Shows
Zenith of Your StoryS4E1: Eduardo Mesa: Engineering Internships and the StoicsThis episode features Eduardo Mesa, an engineering student speaking on his experiences with major engineering companies, how to get hired and how to prepare for that liminal chance at an interview. We delve into questions of history, philosophy, and how the Stoics really helped him through covid and his new perspectives in life. I had a lot of fun in this episode and Eduardo is still always inspiring.
2025-09-2052 minZenith of Your StoryS3E2: Zahylis Leon story of switching from STEM to Law schoolThis episode profiles a unique story of a young woman pursuing a degree in STEM just because jobs in healthcare are more secure. In the pursuit of job security and social mobility, students of immigrants are often faced with choice between responsibility and passion in their career. Sahylis shares her story of trying to make the right choice based on her values and her future.
2025-02-1236 minZenith of Your StoryS3E1: Carlos Cardenas on Choosing between passion and security for a future jobCarlos Cardenas is double physics and math major with concentrations in biology in chemistry speaking about being able to distinguish between job that give financial security and being able to practice his passion for genetic engineering. this episode is filled with experiences of having to make a big life decision. for your future and how to make move that align with values and lifestyle. We learn a whole lot about genetic engineering, actuary, and the difficult choices for the future.
2025-01-2241 minZenith of Your StoryS2E5 Xavier Calvo: The Importance of Family in Student successThis special episode is dedicated to all the mothers out there for Mothers Day. This episode features a story of my student Xavier, a Biology major in his senior year. He tells the story of a hard semester navigating the very heavy news of his mother being diagnosed with breast cancer and having to hide it from his brother who was in medical school. Balancing school, taking care of his family, and his emotional strength to keep it all together, this story is an inspiration of hope and fortitude found in those that care.
2024-05-1247 minZenith of Your StoryS2E4 Soichi and Kenneth: Applying to Physics Graduate SchoolSeason 2 Episode 4 is with two special guest, Soichi Gomez and Kenneth Lopez, senior and junior physics majors getting ready to apply to graduate school. They discuss their stories and worries in getting ready to move away from home, a big step for Hispanic and Latino families, as well how to know you've been the right advisor and graduate program. Both also share their personal stories and choices influenced by privilege and disabilities.
2024-03-1146 minZenith of Your StoryS2E3 Matthew Pena: Relatable Professors and MindfulnessSeason 2 Episode 3 is with Matthew Pena a Junior undergrad in a Civil engineering major. He shares how impactful the active learning course in physics was to his confidence and how important it was to have professors connect with students. Mathew also shares his story of how impactful it was to shift his entire priorities away from work and be more committed to school. This shift is not easy for the typical student that maintain themselves and helps their family financially. Shifting this mindset and putting your priorities into perspective is an important part of being a Hispanic student in...
2024-01-1055 minZenith of Your StoryS2E2: Luanna: How to navigate STEM and Mental HealthThis episode is very dear and important for me. It targets critical and impactful topics of students mental health through their education. Luanna Campos, a chemistry major shares her very impactful story of her journey through her education while managing and navigating her own mental health and diagnosis in bipolar disorder and multiple personality disorder.
2023-10-0452 minZenith of Your StoryS2E1: Idaykis, Get to know the host Q&AAfter a summer break I wanted to start a new school year with a new season and a new episode where you get to know a little bit more about me as a host, who i am , what kind of research i am interested in, what my favorite physics topics are, and the summer trips that really make an impact. Although I like to share my stories through the stories of the students I interact with, this introduction to season two was a way to ease into the new semester with a little more insight. I am joined by t...
2023-08-3048 minZenith of Your StoryS1E7: Daniel, Finding internships in EngineeringEpisode 7 is with Mechanical Engineering student Daniel Fuentes Rodriguez. A Puerto Rican man telling his stories of managing school, personal life and internship job. Now that summer is coming, there are many opportunities for students to expand their resume and have research and internships. Learn about his experience and how to look for the right fit for you. Most inspiring is his message for other Latino students to consider leaving home and relocating for jobs and opportunities.
2023-05-0350 minZenith of Your StoryS1E6: Sabrina, Switching from Political Science to EngineeringEpisode 6 is with Sabrina Garcia, an undergraduate Latina women in STEM. Her story and experience in navigating her mechanical engineering major after having switched from the totally unlikely place of political science. Sabrina speaks to her reasons for changing out of political science due to such a polarized environment and finally listening to her inner drive and curiosity for rockets and space. Sharing her perspective as a woman in STEM speaks to the constant resilience in her efforts to persist.
2023-04-1244 minZenith of Your StoryS1E5: John, Community building for engineering successEpisode 5 is with my current student at the time John Pulgarin-Angel. Different from other students that I have known for a longer time, John shares his story of coming int o my class not knowing what to expect and the importance of building community and friendships for his success his engineering degree. This episode is special in how it reflects a live example of actual office hours where we discussed career advice, mentoring, and classroom culture, a the impact on students.
2023-03-2940 minZenith of Your StoryS1E4: Sony, Coming back to school after the workforceEpisode 4 invites Sony Raymond, a non-traditional student to share his story. As a non-traditional college student, Sony had to start in the workforce from the very early age of 15 years old in order to provide for his family. It is not until almost 15 years after that he is now finishing his undergraduate degree and pursuing his goal of going to medical school. Sony talks with me about being an athlete, injuries and all the ups and downs the life brings; what it looks like to provide for his mom and siblings; and even manage relationships along the way. Coming...
2023-03-1545 minZenith of Your StoryS1E3: Anabel, Medical school away from homeEpisode 3 with Anabel Sanchez, a medical school student that just got into medical school away from home. We talk about the nitty gritty of missing home, how expensive things can get, and the importance of support systems and friends to establish a routine with in oder to stay focused. Anabel shares how long it took her to achieve this milestone and the experiences that got her to succeed. The most important message of her story is to never give up of following your dream.
2023-03-0134 minZenith of Your StoryS1E2: Gabe, Reaching your medical school goalsEpisode 2: Gabe is a pre health track student that has such a wonderful story to share. In his journey through test anxiety, strategies for MCAT prep, and the challenges of academic "rock bottom", his message is truly motivating. In this episode we talk about believing you can reach your goals and how to balance school, work, finances, and opportunities. Taking a meaningful look at oneself and the choices we have, can make a great impact on personal perspective and one's true potential.
2023-02-1541 minZenith of Your StoryS1E1: Joinee, Graduate school motivationMy first episode I wanted to share it with the co-creator of this idea. My good friend Joinee Taylor, a graduate student in education research. As an international Black Caribbean student, she speaks to experiences with race, challenges with work and academia, and those special pieces of her story that keeps her motivated.
2023-02-0130 min