Episode 23: Making Space for Memory: Caregiving, Community, and Creativity

Episode 23: Making Space for Memory: Caregiving, Community, and Creativity

In this episode of Creative Journeys, Dave and Melanie sit down with Tarah Loy-Ash, Associate Professor in Southern’s Department of Recreation, Tourism, and Sport Management, for a conversation about creativity, care, and the human need for connection. Tarah shares the story behind Southern’s Memory Cafe, a community-centered program that supports caregivers and loved ones living with Alzheimer’s and related forms of dementia. Together, they explore how creativity shows up in recreation therapy, caregiving, student learning, and the small acts of adaptation that help people feel seen, supported, and less alone. It’s a heartfelt conversation about aging, family, service, and the kind of creative work that often happens quietly—but can make a profound difference in people’s lives. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Episode 22: SCSU Bridging Pathways Conference - Part 5

This is the fifth of five episodes of Creative Journeys recorded live at the Spring 2026 Bridging Pathways Conference, hosted by the SCSU Innovation Hub, where students, educators, and professionals came together to explore creativity, mentorship, leadership, and the many pathways that shape meaningful work. In this conversation, SCSU students Steven and Isaac reflect on physics, engineering, music, ethics, and the many ways different interests can shape one another. Steven, a senior physics engineering major with a minor in computer science, discusses how the conference opened up new possibilities as he considers graduate school, Ph.D. programs, and career opportunities. Isaac, a second-year physics engineering major with a minor in music, shares his passion for aerospace, aviation, drumline, music production, and the creative overlap between sound, science, and engineering. Together, they offer a thoughtful reminder that building a pathway is not just about choosing a career, but about holding onto your humanity, believing you belong, and making space for the interests that keep you energized. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Episode 21: SCSU Bridging Pathways Conference - Part 4

This fourth of five episode of Creative Journeys recorded live at the Spring 2026 Bridging Pathways Conference, hosted by the SCSU Innovation Hub, where students, educators, and professionals came together to explore creativity, mentorship, leadership, and the many pathways that shape meaningful work. In this conversation, SCSU students Gisela and Joel share their perspectives from inside the conference, reflecting on belonging, representation, mentorship, and the value of stepping outside your comfort zone. Gisela, a first-year nursing major in the Honors College, discusses her interest in health equity and public health, while Joel, a junior business administration major and campus radio host, talks about balancing responsibilities, building confidence, and trying new opportunities. Together, they offer a student-centered reminder that meaningful pathways often begin with simply showing up, making connections, and being willing to “just do it.” ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Episode 20: SCSU Bridging Pathways Conference - Part 3

This third of five episode of Creative Journeys recorded live at the Spring 2026 Bridging Pathways Conference, hosted by the SCSU Innovation Hub, where students, educators, and professionals came together to explore creativity, mentorship, leadership, and the many pathways that shape meaningful work. In this conversation, Jamai Scarlett reflects on his journey from Jamaica to Southern Connecticut State University, where he arrived just before the disruption of COVID and eventually completed his MBA. He shares how determination, curiosity, and a willingness to follow unexpected opportunities led him through engineering, economics, tax operations, solar canvassing, business networking, climate-focused startups, and graduate leadership experiences. Along the way, Jamai offers a thoughtful perspective on resilience, mentorship, redefining success, and building a life rooted not only in career growth, but in family, self-understanding, creativity, and personal purpose. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Episode 19: SCSU Bridging Pathways Conference - Part 2

This second of five episode of Creative Journeys recorded live at the Spring 2026 Bridging Pathways Conference, hosted by the SCSU Innovation Hub, where students, educators, and professionals came together to explore creativity, mentorship, leadership, and the many pathways that shape meaningful work. In this conversation, Melissa Jagrosse reflects on her journey from SCSU alum to Ph.D. scientist working in bioanalytical research and diagnostics at Alexion Pharmaceuticals/AstraZeneca. She shares how childhood interests in paleontology, cancer research, astronomy, biology, and chemistry eventually converged into a career at the intersection of science, problem-solving, and discovery. Along the way, Melissa offers honest insight into graduate school, burnout, choosing the right advisor, building resilience, and making room for passions beyond work—reminding us that even the most ambitious pathways are rarely linear and always leave room for learning. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.