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The Coug Cast

The Coug Cast

By The Coug Cast

The Coug Cast is series of monthly episodes for students, by students. Each episode will represent an aspect of the student experience. We hope that through stories, we can help you, our students, navigate your journey through education. We are no experts in podcasts but our commitment to your long-term success is limitless. Each Coug Cast episode will be unedited because conversations are natural and authenticity is important to us.
oae.collegeaccess@wsu.edu
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Support Systems for First-Generation Students pt. 2

The Coug CastApr 21, 2023

00:00
33:56
Support Systems for First-Generation Students pt. 2

Support Systems for First-Generation Students pt. 2

Welcome back! This week is a continuation of our conversation with former WSU student Esmeralda Mora Moreno on support systems for first-generation students, so make sure to check out that episode if you haven't already!


Follow us on our socials!


Instagram: @wsucollegeaccess

Twitter: WSU College Access and Transition Programs

Apr 21, 202333:56
Support Systems for First-Generation Students pt. 1

Support Systems for First-Generation Students pt. 1

We're back! This week, we discussed the importance of support systems for first-generation students and their transition to college with WSU alumna Esmeralda Mora Moreno. Whether it be Cougs Rise or another college program, these support systems are vital for many first-generation students who are striving for their college degree. This episode talks about how they can help as well as other common struggles that first-gen students face.


Follow us on our socials!

Instagram: @wsucollegeaccess

Twitter: WSU College Access and Transition Programs

Mar 31, 202320:30
What to (and what not to) look for when choosing a college pt. 2

What to (and what not to) look for when choosing a college pt. 2

This week's episode is a continuation of our discussion with Mason about what prospective college students should consider when choosing their perfect college. Cougar Connectors offer tours to individuals and families interested in attending WSU, and provide valuable information about the campus, academics, and student life. This episode touches on some of the most important things a prospective student should reflect on before making their final decision.

Follow our socials!

Instagram: @wsucollegeaccess

Facebook and Twitter: WSU College Access and Transition Programs

Feb 10, 202328:33
What to (and what not to) look for when choosing a college

What to (and what not to) look for when choosing a college

This week, Cougar Connector Mason Giustino to discuss what prospective college students should consider when choosing their perfect college. Cougar Connectors offer tours to individuals and families interested in attending WSU, and provide valuable information about the campus, academics, and student life. This episode touches on some of the most important things a prospective student should reflect on before making their final decision. 

Follow our socials!

Instagram: @wsucollegeaccess

Facebook and Twitter: WSU College Access and Transition Programs

Jan 27, 202328:51
Student Involvement at WSU Part 2

Student Involvement at WSU Part 2

This week's episode is a continuation of our discussion with Saydee Phothivongsa about the highs and lows of student involvement. Saydee is a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority as well as a reporter for the Daily Evergreen. Hailey and Saydee talk about their experiences being involved at WSU and why it's so important for enriching your college experience. 

Saydee's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saydee-p-9692841b2/

Follow our socials!

Instagram: @wsucollegeaccess

Facebook and Twitter: WSU College Access and Transition Programs

Dec 15, 202220:59
Student Involvement at WSU Part 1

Student Involvement at WSU Part 1

In this episode, host Hailey Ashton discusses the highs and lows of student involvement with guest Saydee Phothivongsa, a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority and Daily Evergreen reporter. Hailey and Saydee talk about their experiences with extracurriculars at WSU and why they are so important for enriching your college experience. 

Saydee's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saydee-p-9692841b2/

Follow our socials!

Instagram: @wsucollegeaccess

Facebook and Twitter: WSU College Access and Transition Programs

Dec 02, 202219:47
Unpacking Misconceptions about College: Part Two
Oct 21, 202222:27
Unpacking Misconceptions about College: Part One
Oct 07, 202215:25
10 reasons why I love WSU, getting connected with a cougar connector

10 reasons why I love WSU, getting connected with a cougar connector

Erica Johnson is a junior "cougar connector" at Washington State University. The Cougar Connectors group is made up of five to eight student ambassadors who represent the University and the Pullman campus in many capacities. This group plays a vital role in the promotion and growth of WSU. In this episode, Erica and communications assistant Colleen Hill break down the top 10 things they love about Washington State University, and what makes the Pullman campus so special. 

Erica's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-johnson-7653941b8/

Erica's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erricanicole/

Apr 22, 202218:60
Tales of Cougs Rise

Tales of Cougs Rise

In this episode, Colleen talks all about the benefits of the college access program "Cougs Rise" and it's benefits for first-gen, incoming college students. She speaks with former Cougs Rise mentor and current Interim Coordinator Jess Garibay. After graduating this last semester in 2021, Jess loved Cougs Rise so much that she had to stick around! Listen in to see how the program has affected her, as well as current Cougs Rise students Olivia Bell and Alejandra Beltran

More info on Cougs Rise: https://provost.wsu.edu/cougsrise/

Application to join Cougs Rise: https://wsu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2nugwGsg6Fb4prE

Participant Stories: https://provost.wsu.edu/cougsrise/meet-cougs-rise-student-cougs-rise/ 

Mar 28, 202212:42
How do I "College"?
Mar 07, 202224:40
The Definition of Success and the Power of Choice with Tyler Monk

The Definition of Success and the Power of Choice with Tyler Monk

Tyler Monk is a first-generation college graduate and entrepreneur. With a desire to reach more folks, In 2018 Tyler created a program called "The Underdog Mentality" that focuses on bringing keynote speeches and inspiration to those who need to hear. In this episode, Colleen and Tyler discuss his relationship with traditional education, and what served as the turning point that allowed for him to enjoy his classes- and strive towards a goal.

In this episode, Colleen and Tyler discuss the definition of success, goals for the future, and the power of choice. 

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Tyler Monk's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-monk-1ba8b7123/

More information about The UnderDog Mentality: https://theunderdogmentality.net/about

Advice for students entering college: https://collegesofdistinction.com/advice/

Cougs Rise program registration: https://wsu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ac4qjC4weX96gKO

More info about CR: https://provost.wsu.edu/cougsrise/


Feb 14, 202225:36
Mentorship, Community College, and Finding your place: A word with Tyler Monk

Mentorship, Community College, and Finding your place: A word with Tyler Monk

Tyler Monk is a first-generation college graduate and entrepreneur. With a desire to reach more folks, In 2018 Tyler created a program called "The Underdog Mentality" that focuses on bringing keynote speeches and inspiration to those who need to hear. In this episode, Colleen and Tyler discuss his relationship with traditional education, and what served as the turning point that allowed for him to enjoy his classes- and strive towards a goal. 

In this episode, Colleen and Tyler discuss how to find and build a strong mentorship, the benefit of community college, and how to find your place in formal education. 

Tyler Monk's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-monk-1ba8b7123/

More information about The UnderDog Mentality: https://theunderdogmentality.net/about

Jan 24, 202220:58
Heading through college at your own pace: A conversation with a peer mentor

Heading through college at your own pace: A conversation with a peer mentor

Marjie Sabo is a peer mentor at Cougs Rise, who specializes in providing academic and emotional support for several current high school students in Washington schools. In this episode, communications assistant Colleen Hill has a conversation with Marjie about her college experience, and why she is adamant about reminding her students to go forth in education at their own pace. 

More info on the Cougs Rise program: https://provost.wsu.edu/cougsrise/


Dec 09, 202115:36
Don't fear financial aid: words of advice from a PhD candidate

Don't fear financial aid: words of advice from a PhD candidate

Jose Riera is an entrepreneurial, interdisciplinary executive with 20 years of economic development experience serving low-income, racially diverse communities. He is currently conducting doctoral research on educational methods and technologies to enhance STEM instruction for marginalized students. In this episode, Colleen and Jose discuss the journey he has taken through education, as well as words of advice towards collaboration, financial aid, and asking for help when needed. Thanks for tuning in! 


Jose's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soc-impact-joseriera/


Dec 02, 202115:51
Discussing Bilingualism

Discussing Bilingualism

Ayled Zazueta is a third-year student at the University of Redlands in California. She is currently working towards a major in language and culture. She recently wrote and published an article through her the University of Redlands writing center. Her article touches on the world of bilingualism within the workplace- and how to work on noticing the privilege and differences of being bilingual in a work environment. Join Colleen Hill and Ayled Zazueta in discussing the process of her writing, and where she hopes to aim her research in the future. 


Ayled's article: https://ocpd.redlands.edu/blog/2021/10/04/opinion-the-exploitation-of-bilingualism-in-our-workplaces-by-zazueta-23/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010683378716

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayled.zazueta/?hl=en

Nov 19, 202121:20
Balancing Family Obligations while in College

Balancing Family Obligations while in College

Join current UC Irvine student Vanessa Delgado in discussing the balance of family obligations as a college student. Vanessa's research at Irvine explores how Latinx children of immigrants help their parents navigate U.S. society through translation, and giving back to families. Cougs Rise communications assistant Colleen Hill welcomes Vanessa in this episode where they discuss how to recognize this balance, how to negotiate the challenge, and what colleges can do to help. 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-delgado-71474171/

Twitter: @VanessaD015

Nov 01, 202125:08
Discussing the first-generation experience with Marena Guzman

Discussing the first-generation experience with Marena Guzman

Marena Guzman is a sixth-year Ph.D. candidate in molecular sciences at Washington State University, as well as a first-generation student. In this episode, Colleen and Marena discuss the hardships of navigating college as a first-gen student, and how she had to be the trailblazer for success for her younger siblings. 

Marena's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004155468873


Oct 20, 202129:33
Navigating The Course of Education with Monipel Babb: Part two
Sep 21, 202118:34
Navigating The Course of Education with Monipel Babb: Part One
Sep 21, 202117:27
Thriving in Adversity: Part Two
Aug 27, 202118:15
Thriving in Adversity: Part One
Aug 27, 202114:59
Building Bridges Between Communities and Academia

Building Bridges Between Communities and Academia

Dr. Nancy Carbajal Medina is an Associate Professor at the Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia and a graduate of the College of Education at Washington State University.  Her research interests include decolonizing research, critical ethnography & identity construction. In this episode, Dr. Carbajal Medina explores ways in which education can connect with communities, building bridges and finding purpose between educational aspirations and enacting change in the world. 


Contact Info:

Twitter: @EMILCE5

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nancy.carvajalmedina/

Website: https://nancycarvajal.wixsite.com/undertheskin

Academia: https://uptc.academia.edu/NancyCarvajalMedina

Research: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=33x1WicAAAAJ&hl=es 

Jul 15, 202146:16
Picking a Major 101: Everything you Need to Know to Pick the Right Major for you

Picking a Major 101: Everything you Need to Know to Pick the Right Major for you

Contact Info: 

Email: Mlimon@hopeboarder.org

Social Media: @Mlimongarza

Apr 21, 202129:58
Passion to Profit: How to Pick a Major you Love and Turn your Passion into a Career
Mar 26, 202135:46
Changing the Ways We Look at Privilege from Washington D.C

Changing the Ways We Look at Privilege from Washington D.C

Tune into hear from Carolina Silva, Ph.D. all about her experience working in Washington D.C. Carolina Silva is the Executive Director of Scholarships A-Z. 


Contact Info: 

Instagram @doctorachikita

twitter @carosilva1220


Mar 05, 202125:52
Mistakes- Why you should make them, why they are OK!

Mistakes- Why you should make them, why they are OK!

Guest Latonya Robinson, the Senior Vice Provost for Dean of Students at University of Texas at San Antonio, joins us today to talk about mistakes and how they can be good for you in terms of finding your path in life.


Contact Info: 

Instagram: @UTSAStudents

Twitter: @UTSAStudents

Feb 12, 202135:33
Your Life is Bigger Than A Bachelors Degree
Jan 27, 202127:02
Breaking the Status Quo and Creating a Mental Health Routine

Breaking the Status Quo and Creating a Mental Health Routine

Gust Dr. Jackelyn Hidalgo- Mendez speaks on having hard conversations with family about going to college, as well as how to create a mental health routine that works best for you.

Contact Info: Jackelyn.Hidalgo@wsu.edu

Dec 11, 202037:10
From a Farm to a Ph.D. and all for Free
Nov 06, 202027:05
Building Your Own Success with the Resources Around You

Building Your Own Success with the Resources Around You

Our first guest on season 2 of The Cougs Cast, is Guilherme Costa the Senior Associate Vice President and Deputy University Secretary at Syracuse University. He shares his journey to higher education and how he was able to afford visiting universities before he decided which school was best for him. Tune in for tips and tricks for determining which school is right for you and how to build strong mentor relationships. 



Oct 23, 202038:13
Planning for the future and making sound decisions

Planning for the future and making sound decisions

Kelly Demand Provides wisdom on the finacial and social barries within pusring a higher education focused on self advocacy and efficacy. Kelly currently works as the Project Director for not only Invest in Cougs but also Crimson Community Grants which is currently working tirelessly to provide students with financial support through our current pandemic.

May 14, 202013:54
Meaning In the New Normal

Meaning In the New Normal

Trymaine Gaither, the Recruitment Coordinator for the Honors College at Washington State University, lends insightful advice on overcoming and striving through adverse change and circumstances throughout your educational journey and life.

Apr 01, 202021:14
Building Your Brand

Building Your Brand

James Bledsoe describes how to shift the perspective about how students in higher ed brand themselves as scholars and professionals. James has an incredibly rich and long history at WSU which spans 20 years across multiple positions. James now serves as a College of Arts and Sciences Career Development Coordinator and Major Exploration Advisor.

Feb 28, 202028:27
The Will to Change

The Will to Change

On this episode, our guest Judy Hopkins shares valuable insight about utilizing those around you, opportunities that arise, and inner strengths for positive change. She shares powerful insight into how to shift your perspective, gain introspection, and how to pay attention. 

Dec 14, 201929:45
I am First: A first generation student's college journey to a Ph.D

I am First: A first generation student's college journey to a Ph.D

On this episode, our guest Dr. Amir Gilmore shares his college going journey and the difficulties he encountered through out his journey.  He shares powerful insight into how to navigate new environments, ensure preparedness and general tips for long term success. 

Oct 29, 201924:13
Is College Really for Me?

Is College Really for Me?

An honest conversation about finding your perfect fit and battling insecurities. Exploring some of the obstacles some of us encountered prior to our enrollment in college. We will cap off our episode by providing some reasons why you should consider continue on a post-secondary education.

Sep 28, 201916:57