Colleen joins us on Trajectory to tell us about her experience as a transfer student who arrived at UMass and challenged herself to get involved and make a big impact on campus. Colleen's journey serves as an example of how putting ourselves out there can lead to substantial changes and new initiatives that help others.

Created by:
Adam Ortiz, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Randy Le talks to us about his experience as a first-generation, low-income student at UMass. Our conversation touches on his Vietnamese-American heritage, his comfort zone (and how he pushed himself outside of it), and the importance of community on campus.

Created by:
Adam Ortiz, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Sarah has a super unique story: she’s a transfer student who took a gap year between her freshman and sophomore year to really figure out what she wanted to do, and where she wanted to do it. We spoke with her about what led her to UMass, what it’s like to have only a remote experience at UMass so far and how she manages to stay organized. You’ll want to listen for the Google Calendar tips alone! Thanks so much, Sarah.

Created by:
Adam Ortiz, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Trust's drive and dedication in high school earned him a spot in the Emerging Scholars RAP his first year on campus. His ambition and insight helped guide him through the rest of his UMass journey. As a senior, Trust reflects on the ups and downs of attending a PWI as a Black man. Be sure to listen!

Created by:
Adam Ortiz, University of Massachusetts Amherst

We were honored with Kiara Batista’s time today, and you won’t have to listen long to understand why. In this episode, you’ll hear about her experiences as a Cape Verdian American at a PWI, her understanding of colonialism and white supremacy through her lens as a language and translation scholar, and her hopes for a global BLM movement. We’re excited to have you here at UMass for another year, Kiara!

Created by:
Adam Ortiz, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Writer and sociology student, Niajah, walks us through what it has been like to finally get to college, experience a semester of student independence, and pack it all up to take classes remotely for the next year-and-a-half. This semester Nia wrote a heartfelt article for Her Campus; I got to talk with her about her experience writing that piece, what it meant to her, and what she hopes it means to us. Don’t miss this episode, and be sure to read Nia’s piece, “A Sincere Letter From an ‘Angry,’ Upset and Heartbroken Black Woman” (link below).

Created by:
Adam Ortiz, University of Massachusetts Amherst

We’re kicking off the fall 2021 semester with Engineering student and life-long learner, Brady Bell. Brady sat down with us to talk about curiosity beyond the classroom, going outside of your comfort zone, and finding your support system.

Created by:
Adam Ortiz

Senior and transfer student, Sharif Sharif, brings many intersecting identities to his experience on campus and to this conversation: Sharif is a Black man, Muslim, immigrant and mental health advocate (to name a few). In this episode, Sharif opens up about how these identities have shaped who he is today, the steps he’s taking to get to know himself a bit better and his plans to pay it forward for other POC on campus. Listen for brilliant insights about being a student of color at UMass and for some inspiration to take that first step toward getting support.

Created by:
Adam Ortiz

In honor of National Transfer Student Week, Student Success invites its listenership to think critically about the many different paths students take on their journeys through higher education. Featuring Kevin Brooks, Daniel Keating Jr., Jennifer MacGray, Sarah Plowman, and Clint Sengmany in conversation with graduate assistant Sasha Smith, this episode explores the complexity of transfer mobility through the personal stories of five current transfer students at UMass Amherst. Tune in for a fun conversation, the inspiration to forge your own path, and some seriously valuable transfer wisdom.

Created by:
Adam Ortiz, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Pre-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.

Created by:
Adam Ortiz, University of Massachusetts Amherst

We 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!

Created by:
Adam Ortiz, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Heading 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.

Created by:
Adam Ortiz, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Our 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.⁠

Created by:
Adam Ortiz, University of Massachusetts Amherst

In 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!

Created by:
Adam Ortiz, University of Massachusetts Amherst

This 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.

Created by:
Adam Ortiz, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Aidan 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.

Created by:
Adam Ortiz, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Helen 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!

Created by:
Adam Ortiz, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Kevin 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.

Created by:
Adam Ortiz, University of Massachusetts Amherst

During this episode, Daniel talks with us about his unorthodox -- and compelling! -- road to UMass. Committed to helping people find their way and connect with each other in meaningful ways, Daniels offer his insights on student success -- and strategies for finding it.

Created by:
Adam Ortiz, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Interested in learning more about Trajectory? Check out the trailer here!

Created by:
Adam Ortiz, University of Massachusetts Amherst