This is going to be just short and sweet as Joy and Ilona close out this season.  ..read more

Joy and Ilona are joined by Thomas Vance, a first-year law student at Columbia Law School. Thomas reflects on his experiences as both an undergraduate and a graduate student, student leadership, and his focus on maintaining connections and relationships amidst hardship.   Key Takeaways: Who to lean on when unexpected life events happen in college Exploring alternative forms of help-seeking Community building as a reciprocal form of support  Questioning aspects of the resilience narrative What Thomas wishes he had figured out a lot sooner What to do if you feel like you’re in too dee ..read more

Joy and Ilona are joined by two students, Naomi and Sanil, who share their inside perspectives on navigating college life, making friends, and loneliness.    Key Takeaways How to navigate campus mental health resources Advice for first-year students who might be feeling disconnected How to find your community How your own openness allows others to feel less alone   About Naomi Alvarado and Sanil Mittal Naomi Alvarado is going to be a Sophomore this fall. She is majoring in Psychology and minoring in Applied Statistics at University of Michigan Dearborn Campus. She loves to rea ..read more

In today's episode, Joy and Ilona ask you to consider what kinds of connections and relationships you truly want in college. How do you learn to create boundaries with some people, and take small risks to build deeper connections with others?    Key Takeaways Knowing yourself: Do you prefer a small number of close relationships, or a bigger group of friends?   The different types of loneliness How to set small goals, and take small risks when reaching out to others The value of reciprocity in close relationships    Connect With Us Instagram: Unlocking College Li ..read more

In this episode, we discuss why it can be difficult to seek help even though there are seemingly endless resources on a college campus.    Key takeaways to listen for Understanding your own barriers to seeking help Unlocking some of the secrets about campus resources How to have agency in who you choose to seek help from   Connect With Us Instagram: Unlocking College Life ..read more

In today's episode, we talk about the reaction and feelings that arise in the transition back to in-person life on college campuses.    Key Takeaways:  Transitions as opportunities for reflection about your values Questioning college norms and myths about friendships Tips to guide your next steps amidst uncertainty   Connect With Us: Instagram: Unlocking College Life ..read more

Joy and Ilona welcome guest Mel Selber, who is a graduating senior at the University of Michigan. Mel talks about how she redefined who she is over the course of her college experience, and how continuing to take small risks played a role.    Key Takeaways: Internalized beliefs about who we are Imposter syndrome Straddling two identities, while not belonging to either one The experience of being othered Discomfort leading to clarity Mel’s secret for making new things less nerve-wracking Challenging preconceived notions Finding new ways to fail safely Distinguishing between helpful v ..read more

Ilona and Joy welcome guest Kate Panzer, who is a 2nd-year medical student at the University of Michigan. Kate followed the pre-med track at the University of Pennsylvania as an undergrad where she developed an interest in disability health through learning American Sign Language (ASL). She is now integrating her interest in disability health into her experience in medical school.   Key Takeaways: The pre-med track in undergrad The decision to take two gap years before med school Why Kate ended up taking 4 semesters of ASL From theory to hands-on learning with physicians Getting to see m ..read more

Joy and Ilona are joined by Merry Gebretsadik, a first-generation student studying political science and ethnic studies at Colorado State University. Merry outlines her path at CSU from a disconnected first-year student to ultimately being elected as the Vice President of Student Government (ASCSU).    Key Takeaways: Navigating a PWI as a black female student Leaning on mentors and advisors Importance of putting yourself out there Challenging non-inclusive student spaces  From student senator to Vice President Merry’s “first” in ASCSU history The power of the student's voice Th ..read more

Ilona and Joy are joined by Senaida, a student at New York University’s Clive Davis Institute for Recorded Music. Senaida talks openly about her experiences as a musical artist, and the challenges she went through to find her unique artistry now. She says: “My art is my life, and my life is always a work in progress.”   Key Takeaways: The high pressure of performing Why Senaida developed stage fright Accepting limitations  Finding her creative place in the music industry How Senaida made her college choice The pros and cons of competition Meditation, spirituality, and musical expres ..read more