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

Late 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!

Created by:
Adam Ortiz, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Part 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.

Created by:
Adam Ortiz, University of Massachusetts Amherst

The 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.

Created by:
Adam Ortiz, University of Massachusetts Amherst

UMass 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.

Created by:
Adam Ortiz, University of Massachusetts Amherst

UMass 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!

Created by:
Adam Ortiz, University of Massachusetts Amherst

What 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.

Created by:
Adam Ortiz, University of Massachusetts Amherst

UMass 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.

Created by:
Adam Ortiz, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Welcome 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!

Created by:
Adam Ortiz, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Niamh 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!

Created by:
Adam Ortiz, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Junior 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!

Created by:
Adam Ortiz

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

Second-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!

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