OPM

Opportunity on the Mic

Education EN ↓ 50 episodes

Opportunity on the Mic provides a platform for Hamilton College's Opportunity Program to assert its voice, foster its community, and share its stories. Director Aaron Ray and student Meg Lambert provide weekly podcasts that act as a safety valve for all first-generation students wading through the college tide. The podcast aims to provide resources and advice to help our community maximize its opportunities. Contact us at:IG: https://instagram.com/hamilton_op?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Email: heop@hamilton.eduGUEST INTEREST FORM https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd0SL01M5ulFZDDKsfIEESGsoE

Author

OPM

Category

Education

Podcast website

podcasters.spotify.com

Latest episode

Jun 16, 2026

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Episodes

Ep. 44: Grab the Mic, Alejandro Sosa Hernandez! 16.06.2026

Today's episode is a throwback - recorded in October 2024 - featuring Alejandro, who was then a junior. In this highly anticipated episode Meg and Ale discuss their shared experiences growing up in the Midwest, Ale's trajectory as writer and novelist, and life on the Hill. Play close attention to this episode and stay tuned for Part 2, coming soon!

Ep. 43: Grab the Mic, Jaylene Rodriguez! 30.04.2025

Today we are welcomed on by Jaylene! Our first freshman interview of 2025 couldn't have gone better. We explore the Jaylene's upbringing, her transition to Upstate New York, and how college is going for her. Join us for this amazing episode!

Ep. 42: Grab the Mic, Gretha Suarez! 18.03.2025

Today we are joined by Hamilton Alumnus, Class of 2015, Gretha Suarez! In this lovely episode we dive into her journey to Hamilton from Cuba, and the development of her passion of improving transportation conditions, creating accessibility, and public safety. We explore her Fullbright and her current position as a Chief of Staff of the Strategy Unit at NYC DOT! Join us for an adventurous episode!...

Ep 41: Grab the Mic, Meg! 26.02.2025

Have you ever wondered who the woman behind the mic is? Look no further! From humble origins and a dozen unexpected turns that led to Hamilton, this episode covers the journey that our very own Opportunity in the Mic cohost took to get here. Join us for celebration and reflection!

Ep. 40: Grab the Mic, Josh Bruff! 14.02.2025

Today’s episode features OP Alumni, Class of 2005, Joshua Bruff! This former Buffer reflects on his time at Hamilton, and dives deep into the importance of storytelling and mentoring! Join us for an episode that is sure to leave you empowered!

Ep. 39: Grab the Mic, Marquis Palmer! 22.01.2025

Today we are joined by Hamilton College Class of 2018, Marquis Palmer! In this episode, we celebrate many of his accomplishments, including Hamilton's highest honor, the James Super Merrill Prize, Watson Fellowship, among many more. Dive deep into his unconventional admission process, his time at Hamilton, and his continued impact on the communities he is a part of.

Ep. 38: Grab the Mic, Del Gonzales (PART II) 13.01.2025

To kick off 2025, we are welcoming on our most streamed guest of 2024, Del Gonzales! In this episode we catch up with Del on his time abroad studying in the UK, at the Royal Academy of Performing Arts, a prestigious institution where he was the ONLY undergraduate actor! Join us for an amazing episode with an amazing guest!

Ep. 37 Grab the Mic, Aaron Ray! 13.11.2024

Today we welcome on the director of the Opportunity Programs, Aaron Ray! Meg and Kel dive deep into the life and interests of Aaron, reflecting on the journey and impact he has had, and has been impressed upon him. Join us for an episode of laughter, curiosity, and fun!

Ep. 36 First Gen Day! 08.11.2024

In this special episode we celebrate FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENTS! We interviewed first gen students to hear about the challenges, triumphs, journeys to Hamilton College and their experiences navigating college life. First generation college students are often the silent warriors of this campus, trailblazing not just for their families, but for themselves and this campus. Today we celebrate y...

Ep. 35 Summer Reflections: Lessons and Highlights from 2024 25.10.2024

Today we are joined for a mashup summer episode! Jelena Banks and Isaiah Franco share their summer program experience as staff members. Aaron and Meg are joined by freshmen Mello Dar, Miranda Sombrerero, Aminata Camara, Katherine Sillero Martine. Join us for an episode of laughs, fun, and reflection!

Ep. 34 Grab the Mic, Kevin Alexander! 07.10.2024

Today we welcome on OP Alum and ALEX Advisor, Kevin Alexander. In this rich episode we cover topics like DEI in higher edu, the importance of getting from College Hill to Cornhill, and student agency. Be sure to tune in for an amazing episode!

Ep. 33 Grab the Mic, Monica Inzer! 10.09.2024

Today we welcome on the iconic, Monica Inzer! In the midst of her retirement, we celebrate and reflect on her 20 years at Hamilton in the Admission Office! We applaud her leadership trailblazing the transition from merit-based scholarships to need based aid, granting thousands of students access to the great education Hamilton College provides. Join us for a fantastic episode! Also, let us know yo...

Ep. 32 Grab the Mic, President Tepper! 02.09.2024

Today we are joined by the highly anticipated 21st President of Hamilton College, Steven Tepper! Join us for a one-on-one exclusive interview, an episode on creativity, community, and surprises!

Ep. 31 | Grab the Mic, Toni Bullock! 19.08.2024

Today we are joined by the Emmy Award Winning Producer, Unscripted Development Executive, Founder of Callsheets to Cocktails, Opportunity Programs and Hamilton alum, Toni Bullock! Recorded in November of 2023, this episode dives into the Toni Bullock story, tracing her undergraduate experience on the Hill, to her successes in Hollywood. Listen in for an episode of reflection, empowerment, and lots...

Ep. 30 |Grab the Mic, President Wippman! 08.06.2024

Today we are joined by a recognized international law attorney, author, an 20th President of Hamilton College, David Wippman! Join us for an episode of reflection, celebration, and anticipation for whatever the next chapters of life hold!

Ep. 29 | Grab the Mic, Tam Ha! 20.05.2024

Today we are joined by the STEM-oriented, powerhouse senior Tam! We discussed the vitality of resilience, finding community in professors, and beauty of friendships at college. As promised, below is a link for the OP documentary The Garden of Excellence. Watch and listen to the reflections on the summer from students, faculty, and staff. A special shoutout to Polina Igumnova and Kelvin Nunez! http...

Ep. 28 | Grab the Mic, Bella Zegarelli! 13.05.2024

Today we joined by the local talent, OP senior, Bella Zegarelli! We discuss the local Utica community, the resilience that comes with the pre-med track, and reflected on her four years on the hill. Also: check out co-host Kelvin Nunez's single Siembra! Now streaming! Link below https://open.spotify.com/track/5NyY21u7TDe4kjQlpYxO03

Ep. 27 | Grab the Mic, Alissa Mangiaracina! 06.05.2024

Today we are joined by a campus creative, and upstate new yorker, and theatrical force of nature, senior Alissa Mangiaracina! We discussed the importance of accessibility on campus, the power of theatre, and friendship.

Ep.26 | Grab the Mic, Isaiah Franco! 29.04.2024

Today, we have on the inspired community activist, freshman Isaiah Franco! We discussed the first year experience, friendship, and community involvement.

Ep. 25 | Grab the Mic, Gift Chidera Uwakwe! 22.04.2024

Today, we have on the innovative and persistent OP senior, Gift Chidera Uwakwe! We reflected on her journey at Hamilton, the power of perseverance, and importance of friendship!

Ep. 24 | Grab the Mic, Anusha Karki! 15.04.2024

Today, we have the sociology studying senior, Anusha Karki! We reflected on her last four years on the hill, legacies, and moving forward with passion even if we are afraid.

Ep. 23 | Grab the Mic, Jelena Banks and Christian Hernandez! 08.04.2024

Today, we have two summer loving, hilarious guests, Jelena Banks and Christian Hernandez! We discussed the first year experience, the importance of establishing relationships, and being open to whatever the future holds. Opportunity on the Mic provides a platform for Hamilton College's Opportunity Program to assert its voice, foster its community, and share its stories. Director Aaron Ray and...

Spotlighting HEOP: Legislative Advocacy 24.03.2024

Co-host Meg is joined by members of the OP Community for a fun interview that highlights the importance of legislative funding for Higher Education Opportunity Programs in New York State.

Ep. 22 | Farewell, Kelvin! Until We Meet Again! 19.02.2024

Today, we pass the torch as Kelvin hands off the baton to Meg, ushering in a new era for Opportunity on the Mic! We touched on how to take the initiative with your passion, championing your voice, and the impact we hope to see the OP Creative Division have one day. Opportunity on the Mic provides a platform for Hamilton College's Opportunity Program to assert its voice, foster its community, a...

Ep. 21 | Grab the Mic, Bayley Dickinson! 12.02.2024

Today, we have a renowned Spotify playlist maker and jolly writing guide; welcome on, Bayley Dickinson! We touched on the beauty of collaboration, how to adjust at Hamilton, and her truth that West Coast = Best Coast. Opportunity on the Mic provides a platform for Hamilton College's Opportunity Program to assert its voice, foster its community, and share its stories. Director Aaron Ray and stu...

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