Grad School Femtoring: Inclusive Grad School Stories, Personal Development, and Productivity Tips for First-Gen BIPOCs

In this solo episode, I cover the topic of how to overcome dissertation writing anxiety. Writing anxiety refers to the feelings of fear, stress, and/or uncertainty you may feel when engaging in some sort of writing, especially academic writing. This episode discusses six common obstacles that can get in the way of you making progress in your writing and can also contribute to writing anxiety. They...

In this solo episode, I cover the topic of surviving college and grad school as a highly sensitive student. I begin the episode by defining neurodiversity and differences in neurotypes. Then I go on to discuss neurodivergence and list a few well-known and lesser known forms of neurodivergence. After that, I share my own experience as a highly sensitive person, what that means, and I share strategi...

This week our special guest is Dr. Reka C. Barton (@thescholarlysewist) who discusses the topic of grief and loss during a doctoral program. Dr. Reka is a graduate of the Joint Doctoral Program with San Diego State University and Claremont Graduate University. She received her BA in Psychology and Master of Teaching in Elementary Education from the University of Virginia and served as an elementar...

This week our special guest is Dr. La’Tonya "LT" Rease Miles who discusses the topic of how to support nontraditional students and adult learners. LT is a Director of Sales and University Partnerships at ReUp Education. A first-generation college graduate and former "stop out" student, LT has established two successful programs for first-generation college students — one at UCLA and the other at L...

In this solo episode, I cover the topic of why many amazing higher ed employees are leaving. While many academic outlets discuss the adjunctification of academia and the many reasons why professors are leaving the ivory tower, fewer have discussed the increased exodus of higher ed staff members. This episode not only shares many reasons why people have left, including myself, but also what you can...

This week our special guest is Benjamin Perez who discusses the topic of the power of using social media for community advocacy. Benjamin is a first-generation college graduate and now a first-generation professional. He creates content that brings awareness on topics such as higher education, mental health, masculinity, assimilation, first-gen education, mental health, masculinity, first-gen expe...

In this solo episode, I cover the topic of how to set boundaries in grad school with email scripts! I don’t know if you’re like me but I see so many professionals that encourage you to set boundaries without offering examples of how. Well, in this episode you’ll find plenty of sample email scripts that you’ll want to save to modify and use next time you need to set a boundary in your higher ed jou...

This week our special guests are Ariana Aparicio Aguilar and Patricia Ayala, who you may know as co-hosts of the Xicana Code Switchers podcast. Ariana began her educational journey at Santa Rosa Junior College and transferred to Sonoma State University where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with distinction. She also holds a Master’s in Education with a focus on Higher Education from...

In this solo episode, I cover the topic of how to start your self-improvement journey with just five minutes a day. I discuss my own personal development journey and how frustrating it has been to not see many people in this space who look like me, sound like me, or have shared experiences. I also cover seven areas of self-improvement you can start today informed by a growth journal that I curated...

This week our special guest is Dr. Evingerlean D. B. Hudson who discusses the topic of overcoming adversity as a first-generation entrepreneur. Dr. Eve is the founder and president of Evingerlean Worldwide®—an entity created to empower first-generation scholars and professionals across the globe. Dr. Eve is committed to being a champion for historically underserved communities, creating safe space...

In this solo episode, I share some insights with you on my most played episodes in 2022 based on my podcasting platform data. You’ll learn more about which topics and which guests had the most listens this year, and why I think they were so popular. This information will help shape the topics and future guests I have on for 2023. Listen to this episode and let me know if your favorite episode made...

This week our special guests are Dra. Renee Lemus and Dra. Cristina Rose, also known as Las Doctoras, and they discuss the topic of how podcasting can be used as a medium for academic scholarship. Las Doctoras are acclaimed radical influencers, podcasters, writers, and Latina thought leaders. They are also creative partners in the Las Dras Podcast, Book Club, Sacred Writing Course, and their Saint...

In this solo episode, I reflect on my year and the major life lessons I learned, which are informed by my experiences coaching, moving abroad, writing a book, and podcasting. It’s been a little over a year since leaving my higher ed staff job to pursue academic coaching and entrepreneurship as my new career. It’s been a year since moving my family from Southern California to Northern Portugal. It’...

This week our special guest is Janay Garrett who discusses the topic of the urgency of mother-scholar activism in grad school. Janay is a mother of three fierce, beautiful and bright children, ages 1, 3 and 5. Currently in Connecticut with her husband James, she is passionate about writing, scholarship, mentorship and improving community contexts/supports under which families grow. In this episode...

This solo episode is for anyone who would like support with managing feelings of overwhelm during the holiday season. Whether you're a busy first-gen student or professional, the late fall term can be an especially hectic season and most of us could use some strategies for getting work done and surviving this season with less stress. This episode is especially helpful for those of us who experienc...

This week our special guest is Dra. Lisette Sanchez who discusses the topic of mental health awareness for first-gen students and professionals. Dra. Lisette is a bilingual and bicultural licensed psychologist, coach, and speaker. She is the founder of Calathea Wellness, a virtual practice providing individual therapy, coaching, and speaking services. In addition, she has a passion for working wit...

In this solo episode, I share a powerful life assessment exercise you can try out to help you get out of a place of feeling stuck in your life. This episode is for you if you’ve been feeling down and in a funk lately. This episode is for you if you want to reflect, assess, and make some changes in your life. This episode is also for you if you are willing to give yourself a moment of pause, a mome...

This week our special guest is Sydnee Mack who discusses the topic of what you need to know about law school. Sydnee is an experienced sports, media and entertainment attorney, law professor and podcast host of The Sugar Fee Podcast with a heart for service and a flair for the dramatic. She hopes to change the world through artful storytelling, impeccable communication and real, honest conversatio...

In this solo episode, I discuss how to regain creativity in grad school and beyond. I share about my experience losing my creativity in grad school and offer specific examples of how you can interweave creativity within your academic work. This episode is also an excerpt of the writing I share in my bi-weekly email newsletter. If you liked what you heard, definitely sign up for my email newsletter...

In this replay episode, which originally aired on May 28, 2020, I tackle the issue of time-management, lack of focus, and lack of motivation that many students and individuals are experiencing now that we've transitioned to online instruction. I provide 14 different tips to help with this issue, which includes setting a routine, relying on a support system, and lowering your bar, among others.  *N...

This week our special guest is Dr. Emmanuela Stanislaus, who discusses the topic of career development 101 for graduate students. Dr. Emmanuela is a multi-passionate professional who serves as a diversity researcher and consultant, doctorate coach, scholar, and podcast host of the Writing on My Mind podcast. In this episode we cover: How her Haitian immigrant parents' entrepreneurial experience in...

In this episode, I discuss essential components of creating an effective CV for graduate school applications. I explain the differences between a resume and a CV, and outline the key sections to include, such as contact information, education, research experience, presentations, publications, honors and awards, and more. I also provide tips on formatting and avoiding common mistakes. Whether you'r...

This week our special guest is Xochitl Clare, who discusses the topic of how to carve and intersectional and interdisciplinary path for yourself. Xochitl is a Afro-Latina Marine Biologist & Performing Artist with Caribbean & Central American heritage. Her Ph. D. research provides valuable insights on how ecosystems and the fisheries they support are coping with ocean warming and how this could imp...

This solo episode will provide you with insights on what to do when applying to graduate school with a chronic illness. There are several different considerations you may have to ensure you receive the support, treatment, and accommodations you need. No graduate program is the same, therefore it is imperative to do your research to identify programs and institutions that have a track record of sup...

This week our special guest is Laura Quintero-Soekarnsingh who shares her experience studying abroad and then moving abroad to the Netherlands. Laura is a program officer at ECHO, Expertise Center for Diversity Policy who has been involved in multiple diversity and inclusion projects in the U.S. and the Netherlands. During her studies at UCLA, she combined her Sociology major with projects in acce...