined by Jada Walker, a former Division I athlete at both the University of Kentucky and Baylor University, now continuing her professional basketball career overseas in Budapest, Hungary with Csata Kosárlabda. We talk about what it means to grow up as an athlete—choosing dedication over fun, moving far from home, and navigating the transfer portal, handling the pressure that comes with competing at the highest collegiate level. From the highs & lows of college basketball to the lessons that take the a lifetime to truly understand, this conversation is about growth, confidence, and trust. Because at the highest level growth isn’t promised—it’s demanded.