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Publication Episode 8: KevinOrtiz, AdamKevin shares with us what it was like for him to transfer to UMass. Listen in as he talks about self-advocacy, persistence, and self-care -- especially in the world of COVID-19.Publication Episode 7: HelenOrtiz, AdamHelen Sajo joins us to talk about the importance of feeling like we matter, offering support to others who need it, and being kind while prioritizing our goals and wellbeing. Thanks for all of your insight, Helen!Publication Episode 6: AidanOrtiz, AdamAidan Provost brings his helpful insights and wisdom to this episode of Trajectory. We talked to Aidan about what it means to ask for help, self-advocate, and build a support network on campus.Publication Episode 5: ZachOrtiz, AdamThis summer we interviewed Zach Steward to learn more about his transition to UMass and what experiences have been most impactful for him. Join us as we listen to Zach share what it was like to make campus his home while navigating various components of racism, and what steps he is taking to make change in the community.Publication Episode 4: KietoOrtiz, AdamIn this episode of Trajectory, Kieto shares with us in detail about his unique transition from high school to UMass, and the wisdom he acquired during the experience. As a student, Kieto has learned to maximize his time pursuing his interests while finding many layers of success as a UMass community member. Take a listen for his insights!Publication Episode 3: HallieOrtiz, AdamOur latest episode of Trajectory: a Student Success podcast is near and dear to us because it was the first episode we ever recorded! And we're so thankful it was Hallie Martin -- her insights and experience made for a super engaging conversation.Publication Episode 30: AdamOrtiz, AdamSecond-semester junior and aspiring veterinarian Adam Raules-Godoy has a powerful first-gen narrative. In this episode, we dive into Adam’s path to, and through, UMass as a first-generation student. Together, we explore his experience navigating the college application process on his own, ways he was able to find community on campus, and how he developed the self-awareness needed to maintain a balance between his academics and his wellbeing. We can’t wait to see where his veterinary career takes him. Thanks, Adam!Publication Episode 29: RuthOrtiz, AdamJunior Political Science Major Ruth Tony-Alabi is putting herself out there. Having transferred from Curry College – a small school outside of Boston – Ruth pushed herself to attend events, email professors, and join in random conversations. The result? She understood herself better as a learner, connected with a Nigerian-American community at UMass and made her home at UMass. Ruth gives us some great tips on how to apply yourself academically while still maintaining a work-life balance. Thanks for sharing your story with us, Ruth!Publication Episode 2: KiraOrtiz, AdamHeading into her junior year at UMass, the name of Kira Levenson’s game is community. We sat down with Kira and learned about how she found her place in unexpected places.Publication Episode 28: NiamhOrtiz, AdamNiamh Fitzgerald, UMass ‘25, embodies the idea of paying it forward. After taking the OASIS transfer seminar last semester and finding it super helpful, Niamh sought out an opportunity to get involved with the course. This semester she is a TA in a transfer seminar, helping connect new transfer students with campus resources and making them feel at home on campus. We’re so glad you found your way to UMass, Niamh!Publication Episode 27: RachelOrtiz, AdamWelcome to a brand new semester! To kick things off, we sat down with senior Psychology & Public Health double major, Rachel Katcoff. Rachel describes how she felt alienated when she transitioned from a small, close-knit group of friends and family to a big school like UMass. She took charge to change things when she came back to campus her junior year, finding an awesome community of support and involvement opportunities she cares about by stepping out of her comfort zone and trying new things. Rachel is rounding out her senior year by serving as an RA in her old freshman dorm to make sure other students are supported. Thanks, Rachel!Publication Episode 26: KeeferOrtiz, AdamUMass Junior Keefer Li is asking the big questions: What does the future of aging research look like? What do we accept as truth about medicine and aging, and what truths have yet to be discovered? As a BMB major with research experience already under his belt, Keefer engaged us in a fascinating conversation about his academic world, his passion and how he hopes to change the face of medicine. Thanks so much, Keefer.Publication Episode 25: AllyOrtiz, AdamWhat is it like to transition to, and from, remote learning as a lab student completing medical research in the middle of a global health pandemic? UMass Senior Ally Brookhart breaks down her experience doing just that. Listen and learn what happens when Ally can let go of her expectations of what a college experience should be.Publication Episode 24: LaurenOrtiz, AdamUMass Junior Lauren Velie’s diverse interests have shaped her academic, and her personal, experience at UMass. In this episode Lauren dives into her unique route to her NRC major and her involvement with a living history project in the form of an Indigenous American cookbook. As the pandemic wears on, Lauren has learned to let go of self expectations and embrace human connection. Thanks so much, Lauren!Publication Episode 23: NoraOrtiz, AdamUMass Senior and BMB/Psychology dual-degree student Nora Haggerty has a big takeaway message for listeners: stop comparing yourself to others! Whether it’s your academic path, your time management strategy or your future – you’re on the right trajectory for you. Nora gave us meaningful reflections on her passion for discovery and the role mentorship has played in her time at UMass. Listen for a conversation about accepting yourself with a little bit of science sprinkled in.Publication Episode 22: OkohOrtiz, AdamThe main thread running through our conversation with UMass Junior, Okoh Frimpong, has to be gratitude. Despite, or maybe as a result, of his unconventional journey here (he completed a year of University in his native Ghana before moving to the U.S. and re-classing as a junior in high school), Okoh recognizes and pays homage to the people who saw his potential, supported him and gave him the opportunities he’s so thankful for today. UMass means a lot to Okoh, and you’ll want to listen to his story to find out why.Publication Episode 21: SAM Communications TeamOrtiz, AdamPart two of our series with the folks at Smart About Money features a conversation with the SAM Communications Team members: Lizette Sta. Maria and Estela Suarez. Lizette and Estela both highlight the importance of diversity within the way financial literacy is promoted on campus and, as seniors, express their hopes for the SAM team of the future. Check out the amazing work they’re both doing to make personal finance accessible on the Smart About Money Instagram, @umasssam.Publication Episode 20: SAM Peer Financial CoachesOrtiz, AdamLate last semester, our host Hannah Bernhard had the opportunity to sit down with a number of Smart About Money’s Peer Financial Coaches: Van Le, Julia Toler, Elana Sadok, Bill Wright, and Leo Tavares. These meaningful conversations covered a lot of ground, from the personal to the financial and back again. We’re so excited to bring you this special episode of Trajectory, and make sure you stay tuned for a part two with the Smart About Money Communications team next week!Publication Episode 19: MalinaOrtiz, AdamPre-Med UMass Senior Malina Nguyen risked a lot by leaving her Vietnamese-American community, and her family, back home to come to college. As a first-gen, low-income student, Malina talks through the pressures and victories in her dual, and sometimes contradicting, responsibilities: to her family and her academics. Listen for an inspiring example of someone facing moments of disconnection from their home base who turns around and builds community on campus for other people in similar situations.Publication Episode 1: EmmaOrtiz, AdamWe sat down and spoke with rising Junior Emma Martin about balancing a double major in Neuroscience and Biology, learning to advocate for herself, and her hopes for Fall 2020…oh, and that time she repped the UMass Marching Band for the Patriots!