Opportunity on the Mic

Today, we have a show-stopping, kind-hearted OP theater major; welcome on, Del Gonzales! We touched on building confidence, overcoming imposter syndrome, and his growth at Hamilton. Please consider reading and supporting Del's father, Randy Gonzales' new poetry book 'Settling St. Malo.' You can find it linked here . Opportunity on the Mic provides a platform for Hamilton College&#3...

Today, we psychologize and reflect with a Junior and an OP student worker veteran; welcome on, Anais Geronimo! We touched on the first-generation experience, using art and creation as an outlet, and the lesson of self-advocacy. 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 R...

Today, we have a lovely, OP Senior and researcher; welcome on, Sandy Thai! We touched on quelling comparison at college, her support system in Utica on her way to Hamilton, and the difficulties and triumphs of being a pre-med student. 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...

Today, we have a Senior with an angelic voice and a big heart; welcome on, Kahleel Bernard! We touched on opportunities with the Experiential Learning Office, lessons learned from the Kirkland Art Center, and the value of taking rests when needed (Great Finals week advice!). Opportunity on the Mic provides a platform for Hamilton College's Opportunity Program to assert its voice, foster its co...

Today, we have a brainy, OP Success Center Supervisor; welcome on, Kathy Guerra Vazquez! We touched on networking, how to find summer research opportunities, and the power of finding and fostering community at Hamilton. 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 s...

Today, we have a Junior and former OP Summer math tutor and master of the dap up; welcome on, Brandon Ngu! We touched on Alumni Connections with the Career Center, the difficulties adjusting to the individualistic culture of North America, and navigating the STEM field as BIPOC. Opportunity on the Mic provides a platform for Hamilton College's Opportunity Program to assert its voice, foster it...

Today, we have a wholesome saxophone-wielding, big laugh-bringing person on the show; welcome on, Jorge Perez Vasquez! We touched on music's role in creating a routine and the life lessons it teaches us, the power of building ROOTS in your community, and an all-timer on all things Chemistry and research related. Opportunity on the Mic provides a platform for Hamilton College's Opportunity...

Today, we have a lovable, bright spirit hailing from Houston, Texas, joining us, Norma Callejas! We touched on the college application process, adjustments to higher education, and protecting one's identity at a PWI. There's a special treat at the end so make sure to listen all the way through! Opportunity on the Mic provides a platform for Hamilton College's Opportunity Program to ass...

Today, we welcome on a Junior and our Oral Communication specialist, Isis Riviere!! We touched on transitioning to college, finding your space on campus, and what our miniature armies would look like!? 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 Kelvin Nune...

Today, we welcome on two Senior citizens and legendary OP Summer Staff Hall of Famers, and coding masters – Sebastian Favela and Matthew Maillet!! We touched on community building, time management, and the power of friendship. 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 Ra...

Today, we welcome on two Sophomores and vital members of our 2023 Opportunity Program Summer Staff, our marketing extraordinaire and our philosophy savant – Jazmine Florencio and Carlos Moncada Soto!! We touched on college access, pivots in life, and the spooky spooky. Opportunity on the Mic provides a platform for Hamilton College's Opportunity Program to assert its voice, foster its communit...

Today, we welcome a seasoned OP Summer veteran, fashion icon, and Beyonce Renaissance concertgoer, Ryley McGovern! We touched on many topics, such as their life philosophy, mission to find their voice, and why purrrr. must be a brand! 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...

Today, we have our first recorded interview of Season 2, she is a leader on our campus, a trailblazer, and a dear friend of the show; welcome on Jhoana Flores! We touched on many topics, such as Jhoana's approach to leadership, her extensive work with the Days-Massolo Center, and her rich connections with the Government and Women and Gender Studies departments at Hamilton. Opportunity on the M...

Today, we recap the 2023 Summer Program and welcome some wonderful guest(s)?!! Listen to hear of the changes and accomplishments we achieved as well as first-hand student and alumni accounts. 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 Kelvin Nunez provide...

For our fifth edition of our Timely Tip Segments, we discuss how our ACE interns upkeep their space and now organize community events! 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 Kelvin Nunez provide weekly podcasts that act as a safety valve for all first-...

Today we welcome another special guest on the podcast, a safety valve for our community, OP’s own Educational and Supportive Services Counselor Bette Ecklund! We touched on many topics, but the most prevalent was ensuring that people are right within before they take on the world and their responsibilities. Opportunity on the Mic provides a platform for Hamilton College's Opportunity Program t...

For our fourth edition of our Timely Tip Segments, we discuss how our OP staff supports and uplifts our students during advising appointments. The strength of our program starts at the ground level with the trust advisors build with their advisees. Opportunity on the Mic provides a platform for Hamilton College's Opportunity Program to assert its voice, foster its community, and share its stor...

Today we welcome a wonderful and inspiring individual, former director of Hamilton College’s Opportunity Program and recipient of the Arthur O. Eve Lifetime Achievement Award, Phyllis Breland!!! Come hear about how Phyllis learned to make the most of her circumstances and opportunities throughout her childhood and time as an OP student and director. She also shares the importance of mentorship and...

For our third edition of our Timely Tip Segments, we discuss the resources and community our OP Office provides. Join for some key information but stay for some mischievous Kelvin anecdotes! 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 Kelvin Nunez provide weekl...

For our very FIRST interview, we welcome our beloved Associate Director of the Opportunity Program, Brenda Davis! Brenda is an invaluable member of our staff who is a fantastic resource for all OP students. In this episode, we discuss her rise to opportunity, what equity in higher education looks like, and if ACE can get its own OP Maple Syrup!  Opportunity on the Mic provides a platform for...

For our second edition of our Timely Tip Segments, we discuss how being uncomfortable, while a struggle at first, ultimately results in personal growth. Learn how students can shift their perspectives into embracing challenge and conflict and rise above their roadblocks. Opportunity on the Mic provides a platform for Hamilton College's Opportunity Program to assert its voice, foster its community,...

What does OP's Summer Program look like for incoming Freshmen? Listen to find out about the rigorous and foundational five weeks that OP students use as a ramp to college. 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 Kelvin Nunez provide weekly podcasts that act...

For our first edition of our Timely Tip Segments, we discuss OP's Academic Center for Excellence or better known by all as ACE. Come find out about how students use the space, its new renovations, and the future plans for the space. 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...

Aaron and Kelvin dive into the history of Opportunity Programs in New York State. Additionally, they reflect on how the academic program designed to increase access to higher education has drastically changed their lives for the better.  Opportunity on the Mic provides a platform for Hamilton College's Opportunity Program to assert its voice, foster its community, and share its stories. Direc...

In our 1st episode, Aaron and Kelvin share their excitement and vision for the project as well as interview one another. They discuss what opportunities they had growing up and their journeys to how they arrived at Hamilton. Listen to find out what character Aaron played in his High school Musical! Opportunity on the Mic provides a platform for Hamilton College's Opportunity Program to assert its...