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US Colleges cost quite a bit, to put it mildly. For International Students, cost is quite often the primary factor. Given Aparna’s experience guiding Int’l students, we turned to her for a Primer and tips on Financial Aid for International students.

On our podcast, Aparna gives us an overview of Financial Aid for Int’l Students, College Cost, Merit Scholarships, Graduate Study Aid, Resources and Tips for Int’l High School students.

In particular, we discuss the following with her: 

• Introduction to International Financial Aid
• College Cost
• Applying for Merit Scholarships
• Tips for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Aparna Chandrasekharan, 10X Int’l School []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Int’l Financial Aid Introduction []
• College Cost? []
• Applying for Merit Scholarship []
• Resources []
• Getting Scholarships []
• Aid for Graduate Study in the US []
• Does the Major Matter? []
• Closing Thoughts []

Our Guest: Aparna Chandrasekharan is the Head of College Placements at 10X International School in Bengaluru, India. Previously, Aparna was EducationUSA Advisor in Chennai, India. Aparna graduated with Bachelor’s degree in Botany from Ethiraj College, Chennai India, and Masters in Social Work from Tata Institute of Social Sciences.

Memorable Quote: “I would ask them [college applicants] to be more open minded, explore liberal arts and science colleges, which are known to give more scholarships generally. And also look at some public universities like Colorado State University has a $12,000 Scholarship for international students, Michigan State University has a somewhat similar scholarship.” Aparna Chandrasekharan.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Recommended Episodes: College Experiences

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Dean Nicola Foote discovered Honors education, when she came to the US after getting her PhD in History from University College London. She found that Honors education allowed students to explore different disciplines in addition to being part of a community.

Three years ago, Dean Foote became the Dean of Frederick Honors College University of Pittsburgh.

On this Podcast, Dean Foote introduces the Frederick Honors College, BPhil & Experiential Programs, Undergraduate Research, Scholarships, How to Apply, and Career Opportunities.

In particular, we discuss the following with him: 

• Dean Nicola Foote’s Background
• Frederick Honors College
• Student Requirements
• Career Opportunities

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Dean Foote, Frederick Honors College University of Pottsburgh []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Background []
• Frederick Honors College []
• Program Highlights []
• Experiential Programs []
• UG Research Process []
• Types of Research []
• Applying to Honors College []
• HC Student Body Profile []
• Program Size []
• Scholarships []
• Career Opportunities []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Dr. Nicola Foote is the Dean of the Frederick Honors College University of Pittsburgh. Dean Foote is a Distinguished English Professor, writer and novelist.

Memorable Quote: “And then most significantly, what I'm most proud of is that we also offer a BPhil degree. And we're one of only a handful of universities anywhere in the world that offer that it's the highest research distinction available to an undergrad.” Dean Foote. 

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences

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Growing up, Deniz was interested in Science. He enjoyed AP classes in High School. He was on the robotics team for 8 years, and went to summer STEM camps.

When COVID happened Deniz cold emailed a Prof in Dept of Neuroscience in Virginia Tech to do research. Shortly thereafter, Deniz was doing cognitive tests on mice, with touchscreen devices!

Deniz joins our podcast to share his University of Virginia undergraduate experience, Interest in Neuroscience, UG Research, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, Majoring in Neuroscience and CS, and his Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with him: 

• Overall UVA Experience
• UG Research
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Neuroscience and Computer Science Major
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Deniz Olgun, UVA []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Experience at UVA []
• Why UVA? []
• High School Interests []
• Neuroscience Research []
• Transition to UVA []
• Academics & Profs []
• Starting UG Research []
• Was Research Intentional? []
• Research Details []
• Research Outcomes []
• Impact of Research []
• Why Goldwater Scholarship? []
• Winning the GW Scholarship []
• The Goldwater Scholarship Difference []
• Broadening the Major []
• Helping with Earthquake in Turkey []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Deniz Olgun is a Goldwater Scholar, who is studying Neuroscience and Computer Science at the University of Virginia.

Memorable Quote: “What you major in is, of course, important, but more important is your flexibility in transitioning and kind of just general thinking skills, right? And how fast can you get up to deal with something that's hard? How well can you identify new opportunities? And then how can you learn to like, really just ask good questions and think critically? ” Deniz Olgun.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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This admissions season, FAFSA delays have cast a huge shadow.

Jodi Foxx of Charlotte Christian and Tom Stepkoski of Westhill High School have different perspectives based on the experiences at their school.

In this episode, the two Counselors share the FAFSA Impact on their students, How Colleges have been Responding, the New FAFSA features, and Learnings from this experience.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• FAFSA Delays Impact []
• Current Status []
• Is New FAFSA Simpler? []
• The Learnings []

Our Guests:

• Jodi Foxx is the Director of College Counseling at Charlotte Christian School, North Carolina.
• Tom Stepkoski is the Career and College Counselor at Westhill High School in Stamford, Connecticut. In addition, Tom also runs Tom Step Coaching for Personal Development.

Memorable Quote: “...we have found out that if you personally are having a problem, you can call and most universities will actually talk to you about the deadline and actually work with you.” Tom Stepkoski.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

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Rayyan was working 30 hour weeks while in High School. Outside of that, Rayyan was more likely to be playing basketball or video games.

Then in his senior year he took some “sciency” classes, as he calls it, and did well and liked them! He felt Science might be his thing.

Rayyan joins our podcast to share his UC Riverside undergraduate experience, UG Research, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, Pursuing in Bioengineering, and his Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with him: 

• Overall Undergraduate Experience
• UG Research in Tissue Engineering
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Bioengineering Major
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Rayyan Ayoub, UCR []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Experience at UCR []
• Why UCR? []
• High School Interests []
• Research Interest []
• Starting UG Research []
• The Research []
• Impact of Research []
• Goldwater Scholarship []
• The GW Difference []
• Challenges in School []
• What’s Next? []
• Majoring in Bioengineering []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Rayyan Ayoub is a Goldwater Scholar who is studying Bioengineering at the University of California Riverside.

Memorable Quote: “If work is play, no one can beat you.” Rayyan Ayoub.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Swimming took up a lot of Grant’s time in high school. So he had little time to think about his career and beyond.

He did get interested in Biology later in high school, and was involved in Biology competitions.

Grant joins our podcast to share his UC Irvine undergraduate experience, UG Research in Antibiotics, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, Pursuing in Chemistry, and his Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with him: 

• Overall Undergraduate Experience
• UG Research in Antibiotics
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Chemistry & Biological Sciences Major
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Grant Lai, UCI []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Experience at UCI []
• Why UCI? []
• High School Interests []
• Transition to College []
• Peers & Profs []
• Starting UG Research []
• Antibiotics Research []
• Research Impact []
• Applying for Goldwater Scholarship []
• Winning the GW Scholarship []
• The GW Difference []
• Outside Class Activities []
• Majoring in Chemistry []
• What’s Next? []
• Impact of Research on Education []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Grant Lai is a Goldwater Scholar who is studying Chemistry and Biological Sciences at the University of California Irvine.

Memorable Quote: “For most people, I would say almost all my friends did chemistry, because they had a great chemistry teacher in high school. ” Grant Lai.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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While he was in grad school, Chris Boehm applied for a College Admissions job at Albright College after seeing an ad in the Newspaper.Chris didn’t get that job, but the job description intrigued him.

So, he cold emailed the President of the Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling. The President invited him for a chat and connected him with 3 College Admissions professionals. One of them was the Director of Admissions at Albright. 

Things worked out better this time, and Chris started as a summer intern at Albright College.

Chris joins us on our podcast to talk about his background, Archmere Academy, Counseling Approach, Challenges, Success Stories, and his Advice for High School students.

In particular, we discuss the following with him: 

• Chris Boehm’s Background
• Approach to College Counseling
• Managing Expectations
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Chris Boehm, Archmere Academy []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Background []
• Why Counseling? []
• Archmere Academy []
• Counseling Philosophy []
• Managing Expectations []
• The Challenges []
• Success Stories []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Christopher Boehm is the Director of College Counseling at Archmere Academy in Delaware.

Memorable Quote: “if we start with the student, and the student honestly assesses what they need to be successful and happy then that will guide them towards certain types of schools.” Chris Boehm.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Recommended Episodes: College Experiences, College Application Workbook 

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College Campus Visits are a crucial part of the College Process.

It is a great way to get a feel for College in general, and certainly can help you, if that college is of particular interest to you.

Paula Dennis joins our podcast to share her insights into College Campus Visits, The Benefits, How to Plan for them, Senior Shilpi Bardhan on her Fly-in Experiences and Advice for Juniors.

In particular, we discuss the following with them: 

• The Importance of College Campus Visits
• What should students look for on these visits
• Shilpi Bardhan's Experiences
• Advice for Juniors

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Paula Dennis, Jenks High School []
• Counselor College Visits  []
• Why Students should visit colleges []
• Things to look for on a college visit[]
• Red Flags []
• Visits Timeline; []
• Shilpi’s Fly-in Visits []
• Shilpi’s Questions []
• Impact of the Visits []
• Advice for Juniors []
• Shilpi’s Likely Letter []

Our Guests:

• Paula Dennis is a College Counselor at Jenks High School in Oklahoma.
• Shilpi Bardhan, Senior Jenks High School, OK.

Memorable Quote: “...the current students can give you the best idea of what is available on campus, how the students are and how you can be very well engaged in the school and the campus. And what opportunities there are.” Shilpi Bardhan.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

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When Dr. Chakravarthy was deciding what to study in college, she chose Physics because her father wanted her to. Left to herself, she would have pursued Nutrition and Dietetics.

Today, decades later, she heads 10X International School, where Experiential Programs allow the High Schoolers to explore and experience different disciplines & ideas,  do research, build products, and in the process get a really good idea of what college program or career they want to pursue.

Dr. Chakravarthy joins us on our podcast to share her educational background, her research experience, her pivot to teaching, about 10X Int’l School, The goals & value of Experiential Learning, and her Advice for High School students.

In particular, we discuss the following with her: 

• Dr. Savita Chakravarthy’s Background
• Why 10X International School?
• Experiential Learning
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Dr. Savita Chakravarthy, 10X Int’l School []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• BioPhysics  []
• Offer From US University []
• PhD & Beyond in the US []
• Teaching the Young []
• Back in India []
• 10X International School []
• Entrepreneurial Mindset []
• Experiential Learning []
• Preparing Students for the Real World []
• How Students are Handling 10X? []
• 10X vs Non-10X Students []
• What’s Next? []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Dr. Savita Chakravarthy is the Director of 10X International School in Bengaluru, India. Dr. Chakravarthy graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from Stella Maris College, Chennai India, and PhD in Physics from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois.

Memorable Quote: “So I think they should explore as much as possible if they can, while they are in high school. Before they decide that you know what it is they would eventually like to do.” Dr. Savita Chakravarthy.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Recommended Episodes: College Experiences

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Phillip liked to build things. Like growing popsicle sticks in elementary school. Technology fascinated him. At the same time he loved Humanities. He loved History.

When he started applying to Colleges, he hadn’t figured out whether he wanted to take the Liberal Arts route or pursue Engineering.

Phillip joins our podcast to share his undergraduate college journey at Olin College, Researching Government databases, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, Internship at FCC, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with him: 

• Olin College Experience
• UG Research - Space Filings
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Phillip Post, Olin []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Olin Experience []
• Why Olin? []
• High School Interests []
• Liberal Arts or Engineering? []
• Transition to Olin []
• The Classes []
• Profs []
• Starting UG Research []
• The Research - Space Filing []
• Applying for Goldwater Scholarship []
• Winning the Goldwater Scholarship []
• The Goldwater Difference []
• FCC Internship []
• Majoring in ECE []
• What Next? []
• Impact of Research []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memory []

Our Guests: Phillip Post is a Goldwater Scholar studying Electrical Computer Engineering at Olin College of Engineering.

Memorable Quote: “So it's important to keep as much of an open mind as possible. And really think about what skills, even if I changed my path, what skills am I gonna take from path to path!” Phillip Post.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences , UG Research

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This is a special episode of the Podcast “College Matters. Alma Matters.”, featuring UG students from CUR’s Program called Scholars Transforming Through Research (STR) 2024.

In this episode, Student Researchers from Five Institutions, Mercer University, McLennan Community College, University of Rochester, Piedmont University, and Towson University, tell their stories.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction []
• Mercer University UG Research []
• Mclennan Community College UG Research []
• U of Rochester UG Research []
• Piedmont University UG Research []
• Towson University UG Research []

Our Guests: Undergraduate Researchers and Faculty Mentors

Memorable Quote: “Well, after participating in research, my career aspirations actually had shifted from initially an MD to now wanting an MD PhD ” Sumra Chaudhry, Towson University.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

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When Deborah was doing her PhD in the UK, she would help International students transition to studying and living in another country. She liked working with students individually and broadly.

After graduating she came back to Mumbai, and found that the kind of academic roles she desired were in short supply.

So when the Adviser opportunity at EducationUSA came up, she felt she was ready for it.

On our Podcast, Deborah talks about her background, Experience as EducationUSA Adviser, her Counseling approach, Challenges, Success Stories and her Advice for High School students.

In particular, we discuss the following with her: 

• Deborah Rosario’s Background
• Being EducationUSA Adviser
• Approach to College Counseling
• Challenges
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Deborah Rosario, EducationUSA Adviser []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• Why Counseling? []
• Typical Day []
• Working with Institutions []
• Approach to Counseling []
• The Challenges []
• Team of Counselors []
• Student Profiles []
• How Students Have Changed Over the Years []
• Success Stories []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Dr. Deborah Rosario is a Senior EducationUSA Adviser based in Mumbai, India. Dr.Rosario received her PhD in English from the University of Oxford.

Memorable Quote: “I really can't say, I can't overemphasize how much difference, self reflection and self awareness, and therefore, reflection can make the process when it comes to selecting universities really exposing, you know, not just a being sort of blinded by the glare of fame of, or big name, or even the good experience of someone else at an institution.” Deborah Rosario.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Recommended Episodes: College Experiences

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Jillian was an ambitious and competitive High Schooler. She was very interested in Science and in music. She spent her sophomore and junior summers at Harvard and Brown studying Astro and Quantum Mechanics.

But Jillian knew from a very young age that she wanted to do something with Astronomy in College.

Jillian joins our podcast to share journey through Colgate University, Interest in Astronomy, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, Dark Matter Research, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her: 

• Overall Colgate Experience
• Love for Astronomy
• Dark Matter Research
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Jillian Paulin, Colgate University []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Colgate Experience []
• Why Colgate? []
• High School Interests []
• Astronomy []
• Transition to College []
• Profs & Classes []
• Starting UG Research []
• Research Outcomes []
• Why Goldwater Scholarship? []
• Applying for Goldwater Scholarship []
• Winning The Goldwater Scholarship []
• Majoring in Astronomy Physics []
• Role of Research in Education []
• Awards & Scholarships []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memory []

Our Guest: Jillian Paulin, a Goldwater Scholar graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Astronomy Physics and minor in Applied Mathematics from Colgate  University. Jillian is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Pennsylvania.

Memorable Quote: “...make sure you can find good mentors who will give you good advice and are willing to listen to you.” Jillian Paulin.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences , UG Research

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Making sense of the College News of the week, curated by Alma Matters. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• The Dartmouth Decision  []
• What Should Students Do? []
• How Colleges Use Test Scores[]
• Closing Thoughts []

Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.

Resources referred to in this episode:

• Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
• The Hill []
• The New York Times []

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

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• For Podcast Transcripts, visit almamatters.io/podcasts.

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Adriana came to the US when she was 10 years old from Romania. While she had a lot of catching up to do, her determination and competitive spirit helped her.

She was a science nerd in high school. She loved Earth Science, Geology & Biology. She was into Languages, Music, Photography. She was also on the Varsity Tennis team.

Adriana cut her teeth in research at a 2-year research program in her High School.

Above all, she really wanted to be a doctor!

Adriana joins our podcast to share her undergraduate experience at Skidmore, UG Research in Computational Biophysics, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, Majoring in Chemistry, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her: 

• Overall Skidmore College Experience
• Interest in Research
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Adriana Cuibus, Skidmore []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Skidmore Experience []
• Why Skidmore? []
• High School Interests []
• Dealing with Challenges []
• Transition to College []
• Peers & Profs []
• Starting Research []
• Research Topics []
• Impact of Research []
• Why Computational Clicked? []
• Why Goldwater Scholarship? []
• Applying for Goldwater Scholarship []
• Winning The Goldwater Scholarship []
• The Goldwater Difference []
• Campus Activities []
• Majoring in Biochemistry []
• What’s Next? []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests:Adriana Cuibus, a Goldwater Scholar is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with a Biochemistry concentration at Skidmore College. 

Memorable Quote: “But then there's this other side, to me, that always gets so intrigued by things that I don't understand. So I think it was, you know, that also part of me that's like, oh, my gosh, I don't understand it [Chemistry]. So I have to understand it.” Adriana Cuibus.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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The University Honors Program at CSULB has been around for at least 3 decades and has grown organically.

3 years ago, Dr. Perez became the first Director of the Honors Program and started to give it “cohesion” as she puts it. Prior to that, Dr. Perez was the Director of the University Honors Program at CSU Fullerton.

In this podcast, Director Perez introduces the University Honors Program at CSU Long Beach, Honors Courses, Experiential Programs, How to Apply, Scholarships and Career Opportunities.

In particular, we discuss the following with her: 

• Dir. Sandra Perez’s Background
• CSULB University Honors Program
• Student Requirements
• Career Opportunities

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Dir. Sandra Perez, CSULB University Honors []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Background []
• CSULB Honors Program []
• Honors Courses []
• Honors Course Requirements []
• Popular Courses []
• Experiential Programs []
• Thesis []
• UG Research Participation []
• Honors Program Benefits []
• How to Apply? []
• Acceptance Criteria []
• Scholarships []
• Research Grants []
• Career Opportunities []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Director Sandra Perez of CSU Long Beach  Honors Program, Long Beach California.

Memorable Quote: “My thoughts for current high schoolers is to try to fend off that pressure to please others, right, or to do things to comply with expectations. I think all of us thrive when we are allowed to be ourselves. And so I encourage them to be themselves. And to really pay attention to where their interests lie academically.” Director Perez. 

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences

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Kaitlyn had a lot of different interests in High School. She was a lot into sports - rowing, taekwondo. She loved math, sciences, and languages.

She didn’t really know what she wanted to study in College.

So, she was looking for a college with the opportunity to study across a number of disciplines and be able to interact with students from fields other than her own.

Kaitlyn joins our podcast to share her undergraduate experience at Northwestern, UG Research in Aging, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, Majoring in Biological Sciences, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her: 

• Overall Experience
• Interest in Research
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Kaitlyn Hung, Northwestern []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Northwestern Experience []
• Why Northwestern? []
• High School Interests []
• Transition to College []
• Peers []
• Interest in Research []
• Kinds of Research []
• Impact of Research []
• Applying for Goldwater Scholarship []
• Goldwater Scholarship Application []
• Winning The Goldwater Scholarship []
• The Goldwater Difference []
• Taekwondo []
• Majoring in Biological Sciences []
• Skills Gained by Doing Research []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Kaitlyn Hung, a Goldwater Scholar is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and minor in Data Science at Northwestern University. 

Memorable Quote: “ And the way that my mentor phrased, it was that even if I don't get it [Goldwater Scholarship], I'm going to learn a lot in the process. And it might even be better if I don't get it initially, because then I will get feedback from the committee and from my mentors on how I can improve and be an even stronger applicant in the future.” Kaitlyn Hung.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Making sense of the College News of the week, curated by Alma Matters. This week Dr. Jay Jacobs, Vice Provost of Enrollment Management at the University of Vermont talks about the Impact of the FAFSA Delays.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Impact to UVM []
• What Should ED Students do? []
• Federal Roadblocks []
• Advice for ED Students []
• Is May 1 Deadline in Trouble? []

Our Guest: Jay Jacobs is the Vice Provost Enrollment Management at the University of Vermont. Jay has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from St. Lawrence University, a Master’s degree in Higher Education from Drexel University and Doctor of Education from Northeastern University.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

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Gabrielle loved school. She loved science. Her school years were tough because she used to be homeless off and on. 

Despite that, she graduated High School with Honors.

After graduating from high school, she knew she wanted to get a Bachelor’s degree. She couldn’t afford it then.

She worked 16-hour days, and 4 years later decided to study Nursing at Mercyhurst University in PA.

Gabrielle joins our podcast to share her undergraduate college journey, starting at Mercyhurst, Transferring to SUNY Fredonia, UG Research in Regeneration in Zebrafish, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, Majoring in Molecular Genetics, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her: 

• Overall Experience
• 4-Year Gap
• Going Back College
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Gabrielle Cruz, SUNY Fredonia []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall UG Experience []
• High School Interests []
• Personal Challenges []
• Transition to College []
• SUNY Fredonia Experience []
• Starting UG Research []
• Regen Research []
• Outcomes []
• Why Goldwater Scholarship? []
• Winning The Goldwater Scholarship []
• The Research Impact []
• Majoring in Molecular Genetics []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Ready to Start College []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Gabrielle Cruz, a Goldwater Scholar is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Genetics at SUNY Fredonia. 

Memorable Quote: “ I think a lot of us like the suffering, a little bit of like, getting through the tough parts. But it's okay to suffer. And it's okay to be scared. It's okay to doubt yourself. But you’ve got to pick yourself back up, you’ve got to keep going on to the next thing.” Gabrielle Cruz.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Founded in 1791, the University of Vermont (UVM for short) has the distinction of being the 5th oldest university in the US.

Allison graduated from Mississippi State with a degree in Sports Administration. Upon graduation, she found it challenging to find a job. A friend from the Sports department suggested she look at admissions recruiting at the College of Agriculture and Liberal Sciences at Mississippi State. She loved to travel and recruit.

That launched Allison in College Admissions.

In this podcast, Allison gives us an overview of UVM programs, Her Role at UVM, What UVM looks for in their Students, Merit Scholarships, Importance of SACAC, and advice for High School Students.

In particular, we discuss the following with her: 

• About UVM
• Flagship Programs & UG Research 
• What they look for in their Students
• Merit Scholarships
• Advice to Applicants

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Allison North, UVM []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Allison’s Professional Journey []
• Why College Admissions? []
• About UVM []
• The Regional Role []
• Key UVM Programs []
• What UVM Looks for in their Students []
• Merit Scholarships []
• SACAC Impact []
• Advice to High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Allison North, Regional Associate Director at the University of Vermont. Allison is a graduate of Mississippi State University.

Memorable Quote: “...just seeing others when they visit campus and seeing how the light bulb goes off for someone. I think you truly do not know until you put yourself on that campus. And you can see yourself there .” Allison North. 

Episode Transcript: Please visit this episode’s transcript.

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Daniel took all the AP Classes his High School offered. He loved AP US History. He was also very active in the Science Olympiad and really enjoyed it because it involved building things.

He was also fortunate to have been in a high school where there was a class dedicated to doing research. It was here that Daniel cut his teeth in research, and got his hands dirty doing Battery technology.

Daniel joins our podcast to share his undergraduate college journey at UIUC, Battery Research, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, Summer Internships, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with him: 

• UIUC Experience
• UG Research - Battery Research
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Daniel Cudzich, UIUC []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall UIUCExperience []
• Why UIUC? []
• High School Interests []
• Battery Research[]
• Why Battery Research []
• Transition to UIUC []
• Peers []
• UG Research []
• Impact of Research []
• Why Goldwater Scholarship? []
• The Goldwater Difference []
• Summer Internships []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Daniel Cudzich is a Goldwater Scholar studying Material Science & Engineering at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

Memorable Quote: “And this goes to one of the things that I really want to emphasize about the research process and it's that you will fail. You quite literally are doing things that nobody else has ever done. But there's so much value in that even if what you learned from the research project is what not to do, right. ” Daniel Cudzich.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Making sense of the College News of the week, curated by Alma Matters. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• The Background []
• Soft Launch []
• Glitches and Changes []
• End of January Delivery []
• Limited Application Availability []
• How Colleges Will Deal With the Delay []

Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.

Resources referred to in this episode:

• Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
• NPR []
• NBC Bay Area []

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

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Megan was working full time while she was in High School. She found it challenging to balance school and full time work. Megan didn’t go directly to College after High School. 

She had a lot of fear and also lacked the confidence then, about going to college. After working in Health care for almost a decade, Megan joined the Gaston Community College in North Carolina to get a 2-year degree in Nursing.

Little did Megan know where college would take her.

Megan joins our podcast to share journey to college, Working after High School, Going back to a Gaston Community College, Discovering Science, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, UG Research, Transferring to UNCC for a 4-year degree program, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her: 

• Overall Experience
• Challenges and Jobs
• Going Back to Community College
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Megan Mitchem, UNCC []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Experience []
• High School Interests []
• Challenges and Jobs []
• Transition to Community College []
• Moving into Science []
• Starting UG Research []
• Applying for Goldwater Scholarship []
• Winning The Goldwater Scholarship []
• The GW Difference []
• Transition to UNCC []
• Research at UNCC []
• Why Biology? []
• Role of Research in Education []
• Awards & Scholarships []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Being Thankful []

Our Guest: Megan Mitchem, a Goldwater Scholar graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology at University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Megan is currently pursuing a PhD in Biological Sciences at UNCC.

Memorable Quote: “ Once I got this [Goldwater] scholarship, I was like, Okay, well, I should probably keep going. I should, I should probably at least get a bachelor's degree.” Megan Mitchem.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Gavin went to a high school in the rural south where the focus was greater on athletics & sports. Gavin was more academically inclined.

He was fascinated by Extreme Weather - tornadoes, damaging winds, snow storms etc. He was known as the weather guy in school!

Gavin joins our podcast to share his undergraduate college journey at Dartmouth, Being a Storm Spotter, Volunteering at National Weather Service, UG Research, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, Majoring in Earth Sciences, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with him: 

• Dartmouth Experience
• UG Research - Extreme Weather
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Gavin Fry, Dartmouth College []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Dartmouth Experience []
• Why Dartmouth? []
• High School Interests []
• The BME Interest []
• Transition to College []
• Academics []
• Starting UG Research []
• Why Research []
• Goldwater Scholarship []
• The GW Application []
• The Goldwater Difference []
• Why the Weather? []
• Blog - College Access for All []
• What Next? []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Gavin Fry is a Goldwater Scholar studying Earth Sciences with Physics and minoring in Public Policy at Dartmouth College.

Memorable Quote: “And, you know, I've been interested in the physical aspects of weather for a very long time, since I was a toddler. And those interests, you know, stuck with me throughout my middle school years. And in my high school years, if there were any kind of notable weather events that would be upcoming in my area, the students and, and some of my teachers would say, hi, you need to go to Gavin, he's the weather guy! ” Gavin Fry.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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AP Physics was the first course Isabella took in High School that challenged her. It really pushed her to think outside the box.

Then a senior project opened her eyes to diseases that affected not only the elderly but young people as well. That got her thinking about college and Pre Med.

Isabella joins us on our podcast to share her undergraduate experience at Rice, Transition to college, Autoimmune Disease UG Research, Impact of Research, and Advice for High Schoolers. 

In particular, we discuss the following with her: 

• Overall Experience at Rice
• UG Research & Its Impact on UG study
• Majoring in Biochem & Cell Biology
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Isabella Osuna of Rice U []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Rice Experience []
• Why Rice? []
• High School Interests []
• Transition to College []
• Peers []
• Professors []
• Starting UG Research []
• Autoimmune Disease Research []
• Noteworthy Outcomes []
• Impact of UGR []
• Skills Gained Through Research []
• Campus Activities []
• Summers []
• Majoring in Biochemistry & Cell Biology []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memory []

Our Guests: Isabella Osuna graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry & Cell Biology from Rice University.

Memorable Quote: “... If I had to give one word, probably determination, I don't know if it's a skill you necessarily pick up or learn. But it was. I mean, research is hard, science is hard and difficult. And at first my research wasn't working, I was finding my results were the opposite of what we want and what we expected. But I didn't stop.” Isabella Osuna.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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John calls himself an “average nerd” while in High School. He enjoyed learning and Chemistry was his favorite class. In addition to classes, he was into debate, was in the school orchestra, concertmaster for the local youth symphony.

Since he loved science and liked helping people, he decided to be Pre Med in college.

John joins our podcast to share his undergraduate college journey at WashU, UG Research, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, Moving away from Pre Med, Majoring in Biochemistry, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with him: 

• The WashU Experience
• UG Research
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to John Georgiades, WashU []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall WashU Experience []
• Why WashU? []
• High School Interests []
• Transition to College []
• Peers []
• Starting UG Research []
• Impact of Research []
• Why Goldwater Scholarship? []
• Winning the GW Scholarship []
• The Goldwater Difference []
• Majoring in Biochemistry []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: John Georgiades is a Goldwater Scholar studying Biochemistry at Washington University at St. Louis.

Memorable Quote: “And, and so I, legitimately you know, did want to be Pre Med, and I thought it was the right decision. But it wasn't really until I kind of, you know, saw the other angle and saw the other opportunities that were out there, that I really came to understand that research is more something that I'm interested in. You know medicine is really interesting. But I think science itself has enough merit for me to, you know, launch myself fully into that area.” John Georgiades.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Making sense of the College News of the week, curated by Alma Matters. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• What is Rolling Admissions? []
• Which Colleges Offer RA? []
• Is there a Good Time or Best Time to Apply? []
• Are Rolling Admissions Binding? []
• Are there any Downsides? []
• Closing: Great Honors Programs too! []

Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.

Resources referred to in this episode:

• Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
• USNews []

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

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In the Spring of 2023, Tom conducted a special workshop at Westhill High School. In this episode, we talk to Tom & 3 Students, Melissa, Anne and Chelsea, from the Workshop,

Motivated by his experiences and based on our discussions, Tom decided to pilot a workshop for rising seniors using episodes from this Podcast to build college lists.

On our podcast, Tom talks about Why he created the Workshop, its structure, the content, Classroom discussions, and 3 Students share their experience with the Workshop.

(If you would like the Podcast-based Workbook, please email podcast@almamatters.io.)

In particular, we discuss the following with them: 

• Need for the Workshop
• Workshop Details
• Use of Podcast Stories
• Students’ Feedback

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Tom Stepkoski & Seniors, Westhill High School []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Workshop Objectives []
• 4 1-Hour Sessions []
• Prepping for the Workshop []
• Selecting Students []
• Classroom Setup []
• Student Interactions  []
• Enhancements for Next Workshop []
• Calibrating/Tracking Students Progress []
• 3 Students Share Their Feedback []
• Closing Thoughts []

Our Guests: 

• Tom Stepkoski is the Career and College Counselor at Westhill High School in Stamford, Connecticut. In addition, Tom also runs Tom Step Coaching for Personal Development.
• 3 Current Seniors from Westhill High School - Melissa, Ann, and Chelsea.

Memorable Quote: “And they [students] take advice from their peers a lot faster and a lot quicker and absorb it a lot better than they would when they get the advice from a parent, a teacher or an educator. So the fact that you have students on, talking about their experiences on College Matters [Alma Matters], I think it resonates with that. Would you say that ladies?” Tom Stepkoski.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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“International”  has always been a part of Lewis’s vocabulary. He was the first International Studies major at Albion College. He had lots of International Student friends on campus & loved traveling. 

That has led him to opportunities in international recruiting, admissions over the last 15 years.

Today, Lewis is the Regional Manager for South Asia with EducationUSA REAC based in New Delhi, India.

On our podcast, Lewis talks about his background, EducationUSA, His Role, How it helps International Students,  Education Advisors, 5-Step Process, International Student Trends and Challenges, and his Advice for High School students.

In particular, we discuss the following with him: 

• Lewis Cardenas’ Background
• EducationUSA REAC
• Advising Services to International Students
• International Trends and Challenges
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Lewis Cardenas, Regional Manager South Asia, EducationUSA []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• International Admissions []
• EducationUSA Mission []
• Advising Services []
• Advisors in Each Country []
• Finding Students []
• 5 Step Process []
• Financial Aid Opportunities []
• International Student Trends []
• Hurdles for Int’l Students []
• Community Colleges []
• Collaborating with Counselors []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Lewis Cardenas is the Regional Manager for South Asia with EducationUSA REAC. Lewis graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies from Albion College. He earned his Master’s degree in International Public Service and Non-Profit from DePaul University.

Memorable Quote: “... so these advisors still stay in touch with students even many years after, after they've come back after completing their journey to the US. And they're encouraged to come back and attend an alumni fair, serve as a volunteer for a future event.” Lewis Cardenas.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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In High School, snowboarding and photography were Tanner’s passions. He would have loved to do that for the rest of his life.

Then towards the end of  his sophomore year, his architecture teacher involved him in building an engineering program for his school. Tanner found himself hooked on engineering - the idea of building things, touching people and making life better. 

Tanner joins our podcast to share his Duke University undergraduate experience, Interest in Neurosurgery, UG Research, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, Applying Engineering for Medicine, and his Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with him: 

• Overall Undergraduate Experience
• UG Research
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Mechanical Engineering Major
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Tanner Zachem, Duke []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Experience at Duke []
• Why Duke? []
• High School Interests []
• Overcoming Reading Challenges []
• Transition to Duke []
• Peers []
• Starting UG Research []
• Learnings from UG Research []
• When Research Doesn’t Go As Expected []
• Why Goldwater Scholarship? []
• GW Application []
• The Goldwater Scholarship Difference []
• Campus Activities []
• Majoring in Mechanical Engineering []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Tanner Zachem is a Goldwater Scholar who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering applied to Neurosurgery from Duke University. Tanner is currently a PhD student at Duke University.

Memorable Quote: “Yeah, things, things don't go your way a lot in research. I have learned how to really be able to detach and take a deep breath. And you know, things break. You know, you don't get funding, paper gets, you know, rejected, you name it, it happens. ” Tanner Zachem.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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The Honors Programs at Drexel U started in 1991, and became the Pennoni Honors College in 2002.

10 years ago, Prof Cohen became the Dean of the Pennoni Honors College. Dr. Cohen is a Distinguished English Professor, a writer, a novelist. 

On this Podcast, Dean Cohen introduces the Pennoni Honors College, Honors Programs, Experiential Programs including the Co-Op, Scholarships & Grants, How to Apply, and Career Opportunities.

In particular, we discuss the following with him: 

• Dean Paula Marantz Cohen’s Background
• Pennoni Honors College
• Student Requirements
• Career Opportunities

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Dean Cohen, Pennoni Honors College, Drexel U []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Background []
• Honors College Origins and Highlights []
• Honors Courses Flavor []
• Faculty []
• Popular Courses []
• Experiential Programs []
• Grants for Research []
• Students doing UGR []
• Balancing Experiential Programs []
• Thesis []
• Honors College Benefits []
• HC Applicants []
• HC Student Body Profile []
• Test Optional []
• Career Opportunities []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Closing Thoughts []

Our Guest: Dr. Paula Marantz Cohen is the Dean of the Pennoni Honors College at Drexel University. Dean Cohen is a Distinguished English Professor, writer and novelist.

Memorable Quote: “But overall, I would say our students are used to being leaders of one sort or another. They're not afraid to voice their opinions. But they're also, I would say, very respectful.” Dean Cohen. 

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Erick pursued a lot of interests in High School which included marching band, wrestling and volunteering at Give the Kids the world. But Engineering always interested him, because his dad was an engineer. He just wasn’t sure what kind of engineering.

In middle school a friend of his fought through cancer. He is doing well now. Seeing his friend go through that journey, inspired Erick to leverage engineering to find better medical treatments.

Erick joins our podcast to share his undergraduate college journey at Johns Hopkins University, UG Research, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, Majoring in Biomedical Engineering, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with him: 

• Johns Hopkins University Experience
• UG Research - Therm Optic Device
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Erick Rocher, Johns Hopkins U []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Johns Hopkins Experience []
• Why Johns Hopkins? []
• High School Interests []
• The BME Interest []
• Transition to College []
• Peers []
• Profs []
• Starting UG Research []
• The Research []
• Research Outcomes []
• Thermo Optic Device []
• Impact of Research []
• Why Goldwater Scholarship? []
• Winning the GW Scholarship []
• The Goldwater Difference []
• Wrestling []
• Majoring in BME with Medicine []
• Impact of UG Research on Education []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Erick Rocher is a Goldwater Scholar studying Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University.

Memorable Quote: “So try those classes [in High School] that are kind of maybe on the edge of your knowledge, or maybe are pushing your skill set a little bit. And I think you'll find them really rewarding and or at least very formative. ” Erick Rocher.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

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Making sense of the College News of the week, curated by Alma Matters. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Why Apply to FAFSA? []
• What Kind of Financial Aid Can You Get By Filling FAFSA? []
• When is FAFSA Due? []
• Will I still be Eligible, if my parents don’t provide their financial info? []
• Do I reapply for FAFSA every year of college? []

Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.

Resources referred to in this episode:

• Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
• Bankrate.com []

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

Calls-to-action:

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Bobbi-Jo started in higher education after her undergraduate degree. While she enjoyed her work, the money wasn’t enough. So she took a detour through the Insurance Industry.

After the crash of 2008, Bobbi-Jo decided to take an “Interest Inventory” and figure out her next career move. That pointed her to School Counseling. Bobbi-Jo went to grad school and became a high school counselor.

12 years later, she is the Director of School Counseling at Middletown High School.

On our podcast, Bobbi-Jo talks about her background, about Middletown High School, Data-Driven Counseling Approach, Belief Gap Challenges, Success Stories, and her Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her: 

• Bobbi-Jo Wathen’s Background
• Approach to College Counseling
• The Belief Gap
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Bobbi-Jo Wathen, Middletown High School []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Background []
• Middletown High School []
• The Role []
• Counseling Approach []
• The Challenges - Belief Gap []
• Impact of Belief Gap []
• Making a College Plan []
• Students’ Response []
• Test Optional []
• More Students Applying Now []
• Success Stories []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Staying Excited []

Our Guest: Bobbi-Jo Wathen is  Director of College Counseling at Middletown High School in Connecticut.

Memorable Quote: “But our college going rates are going up, as opposed to down like the rest of the nation, right.” Bobbi-Jo Wathen.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Recommended Episodes: College Experiences, College Application Workbook 

Calls-to-action:

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• To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
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In High School Hanh wasn’t very focused on academics. While STEM came naturally to her, she was more interested in relationships with people.

After high school, she joined Nursing School, but soon dropped out because of personal and financial hardships.

After working a number of years and saving up some money, Hanh decided to enroll in a local Community College for a Trigonometry course.

Hanh joins our podcast to share her road to undergraduate college, Dropping out of Nursing School, Going back to a Community College, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, UG Research on Diseases, Transferring to NCSU for a 4-year degree program, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her: 

• Overall Experience
• Gap Years
• Going Back College
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Hanh Tran, NCSU []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall UG Experience []
• High School Interests []
• Dropping Out of Nursing School []
• Back in School - bioMed []
• Starting at a Community College []
• More Classes at Community College []
• Getting into Research []
• Goldwater Scholarship []
• Goldwater Research Proposal []
• Why This Proposal? []
• Winning The Goldwater Scholarship []
• The GW Difference []
• Transition to a 4-Year College []
• Majoring in BioMedical and Health Sciences []
• Impact of UG Research []
• Research at NCSU []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Hanh Tran, a Goldwater Scholar is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering at North Carolina State University. 

Memorable Quote: “ So it wasn't until being out of school that I realized that the things I want to do in life, like what I found to be my purpose in life. Unfortunately, I could not get far unless I got an education. So the last few years, I have worked really hard to put myself in this position to be back in school.” Hanh Tran.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences , UG Research

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Education was always important to Paula’s family. So, she did her Master’s in School Counseling and became a School Counselor. Over the years Paula has worked as a Counselor in 4 states, both, in private and public schools. 

Today, she is a College Counselor at Jenks High School, which she calls the “very best” Oklahoma.

On our podcast, Paula talks about her background, about Jenks High School, her Counseling Approach and Challenges, Success Stories, and her Advice for High School students.

In particular, we discuss the following with her: 

• Paula Dennis’ Background
• Approach to College Counseling
• Students over the Decades
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Paula Dennis, Jenks High School []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Background []
• Career Journey []
• Jenks High School []
• Counseling Approach []
• Survey of Students []
• The Challenges []
• Applying Early []
• Test Optional []
• Impact of the SC Decision []
• Counseling Timeline []
• Students over the Decades []
• Success Stories []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Staying Excited []

Our Guest: Paula Dennis is a College Counselor at Jenks High School in Oklahoma.

Memorable Quote: “I feel my role as the college counselor is to find what those colleges want to know about that student that they don't find any place else in their application.” Paula Dennis.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Recommended Episodes: College Experiences, College Application Workbook 

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In High School, Haylie was very interested in STEM. She did a lot of research, experiments, poring over research papers. In her senior year, she found herself moving away from STEM into Political Science and Psychology. 

Haylie joins us on our podcast to share her UG Experience at CU Boulder, Studio Lab, UG Research, Climbing, and Advice for High Schoolers. 

In particular, we discuss the following with her: 

• Overall Experience at CU Boulder
• Studio Lab & UG Research
• Majoring in Political Science & Psychology
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Haylie Schramm, CU Boulder []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall CU Boulder Experience []
• High School Interests []
• Transition to College []
• Peers []
• Professors []
• UG Research []
• Why Studio Lab? []
• Studio Lab Experience []
• Benefits of Studio Lab []
• Year 1 Research []
• Year 2 Research []
• From STEM to Social Sciences []
• Campus Activities - Climbing []
• Impact of Research []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Haylie Schramm is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Psychology at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Memorable Quote: “And actually working on a project that's going to be published has helped me refine and revise the things that I'm doing for class, and implement these projects in a meaningful way, and be able to really engage with class concepts really nicely.” Haylie Schramm.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences

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In High School, Lea was interested in a variety of activities. Her driving passion had to do with helping people.

Her Chemistry teacher told her Chemistry was her future and she should pursue it. She joined college as an undeclared major, with the idea of pursuing Chemistry.

That would soon change!

Lea joins our podcast to share her undergraduate College journey at Northwestern so far, Role at Matriculate, Counseling College-bound Students, and her Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her: 

• Northwestern Experience
• Majoring in Psychology & Social Policy
• Advising Fellow at Matriculate 
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Lea Kalkowski, Northwestern []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Northwestern Experience []
• Why Northwestern? []
• High School Interests []
• Transition to College []
• Peers []
• Choosing a Major []
• About Matriculate []
• Being an Advising Fellow []
• Students Being Advised []
• The Advising Experience []
• Northwestern Advising Fellow Coordinator []
• Summer Internship []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guest: Lea Kalkowski is studying Psychology and Social Policy at Northwestern University.

Memorable Quote: “...my biggest piece of advice is, don't be scared. Don't be scared of rejection. Don't be scared that you will make a fool of yourself if you aim for something because you won't. You know, that's how people get places.” Lea Kalkowski.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences

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Anna enjoyed learning in school. 

When Anna was in 8th grade, in her Earth Science class, the teacher told the class that the Universe is expanding! That fact completely captivated Anna and launched  her interest in Astronomy and Physics in high school.

Anna was socially engaged in school as well. Her crowning achievement was being high school valedictorian & being voted Senior Prom Queen!

Anna  joins our podcast to share her University of Pittsburgh undergraduate journey, Interest in Astronomy, UG Research on Quasars, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, Being a Marshall Scholar, Career in Policy, and her Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her: 

• Overall Undergraduate Experience
• UG Research
• The Goldwater & Marshall Scholarship
• Physics & Astronomy; Religious Studies Major
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Anna Quider, U of Pittsburgh []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Experience at Pitt []
• Why Pitt? []
• High School Interests []
• Interest in Science & Astronomy []
• Transition to Pitt []
• About Profs & Teaching []
• UG Research []
• Research Outcomes []
• Goldwater Scholarship []
• Winning the GW Scholarship []
• The Goldwater Scholarship Difference []
• Majoring in Physics & Astronomy and Religious Studies []
• The Marshall Scholarship []
• Post Phd Career []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Anna Quider is the Founder and Principal of the Quider Group. Anna, a Goldwater Scholar, graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics & Astronomy, and Religious Studies & The History and Philosophy of Science, from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Quider holds a Ph.D. in Astronomy from the University of Cambridge, where she was a Marshall Scholar and NSF Graduate Research Fellow.

Memorable Quote: “I really carried that with me to this day, that you know, if you're at a, you know, ‘poop plant’ level of school level of resource, you can still you can still develop into a wonderful scientist, because it's about how you approach and interact with nature and problems. It's not about what kind of fancy equipment you have.” Anna Quider.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences , UG Research

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Paul had a well-rounded experience in High School. He loved the Sciences and took every science course offered in school.

He had a number of leadership positions in the  student government. He was on the soccer team, track team, and managed the girls soccer team.

From a career point of view, he was interested in medicine. 

Paul joins our podcast to share his undergraduate Honors College journey so far at SDSU, UG Research, Passion for Medicine, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with him: 

• SDSU Weber Honors College Experience
• Passion for Medicine
• UG Research
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Paul Destefano, SDSU HC []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall SDSU Honors College Experience []
• Why SDSU Honors College? []
• High School Interests []
• Transition to College []
• Honors Courses []
• UG Research []
• Skills Gained from Research []
• Campus Activities - APPHO []
• Summer 2023 []
• Passion for Medicine []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guest: Paul Destefano is studying Pre Med Biology at San Diego State University Weber Honors College.

Memorable Quote: “So Dr. Cork and Mrs. Nicole and Mrs. McFadden and Mr. Stricker, they've all had a huge impact on me. So I would say that my curiosity for medicine and science, science especially, was sparked when I was very young”. Paul Destefano.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences, UG Research

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As a kid, Science for Dr Anil Menon was a dinner table conversation with his parents, who were both scientists. Dr Menon enjoyed those discussions.

As a young boy, he was fascinated with Mendeleev’s Periodic Table of the Elements. This fascination led to his lifelong commitment for science in general, and Molecular Genetics in particular.

Dr. Anil Menon is Professor of Molecular Genetics & Associate Dean of the UG Program in Medical Sciences.

In this Podcast, Dr. Menon reflects on his journey into the then emerging field of Molecular Genetics, Working in Cold Spring Harbor Lab at SUNY Stony Brook, PhD in Jerry Lingrel’s Lab at the U Cincinnati, Postdoctoral work with the Human Genome Project at Harvard, and his Professional Career at the University of Cincinnati.

In particular, we discuss the following with him: 

• Dr. Menon’s Passion For Science
• PhD in Jerry Lingrel’s Lab, UC
• Human Genome Project at Harvard
• Embryonic Stem Cells Research, UC

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Dr. Anil Menon, U of Cincinnati []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• The Passion For Science []
• UG to PhD []
• Jerry Lingrel’s Lab []
• PhD Work []
• Fast Forward 35 Years! []
• Yamanaka Factors []
• The OCT4 Potential []
• Reflecting on the elusive OCT4 []
• Postdoc at Harvard - Human Genome Project []
• Jim Gazella’s Lab - Gene Sequencing []
• UC - Embryonic Stem Cells []
• Why Molecular Biology? []

Our Guest: Dr. Anil Menon is the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Dr. Menon received his PhD at the University of Cincinnati and did his Postdoctoral Fellowship at Harvard Medical School. 

Memorable Quote: “So, I think I will always be a scientist, I think I'm a little more you know, I view it with less, less naivety now than I did when I first started, but it has not changed. I think the atoms that comprise me, have been touched with, with just the joy of doing science, and I will always be a scientist.” Dr. Anil Menon.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Suggestions for you: College Experiences, UG Research

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Making sense of the College News of the week, curated by Alma Matters. Shveta Bagade, College Counselor gives us her take on the news.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• What’s New in FAFSA []
• OPT Changes []

Our Guest: Shveta Bagade, College Counselor based in Silicon Valley California.

Resources referred to in this episode:

• Curated News at Alma Matters [0:11]
• CNBC []
• National Law Review []

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode Transcript.

Calls-to-action:

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Derek’s high schools changed quite frequently. Despite that he loved school and enjoyed science and math, and engaged in activities like Robotics.

About half way through high school, Derek realized that he would need scholarships to go to college. He then mapped out a plan to raise his aggregate GPA & achieved it to qualify for the Zell-Miller scholarship that would pay for all his college tuition.

Derek joins our podcast to share his undergraduate college journey at Kennesaw State University, UG Research, Winning the Goldwater Scholarship, Majoring in Engineering, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with him: 

• Kennesaw State University Experience
• The Wrestling Story
• UG Research
• The Goldwater Scholarship
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Derek Price, KSU []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall KSU Experience []
• Why KSU []
• High School Interests []
• The Wrestling Story []
• Transition to College []
• Classmates []
• UG Research []
• Goldwater Scholarship []
• Winning the GW Scholarship []
• The Goldwater Difference []
• Passion for Engineering []
• Impact of UG Research []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Derek Price is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at Kennesaw State University and Georgia Tech.

Memorable Quote: “I realize there's no reason to approach anything to do in life with fear. Fear is only going to inhibit you from being the best that you can be.” Derek Price.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences , UG Research

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In this episode we will introduce you to a College Application Workbook. The impetus for this workbook came after I wrote a piece in my newsletter Alma Matters Letter last fall about how college application readers have about 8 mins to read an application.

In this Podcast with Athena, we cover, What is Self-Phrase and How to Create Your own Self-Phrase; The Workbook Sections - which include Superpower, Academics, Experiential, Testimony and Fit, and Guidance using Ian’s Story as an example.

You can find the Workbook here.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to College Application Workbook []
• The Back Story []
• What is a Self Phrase? []
• Workbook Sections []
• Superpower []
• Academic Proficiency []
• Experiential []
• Testimony []
• Fit []
• Close []

Our Guest: Athena Lao is a graduate of Harvard University with a Bachelor’s degree in Classics. Athena then went on to get a Master’s degree in International Education Development Program at the University of Pennsylvania. 

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Workbook: Download from here.

Calls-to-action:

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While Aparna was working in the Social Development sector, she would save newspaper and magazine clippings of higher education and scholarship opportunities. 

When she took a break from work, when her daughter was very young, she found herself working at a primary school.

Eventually, with some powerful nudging from a friend, Aparna jumped into college counseling with both feet.

On our podcast, Aparna talks about her background, EducationUSA & Experience as EducationUSA Advisor, Counseling approach, 10X International School, and Advice for High School students.

In particular, we discuss the following with her: 

• Aparna Chandrasekharan’s Background
• EducationUSA in India
• Approach to College Counseling
• Challenges for Indian Students
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Aparna Chandrasekharan, 10X Int’l School []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• EducationUSA in India []
• How EducationUSA Helps Students []
• Student Profiles []
• Scholarship Opportunities []
• Approach to College Counseling []
• About Essays & Extracurriculars []
• The Challenges for Indian Students []
• 10X International School []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Aparna Chandrasekharan is the Head of College Placements at 10X International School in Bengaluru, India. Previously, Aparna was EducationUSA Advisor in Chennai, India. Aparna graduated with Bachelor’s degree in Botany from Ethiraj College, Chennai India, and Masters in Social Work from Tata Institute of Social Sciences.

Memorable Quote: “I would recommend all students looking to study in the United States to either visit or connect virtually with an Education USA center in their region, whether they're in India, South Asia. Like I said, there are centers in 175 countries.” Aparna Chandrasekharan.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Recommended Episodes: College Experiences

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While growing up in India, Prateek participated in Model UN. He found that he enjoyed meeting students from other parts of the world, discussing and debating issues. With these experiences, his interest in Journalism grew. He already loved writing, reporting on world issues.

He decided to apply to the US for college, to study journalism.

As it turned out, the University of Cincinnati had something else in mind for him!

Prateek  joins us on our podcast to share his UG Experience as an International Student, Transition to the US, UG Research in Feminist Issues, Majoring in Int’l Affairs, and Advice for high schoolers.  

In particular, we discuss the following with him: 

• Overall Experience at U of Cincinnati
• Transition to the US and UCincinnati
• Majoring in International Affairs
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Prateek Raj, U Cincinnati []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall UC Experience []
• High School Interests []
• Why the US? Why U Cincinnati?
• Transition to College[]
• The Peers []
• Doing UG Research []
• About Research Paper []
• More Research on Feminist Causes []
• Capstone []
• Majoring in Int’l Affairs []
• Women of Sri Lankan Civil War []
• Collecting Field Data []
• Advice for Int’l High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guests: Prateek Raj graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs from the University of Cincinnati. Prateek is currently pursuing a PhD in Political Science at the University of Cincinnati.

Memorable Quote: “So I can definitely say that…being open to that, being having a little bit of open mind is really important. Because you meet a lot of new people, you get a new perspective about your own field, your own life, your own experiences as a student in the University. ” Prateek Raj.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences

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As an undergraduate, Prof. Townsend was only able to be a part of a small research project. At that time only a select number of students were able to participate in research.

Today, Prof. Townsend is championing CURE - Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience in her Department and across CCRI so that an entire class of students can experience research - not just a select few.

Prof. Townsend joins us on our podcast to talk about UG Research at CCRI, CURE, Re-engineering Courses for Research, Evangelizing Research, Research Impact, and Advice for High Schoolers.

In particular, we discuss the following with her: 

• Prof. Heather Townsend’s Background
• UG Research via CURE at CCRI
• Evangelizing UG Research
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Prof. Heather Townsend, CCRI []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• Importance of UG Research []
• UG Research @ CCRI
• Re-engineering Courses for Research []
• Evangelizing CURE []
• Impact of Research on Students []
• Career Trajectory []
• Pervasive UGR []
• Advice for High Schoolers []

Our Guest: Prof. Heather Townsend is a Professor of Biology at Community College of Rhode island. Prof. Townsend received her PhD in Veterinary Medical Science from the University of Florida.

Memorable Quote: “And so for me, personally,  I want a CURE [Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience] on every one of my courses for college, and even just community colleges in general. I try as much as I can to get the word out about these CUREs and how rewarding they are.” Prof. Heather Townsend.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: UG Research

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Saoirse was interested in microbiology in High School. This may have had a lot to do with all the volunteering she did at the Hot Springs National Park. She loved nature and hiking.

She also did some research focused on bats at the Park.

Saoirse joins us on our podcast to share her undergraduate journey at Rice, Transition to college, UG Research, Impact of Research, and Advice for high schoolers. 

In particular, we discuss the following with her: 

• Overall Experience at Rice
• UG Research
• Quiz Bowl
• Majoring in Cell Biology
• Advice to High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introduction to Saoirse Disney-McKeethen of Rice U []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Overall Rice Experience []
• Why Rice? []
• High School Interests []
• Importance of UG Research []
• Transition to College []
• Peers []
• Professors and Teaching []
• Introduction to UG Research []
• Flavor of Research []
• Takeaways from UGR []
• Impact of UGR []
• Campus Activities []
• Majoring in Cell Biology []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Memories []

Our Guest: Saoirse Disney-McKeethen recently graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Cell Biology from Rice University.

Memorable Quote: “So learning like not just like your immediate friends and asking them for help forming study groups, but also knowing who sort of like your peer academic mentors are, how to go to their study hours, take advantage of that resource, knowing when your professors office hours are, how to get help from them. ” Saoirse Disney-McKeethen.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Similar Episodes: College Experiences

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Elizabeth is a first-generation college graduate. When she was applying to college, she didn’t have anyone in her family that could help her with the process. Luckily, she found people who could help her with her questions.

Today, Elizabeth guides students like her younger self, with the college application process.

On our podcast, Elizabeth talks about her background, her role at Bottom Line, Counseling approach and challenges, and her Advice for High School students.

In particular, we discuss the following with her: 

• Elizabeth Nieto’s Background
• Approach to College Counseling
• Challenges
• Advice for High Schoolers

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Introducing Elizabeth Nieto, Bottom Line []
• Hi Fives - Podcast Highlights []
• Professional Background []
• Role at Bottom Line []
• Student Profiles []
• Recruiting Students []
• Approach to College Counseling []
• The Challenges []
• Topic Issues []
• Choosing Majors[]
• Success Stories []
• Advice for High Schoolers []
• Staying Excited []

Our Guest: Elizabeth Nieto is a Senior College Access Advisor with Bottom Line. Elizabeth is a graduate of Loyola University, Chicago.

Memorable Quote: “The end goal is helping them [students] make the most informed decision about their college commitment.” Elizabeth Nieto.

Episode Transcript: Please visit Episode’s Transcript.

Recommended Episodes: College Experiences

Calls-to-action:

• Follow us on Instagram.
• To Ask the Guest a question, or to comment on this episode, email podcast@almamatters.io.
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