Degree Diaries Podcast

Dr. Terry Orozco sits down with Yeni Portillo, an online business coach, adjunct early education professor,and educator whose story reflects immigration, resilience , education, and growth. Born in El Salvador during the civil war, Yeni came to the United States at age 10 and had to adjust to a new country, a new language, and a new school system. After being separated from her parents for about 1...

In this episode, I’m joined by Alejandra Jimenez Velasco, a proud eldest daughter, born in Mexico, first-generation college graduate, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Together, we talk about Alejandra’s journey of coming to the U.S. at 4 years old, learning English as a child, and growing up carrying both pride and pressure as the first in her family to attend college and earn bachelor’...

Welcome to Degree Diaries Podcast: Where Every Path Has a Story. In this episode, I’m joined by Anna, a first-generation Mexican-American, the eldest daughter of immigrants, a mother of two, and a licensed marriage and family therapist in Texas. Together, we talk about Anna’s nonlinear journey through college, the reality of graduating with a bachelor’s degree and not immediately finding work in h...

This short intro gives you a glimpse of what to expect this season—real stories, different journeys, and honest conversations about growth, education, pivots, and purpose. If you’re listening, take a screenshot and tag @degreediariespodcast on Instagram so I can see you’re tuning in. 🎙️🎧📚🎓 Time waits for no one.

Iris Canela is a proud first-generation Mexican-American and the eldest daughter from San José, California. She’s a former K–12 special education teacher turned corporate sales + customer success pro—who began a new chapter two years ago as a life coach focused on surrender work. In this episode, Iris shares how high achievement and the urge to control every outcome led to burnout—and how inner wo...

Juda is a mom of 2, a first-gen eldest daughter, a maternal mental health advocate, and a psychotherapist. In this episode, we talk about postpartum, motherhood as an introvert, juggling school while raising babies, and what it really looks like to need support and still keep going. Her story is honest and tender, a reminder that you don’t have to “have it all together” to keep moving forward.

In this episode, I sat down with Joanna Oyarzabal Méndez, a first-gen Berkeley alum who made a bold move from California to Oaxaca, Mexico She opened up about navigating burnout, reconnecting with her roots, and choosing a slower, intentional life that honors her spirit. This conversation is a reminder that success doesn’t have to look one way — and it’s okay to choose peace over pressure.

In episode 2, I sit down with Natalie Madrigal, a second-generation Latina from the Bronx who followed her ambition all the way to Boston University Raised by strong mujeres, Natalie shares how her upbringing shaped her drive for higher education — and what it really took to navigate college life far from home.

In our very first episode, I sit down with Coach Cirene Marquez — a pastoral coach and certified mental health coach committed to equipping and empowering women through life transitions. We dive into her academic journey, the obstacles she's overcome, and how she now supports women in building vision and purpose during uncertain seasons. ✨ Whether you’re a student facing doubt or someone navi...