Keeping up with NHS AVID: Recent Episodes
Martha Calderon
In this podcast series, we hope to share the stories of first-generation college-bound students in our AVID program who were the first in their families to attend a four-year college/university. Join us as we learn about the challenges, struggles, and joys of being the first in the family to attend college.
In this episode Tomas and Lupita speak with Jesus Magdaleno, NHS AVID grad of 2016 and UC Davis grad of 2021. Jesus opens up about his journey to Davis, discovering his major, and how he used AVID and the skills he learned in it to his advantage.
In this episode of Keeping up with NHS AVID, Lupita and Angela have a warm and in depth conversation with Gaby Magana, a student at CSU, Sacramento. Gaby was open with her journey, her struggles, and her successes as she navigated her way to the CSU campus. With a family-first attitude and a desire to study something that furthered her desire to work with kids, Gaby has seemingly found her niche at Sacramento and is thriving.
In this episode Celeste and Sophia interview Arcie Alvarado, NHS AVID Class of '21 and a member of the Mrs. Griffin team. Arcie took the NVC route, and it appears to be paying off well for her. Arcie's pointed advice and candidness about her path are refreshing to hear. And her Communication studies clearly have transformed her and the way she presents herself. This is a great interview and another great example for all of NHS AVID of what success and hard work look like.
In this episode Deisy shares with us her journey and how it evolved to where she is now. Out of high school she was focused on two things: going to San Diego and studying Nursing. Both of those goals changed and she enjoyed a career at Long Beach State, where priorities changed and she developed new interests. Now a grad student, Deisy gives a candid assessment of her path.
In this episode, Emilio and Jackie D. interview Evelyn Gutierrez, former Napa High AVID alumni and current student at Napa Valley JC. Evelyn talks about the two year route as opposed to immediately beginning as a four year student. Her experiences navigating the JC, finding her path as a Business Administration major, and being the oldest sibling in the family make her story one many of us can and will relate to.
In this episode of Keeping Up With NHS AVID, Beto and Sofia interview Hasnat Khan, former NHS AVID student and UC Davis graduate. Hasnat shares his story as a first gen student from Pakistan, going to the JC first and then in to UC Davis. Hasnat speaks about his transformation as a student, from a high school graduate that had no idea what he wanted to do, to a UC graduate with a clear objective to continue on to grad school and further his dreams. Hasnat's story is an excellent look at what the journey is like and how to change the narrative of one's own life!
In this episode Stephany and Maria interview Kayla Rodriguez, Napa High School AVID class of 2021. Kayla talks about her experiences leaving small town Napa and attending a large CSU in a big city. More specifically, Kayla speaks to the challenges of a shy high school graduate learning to be independent in a place like SF State.
In this episode Dyana and Alyah speak with former Napa High School AVID student and current NHS teacher, Danny Campos. Danny's path through college included navigating DACA, changing majors, commuting to Sonoma State, and making wholsale changes as a student from high school to college. Danny's path is inspiring and he sets a great example of what we all aspire to be!
Annie Sanchez, a Napa High graduate class of 2021 shares her experiences throughout her second year at Napa Valley College. She joined AVID during her junior year of high school. She keeps herself busy playing for the Napa Valley College soccer team and has great time management. Annie talks about her ups and downs in managing going straight to 4-year University out of high school and then coming back to Napa Valley College. She gives her point of view and tips and tricks to stay afloat our senior year of high school and freshman year of college.
In this episode of Keeping Up With NHS AVID, Angel Toral showcases the events leading up to his current point in life and his plans for the future. Angel is a great role model to his younger brother and cousins and demonstrates that through his story telling and charisma. He talks about his biggest support system (his family), and the struggles and challenges that have changed his career goals and made him the person he is today.
In this episode of our podcast, Wendy Santacruz shares her experience at Napa Valley College. She is a Psychology major who will soon graduate with an Associate's Degree debt-free! Wendy's story highlights all the benefits that a local community college can offer students. She will address the dedication and support that she has received since graduating from Napa High School in 2019.
After completing general education classes at Napa Valley College, Paola headed off to St. Mary's College of Moraga. She had missed key deadlines for public school options and pursued a private school. While at St. Mary's, Paola took out her first loan to help pay for the higher tuition. She made the best of her time as an undergraduate and earned her degree in Sociology. An internship with the city of Napa changed Paola's career trajectory and she found herself in the world of Human Resources. She is now a Senior Recruiter with Ole Health in Napa but living in New York City (NYC). Living in NYC is a dream come true for Paola. This 2013 Napa High graduate has a lot of wisdom to share with our audience in this episode.
Joel Navarro is a busy undergraduate student at San Francisco State University. He is majoring in Communications and minoring in Mathematics and Business Management. Outside of the school day, he keeps busy with his on-campus job as a residential advisor and as an Apple technician. He credits his time management skills with helping him make the best of each day.
Xochitl is a graduating senior at Dominican University of California. During her high school years, the politics of our country inspired her to explore the world of Political Science. Xochitl has refined that focus that called her attention. Her true passion is now understanding the history of politics; hence, she will be a double major graduate in Political Science and History.
Nancy Morales is a Sacramento State graduate who is trying to continue her studies as a graduate student. She is striving for a Master of Social Work (MSW). Nancy shares about her journey as an undergraduate student and the challenges as she has transitioned into the work sector.
Ingrid Ortega is in her senior year in San Francisco. She is a Biology major and is also pursuing a double minor in Spanish and Chemistry. During her undergraduate years, she has learned to expand her network and navigate the complexity of what it means to be a woman in STEM.
Jesse Garcia did not have the best start in high school, but he opted to turn it around. With the support of an AVID teacher, he opted to make a strong comeback. With the help of his counselor, he took a risk to apply to a school he never would have considered. Being at Cal Poly Humbolt is something he has never regretted!
Elisabeth Aguilar shares her experience as a college undergraduate and future graduate student at Mount St. Mary's Los Angeles. She leaves Northern California choosing a private college with a religious affiliation something that is important to her values. Despite the higher tuition, Elisabeth makes this dream affordable thanks to the support of her financial aid office and family support. Currently, she is employed by the university and values a positive work environment.
Jannet Contreras shares her experience navigating SSU as a Spanish/Sociology major as a former AVID Student and current first-generation college student amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. She reminisces on her journey leading up to an early graduation this December as a 3rd-year student.
In her junior year of high school, Adilene Valencia comes to the US without her father's approval in hopes of making her educational dreams come true. Her sister encourages Adi to join an AVID class. Now, Adi is a student at UC Davis, taking steps towards maximizing her education.
We are Napa High AVID! We are ready to launch a podcast that connects our current and former AVID students. Our students have a lot to share about being the first in their families to head off to a four-year college, so we are keeping up with them through podcasts.