Alma, BA Social Work

Hector, Community and Regional Planning & Minor in Latino Studies

Entering college, Hector Hernandez Morales (he/him) was unsure if this was the right track for him. Throughout his six-year journey, there was a lot of back and forth if he should continue or not. Now, Hector is a senior at Iowa State University majoring in Community and Regional Planning with a Minor in Latino Studies. A transcript for this episode is available here. [https://learninglab.si.edu/q/ll-c/1olieKdYPpt2WCQz#r/1401552]

Oscar, Management with Minors in Spanish & Accounting

Oscar Grijalva (he/him) is a senior at Iowa State University with a degree in Management and minors in Spanish and Accounting. Even though he was ready for the freedom and independence that came with college, being a big Mama's boy made him miss home. Family is one of Oscar's highest values, which helped him manage college's excitement and the homesickness that came with it.  A transcript for this episode is available here. [https://learninglab.si.edu/q/ll-c/1olieKdYPpt2WCQz#r/1399733]

Carlos, Pharm.D & Certificate in Global Health Studies

When Carlos Nuñez (he/him) first began college, he was uncertain if he would be able to finish due to the Trump administration's stance on immigration policies. While battling those uncertainties is difficult, he continues to work towards earning his Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) with a Certificate in Global Health Studies at the University of Iowa. It is Carlos' perseverance that has helped him throughout college porque sí se puede. I am so proud of everything he has accomplished, and I hope he is too.  A transcript for this episode is available here.  [https://learninglab.si.edu/q/ll-c/1olieKdYPpt2WCQz#r/1396255]

Alma, BA Social Work

Alma Apolonio Bernal (she/her/ella) recently graduated top of her class from Mount Mercy University in 2021. Although Alma began college to honor her family, she finished college for herself and all the other Latinas. Her representation as a Latina college graduate means the absolute world to me.  A transcript for this episode is available here. [https://learninglab.si.edu/q/ll-c/1olieKdYPpt2WCQz#r/1393095]

Val, Realtor

Bonus episode!  There is no "right" way to go about college. Some people go right after high school, some wait a few years, and some give it a try and decide another career is calling their name. Listen to Val Ramos (she/her) talk about how taking a break from college to pursue realty was the right choice for her.  A transcript for this episode is available here. [https://learninglab.si.edu/q/ll-c/1olieKdYPpt2WCQz#r/1388344]