The Path to Success as a Nontraditional Student

Getting to Know the SMCC President and Dean of Students

In this special episode of The Pack Perspective Podcast, SMCC President Kristen Miller and Dean of Students Jason Saucier join the Pack Perspective team for an engaging conversation across three dynamic segments focused on leadership, growth, and the SMCC student experience. Listeners will hear personal stories that highlight each guest’s journey through higher education, along with insights into their leadership styles and the values that guide their work on campus. The discussion also spotlights key campus resources and the importance of building a strong sense of belonging within the SMCC community. Throughout the episode, hosts Aidan, Bree, and Chris guide the conversation with student-driven questions that bring forward practical advice for navigating college life. This is an episode for everyone: students, staff, and community members alike, offering perspective and actionable takeaways for making the most of the SMCC experience. Podcast Credits Hosts Bree Michaud, Chris Mpuhwe, and Aidan Burchill Guests Kristen Miller and Jason Saucier Script Writers Bree Michaud, Chris Mpuhwe, Aidan Burchill, and Benedite Vangu Produced by Bree Michaud  Edited by Bree Michaud If you are interested in joining the Pack Perspective Podcast team next year, please reach out to bree.michaud@mainecc.edu [bree.michaud@mainecc.edu]

SMCC Athletics Part 2: Mens Basketball

In this episode of The Pack Perspective Podcast, host Aiden Burchill sits down with SMCC men’s basketball player Braden Rodrigue to break down a standout season for the Seawolves, highlighted by a historic 13-game win streak that led the team to become Yankee Small College Conference champions. As a first-year point guard, Rodrigue talks about bringing high energy, staying locked in with his teammates, and playing with consistent effort throughout the grind of the season. The conversation also dives into what helped Rodrigue and his team maintain that same focus from the classroom to the court during their championship run. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about SMCC athletics, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. To learn more, visit SMCC Athletics site at gosmccseawolves.com [http://www.gosmccseawolves.com]. Podcast Credits Host Aidan Burchill Guest Braden Rodrigue  Script Writers Aidan Burchill Produced by Bree Michaud  Edited by Bree Michaud If you are interested in joining the Pack Perspective Podcast team next year, please reach out to bree.michaud@mainecc.edu [bree.michaud@mainecc.edu]

Navigating Mental Health Resources at SMCC

In this episode of the Pack Perspective Podcast, host Bree Michaud and guest Savannah Johnson discuss mental health resources available to students at Southern Maine Community College (SMCC), highlighting both campus-based and community support systems. The episode explores services such as BetterMynd counseling, the Advocacy Resource Center (ARC), the SMCC Care Team, and Student Accessibility Services, offering students clear guidance on what support is available and how to access it. The conversation blends Savannah’s personal experience with practical information about navigating mental health support during college. Alongside that perspective, the episode emphasizes the importance of normalizing conversations around mental health, reducing stigma, and reminding students that they are not alone in what they may be experiencing. Seeking help is presented as a valid and encouraged step, especially in a college environment where many students face similar challenges. All students are encouraged to tune in for an open and relatable discussion that helps break down barriers around mental health and encourages students to feel more comfortable reaching out for support.   Mental Health Resources: BetterMynd Website: https://www.bettermynd.com/ [https://www.bettermynd.com/] SMCC Student Accessibility Services Website: https://www.smccme.edu/academics/student-accessibility-services/ [https://www.smccme.edu/academics/student-accessibility-services/] SMCC Counseling Support: https://www.smccme.edu/student-life/counseling/ [https://www.smccme.edu/student-life/counseling/] Sweetser Maine Therapist Search: https://www.sweetser.org/find-a-maine-therapist/ [https://www.sweetser.org/find-a-maine-therapist/] NAMI Maine Resources: https://namimaine.org/maines-mental-health-resource-database/ [https://namimaine.org/maines-mental-health-resource-database/] Advocacy Resource Center Information:  Phone - 207-741-5809 Email - smccarc@mainecc.edu [smccarc@mainecc.edu] Location - 185 Benjamin Pickett St, South Portland, ME 04106 [https://www.smccme.edu/mapsopo]   Podcast Credits Host Bree Michaud Guest Savannah Johnson Script Writers Bree Michaud Produced by Bree Michaud  Edited by Bree Michaud

The Path to Success as a Nontraditional Student

In this episode of the Pack Perspective Podcast, hosts Bree Michaud and Chris Mpuhwe sit down with Katelyn McKay and Anthony Knight to discuss the college experiences of nontraditional students in higher education and what it means to build a sense of belonging on campus at Southern Maine Community College. Together, our guests and hosts explore the challenges of college, particularly for nontraditional students who return to college after spending time away or begin their journeys later than the typical college age. They address the uncertainty of taking a nontraditional path, including feeling out of place, navigating age-related stereotypes, and balancing the demands of college with work and family responsibilities. The episode also focuses on what actually supports student success in college, including knowing how to use campus resources and building strong support systems. Additionally, Anthony Knight shares perspective from the Veterans Resource Center, speaking to veteran and military-connected students in higher education and their transition from military life to college, including adjusting to new routines and civilian life. Listeners will gain insight into navigating college, building confidence in higher education, and using SMCC student resources to support their success. The conversation connects real challenges with practical strategies and shows how students can move forward and find their place in college at any stage of life. To learn more about the Veterans Resource Center, visit: https://www.smccme.edu/admissions-aid/veterans/ [https://www.smccme.edu/admissions-aid/veterans/] Podcast Credits Hosts Bree Michaud and Chris Mpuhwe Guests Katelyn McKay and Anthony Knight Script Writers Bree Michaud, Aidan Burchill, and Chris Mpuhwe Produced by Bree Michaud and Chris Mpuhwe  Edited by Bree Michaud

Valentines Day at SMCC

On today’s episode of the Pack Perspective Podcast, hosts Bree Michaud, Aidan Burchill, and Chris Mpuhwe talk all things Valentine’s Day, including modern dating and relationships as college students at Southern Maine Community College (SMCC). The hosts share their Valentine’s Day hot takes, discuss dating as college students, and offer some relationship advice along the way. From navigating single life to celebrating with a partner or friends, this episode features honest opinions, relatable conversations, and plenty of humor to keep things light while offering real perspectives on love, communication, and connection. No matter how you are celebrating Valentine’s Day, this episode is for you. Podcast Credits Hosts Chris Mpuhwe, Bree Michaud, and Aidan Burchill Script Writers Bree Michaud, Aidan Burchill, and Chris Mpuhwe Produced by Bree Michaud, Aidan Burchill, and Chris Mpuhwe Edited by Bree Michaud