Student Stories

Season 5 Episode 5 

Title: Being our Barbie Selves  

Summary: UAlbany students, Sarai Lewis and Alyssa Roman discuss their leadership positions and roles at UAlbany. The conversation centers around the Barbie movie and how patriarchal standards and norms impact Sarai and Alyssa in their leadership positions. Furthermore, the conversation surrounds women’s empowerment in society and highlights the harmful effects of the patriarchy within society. Alyssa and Sarai dive into the conversation in a multifaceted way discussing gender prejudices, issues of race, mental health, and beauty standards and how they combat these issues. 

Instagram for orgs: @ualbanymaps @lmsaplus @pvoices @ua.spanishclub

Warning Explicit Language 

Time Stamps: 

0:00 - Introduction to our Barbie’s 

1:43 – Toxic femininity vs Toxic masculinity? 

11:57- Fear of women’s power 

21:53-Combatting toxic masculinity 

46:26- Race as a factor in being our Barbie selves 

58:37- Being women leaders 

1:04:02- Recruiting for Orgs 

1:06:21- Saying Goodbye

Contributors:

Sarai Lewis (StoryTeller), Alyssa Roman (StoryTeller), Ryan Pare (Host, Editor), Sophia Smith (Host),  Bianca Zazzarini-León (StoryTeller/Marketing), Carmen Serrano (Editor/Executive Producer). UAlbany Student Stories, Season 5, Episode 5 [podcast]. Music from El Pañuelo de Pepa by Javier Colina and Pepe Rivero. José Cruz, Executive Producer.

Special thanks to Ryan C. Clow, Digital Scholarship Center Training Specialist, for allowing us to use the equipment and recording studio.

Season 5 Episode 4

Title: How disability friendly is UAlbany?

Summary: In this episode, UAlbany student Sasha Chattergoon tells her story of resilience and strength relating to her disability. She then delves into stigmas she has faced on campus and throughout her life for being disabled. As a student at UAlbany, Sasha highlights the lack of accessibility she has dealt with on the UAlbany campus. However, the lack of accessibility, is also seen throughout some professors’ and some students’ attitudes towards Sasha and others who may have a disability. This episode attempts to dismantle prejudices and stigmas puts our own privileges and biases into question.

Warning Explicit Language

Time Stamps:

0:00- Introduction

0:37- Sasha’s disability

1:18- Transition from Guyana to the U.S

2:21 - Stigmas Sasha faces

4:07 - Put some respect on Sasha’s name

7:17 - Sasha’s transition from SUNY Schenectady to SUNY UAlbany

8:52- How accessible is UAlbany?

14:50- Housing and classroom accessibility on campus

16:30 – Inaccessibility of professors and classes

20:04 – Navigating accommodations for teachers?

23:40 – How to make UAlbany more accessible

26:39- Excluded by clubs and people

29:16- Sasha just rolls with it

30:42 - Positive and negative highlights at UAlbany

31:57 - Future goals for Sasha

33:07  - Goodbye’s

Contributors: Sasha Chattergoon (StoryTeller),  Ryan Pare (Host, Editor), Bianca Zazzarini-León (Host/Marketing) Carmen Serrano (Editor/Executive Producer). UAlbany Student Stories, Season 5, Episode 4 [podcast]. Music from El Pañuelo de Pepa by Javier Colina and Pepe Rivero. José Cruz, Executive Producer.

Special thanks to Ryan C. Clow, Digital Scholarship Center Training Specialist, for allowing us to use the equipment and recording studio.

Season 5: Episode 3

Title: The Libros/arte and Cartonera exhibit: What is a book?

In this Episode, UAlbany student Claudia Piqué discusses the exhibition “Libros/Arte: Handmade Books from Latin America & the Caribbean” at the University Art Museum, which is the first bilingual exhibit at the University at Albany Museum. This exhibit is unique as it breaks the tradition of what we typically view as a book, not only because of the communal creation process but also the experimental formatting it uses. The Libros/Arte and Cartoneras show a story of resistance from communities in Latin America and the Caribbean as to who owns knowledge and how it is passed. The creation of this exhibit is due to the hard work and dedication of LLC Librarian Jesus Alonso Regalado, who collected books from all over Latin America for over a year, and the curators Dr. Ilka Kressner and Dr. Alejandra Bronfman. Thank you for creating this beautiful exhibit. The Libros/Arte: Handmade from Latin America and the Caribbean exhibit is showcased at the University Museum until the end of the Fall 2023 semester. Go check it out, you won’t regret it!

Museum Hours: Monday – Friday, 11am – 4pm
Open Select Saturdays 11am – 4pm: 9/23, 9/30, 10/14, 10/21
Open Select Evening Hours 6pm – 8pm: 11/8
Closed: 9/4, 10/9, 11/10, 11/23, 11/24

Warning Explicit Language

Time Stamps:

0:00- Introduction

0:30- The Libros/ Arte Exhibit

1:40- The unique process of the Libros/Arte exhibit

6:05- What is a book?

8:03-Behind the scenes of creating the exhibit

9:47- Libros/Arte is resistance

11:39-Yerbas Poderosas

14:39 - The start of Libros Cartonera in Argentina

21:26- Environmental consciousness of Cartoneras

23:27- Everyone owns knowledge

29:24 - A global Cartonera community

32:02- What would our Cartonera look like?

36:10-The roots of Claudia’s favorite Cartonera

40:30- Go visit the University Museum for the Libros/Arte exhibit

Contributors:

Claudia Piqué (StoryTeller),  Ryan Pare (Host, Editor),  Sophia Smith (Host), Bianca Zazzarini-León (Host/Marketing) Carmen Serrano (Editor/Executive Producer). UAlbany Student Stories, Season 5, Episode 3 [podcast]. Music from El Pañuelo de Pepa by Javier Colina and Pepe Rivero. José Cruz, Executive Producer.

Funding provided by the UAlbany Faculty Research Awards Program (FRAP).

Special thanks to Ryan C. Clow, Digital Scholarship Center Training Specialist, for allowing us to use the equipment and recording studio.

Season 5: Episode 2

Title: #Multicultural Living

Summary: 

In this episode, UAlbany students Sophia Smith and Bianca Zazzarini-Leon discuss what it was like to grow up in a multicultural household. Sophia and Bianca delve into how their identities have evolved and what hardships come with negotiating identity. Both students discuss how violent being multicultural in the U.S can be, centering stories of racism and prejudice. However, they also highlight the benefits of having a multicultural background, that privilege bilingualism and multiple perspectives. These stories of resilience remind us of how proud of our own cultures we should be.

Warning Explicit Language

Time Stamps:

0:00- Introduction

0:31 – Find out about Sophia’s heritages!

1:40 –Ancestry and me

2:34 -Gloria, Gloria!   

4:36- Sophia’s family and their cultures

6:11-Bianca’s heritages!

7:47- We all love potatoes!

9:05- A plate of sancocho and pastelitos will always wait for you!

9:52-What culture does Sophia identify with?

14:15–Argentine and Dominican fusion

16:11- Dialects are hard

16:31-Latin America does not equate to Spanish

17:13-Don’t impose identities on others.

17:26-Sophia’s identities

21:44 -Bianca’s identities 

25:38- A perspective on Belize’s reality 

29:41- A perspective on the Dominican Republic’s reality

35:35- Sophia and Bianca’s future household

41:05-  Bye, thanks for listening!

Contributors:

Sophia Smith (StoryTeller/Host), Bianca Zazzarini-León (StoryTeller/Marketing) Ryan Pare (Host, Editor), Carmen Serrano (Editor/Executive Producer). UAlbany Student Stories, Season 5, Episode 2 [podcast]. Music from El Pañuelo de Pepa by Javier Colina and Pepe Rivero. José Cruz, Executive Producer.

Special thanks to Ryan C. Clow, Digital Scholarship Center Training Specialist, for allowing us to use the equipment and recording studio.

Season 5: Episode 1

Title: Hola and こんにちは (Konnichiwa) Come Study Abroad with Us!

In this episode, UAlbany students Casey Navin, Sophia Smith and Bianca Zazzarini-Leon discuss their studying abroad experiences. Casey, Sophia and Bianca discuss how they prepared for their new adventure, which includes preparing before, during and after study abroad and the anxieties and worries that came with this new journey. Each of the storytellers discuss how they handled finances, culture shocks, and the education systems in their respective countries. These culturally immersive experiences have broadened and shaped news perspectives that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Warning Explicit Language

:00 Introduction

:17 Find out where we studied abroad!

2:06 The smoothest study abroad process

6:25 Sophia’s money exchange process

7:42 Sophia’s living situation

8:20 Casey’s financial process

9:22   How we each dealt with our finances

10:51 They’re all called pesos but they’re different pesos

11:10  How all 3 of us prepared for our new adventure

21:12  Experience the cultures we did!

38:51 Our education in different cultures

46:09 Language ideology against Dominicans

47:30 Saying our goodbye’s

54:39 Our favorite memories

Contributors:

Casey Navin (StoryTeller), Sophia Smith (StoryTeller/Host), Bianca Zazzarini-León (StoryTeller/Marketing) Ryan Pare (Host, Editor), Carmen Serrano (Executive Producer). UAlbany Student Stories, Season 5, Episode 1 [podcast]. Music from El Pañuelo de Pepa by Javier Colina and Pepe Rivero. José Cruz, Executive Producer.

Special thanks to Ryan C. Clow, Digital Scholarship Center Training Specialist, for allowing us to use the equipment and recording studio.

Season 4 Episode 6  

Season 4 Finale: Meet the Podcast Team!  

In this episode: Season 4’s podcast team introduces themselves. They talk about why they decided to join the team, and what this opportunity was like for them. Each podcast member explains what their plans are for the future, and they all discuss how studying abroad and pursuing graduate education are things they consider for their next steps in life. Lastly, to wrap up the episode, the podcast team is asked to describe their podcast experience in one word and elaborate on why they chose it. 

Follow our Instagram!! @albanystudentstories 

00:00 Intro   

01:09 Why did we join the podcast team?  

02:50 What do we do for marketing?  

03:36 How was being part of the podcast this semester?  

07:22 Our future: What are our plans?  

23:07 What were our favorite episodes? 

29:28 Describing our podcast experience in one word  

32:27 Wrapping up season 4!!! 

Contributors:  

Yesenia Melo (Host), J-Lyn Thomas (Host), Brandon Lemus (Storyteller/Editor), Yehara Gutierrez Rodriguez (Storyteller/Marketing), Christopher Miller (Storyteller/Marketing), Carmen Serrano (Editor/Executive Producer). UAlbany Student Stories, Season 4, Episode 6 [podcast]. Music from El Pañuelo de Pepa by Javier Colina and Pepe Rivero. José Cruz, Executive Producer.  

Funding provided by the UAlbany Faculty Research Awards Program (FRAP).  

Special thanks to Ryan C. Clow, Digital Scholarship Center Training Specialist, for allowing us to use the equipment and recording studio.  

Title: Authentically Thoroughly Really, Me, Jalibeth Tells All

Joining us this week is our dear classmate, friend, and Vice President of the Spanish Club, Jalibeth. In this episode, she talks about her background and identity as a Dominican woman. She describes her challenging life in New York City and then reveals how moving to Albany brought her freedom. She then discusses how she has recreated herself and the issues with her academics that have arisen from that experience. To wrap it up, Jalibeth, Yesenia and J-Lyn talk about the culture of hanging out with other individuals with similar linguistic backgrounds in Spanish classes, and the pressure to compete with the graduate students in the program.  

If you have any questions for Jalibeth, follow her Instagram - @jalibeth.s  

00:00 Intro 

00:30 Jalibeth’s Intro  

01:10 “I am Dominican” 

02:01 Spanish is my first language  

03:49 Colorism in the Dominican community 

08:06 Moving from NYC to Albany  

12:08 “Let me tell you how I ended up here”  

13:44 Take the risk! 

16:29 My college experience 

17:19 Take care of yourself  

18:46 “Bills don’t stop”  

20:14 Communicate with your professors  

22:21 Spanish Classes: Non-native vs. Native speakers  

23:50 Grad students vs. Undergrads  

26:20 Different Spanish dialects  

28:03 Wrapping up  

Contributors:  

Jalibeth Sepulveda (Storyteller), Yesenia Melo (Host), J-Lyn Thomas (Host), Brandon Lemus (Editor), Yehara Gutierrez Rodriguez (Marketing), Christopher Miller (Marketing), Carmen Serrano (Editor/Executive Producer). UAlbany Student Stories, Season 4, Episode 5 [podcast]. Music from El Pañuelo de Pepa by Javier Colina and Pepe Rivero. José Cruz, Executive Producer.  

Funding provided by the UAlbany Faculty Research Awards Program (FRAP).  

Special thanks to Ryan C. Clow, Digital Scholarship Center Training Specialist, for allowing us to use the equipment and recording studio.  

Season 4: Episode 4  

Title: Latin Lessons in Daily Life 

In this Episode, guest Colin Mance, a senior at UAlbany, talks about his life growing up in Albany. He speaks about his military school experience; as well as his trajectory and transition from military high school to UAlbany. Additionally, he discusses how he came to appreciate the Latin language and his great appreciation of his Latin instructor, Charlie Giglio. During the interview, he highlights how UAlbany Faculty members have helped shape his post-graduation plans.

00:00 Intro

00:09 Colin’s Intro

00:20 Living and studying in Albany.

02:10 Experience in a military school

04:39 What’s is military school like?  

08:16 Military’s not a passion nor plan anymore.

09:36 Colin’s experience at UAlbany

11:41 Charlie’s Latin class

12:16 Knowledge is power.

12:49 Colin’s parents were UAlbany students.  

13:13 Track and Colin’s UAlbany journey

15:37 Going to UAlbany was fate.

16:36 What made Charlie Giglio’s Latin class so important for you?

21:59 UAlbany professors care about you

23:08 “What are your plans after graduation?”

26:14 Outro

Contributors: 

Colin Mance (Storyteller), Yesenia Melo (Host), J-Lyn Thomas (Host), Brandon Lemus (Editor), Yehara Gutierrez Rodriguez (Marketing), Christopher Miller (Marketing), Carmen Serrano (Editor/Executive Producer). UAlbany Student Stories, Season 4, Episode 2 [podcast]. Music from El Pañuelo de Pepa by Javier Colina and Pepe Rivero. José Cruz, Executive Producer.  

Season 4: Episode 3 

Title: UAlbany Student Stories - The Power of Storytelling  

In this episode, UAlbany Student Stories’ Executive producer and editor, Dr. Carmen Serrano, along with Season 4 co-hosts, Yesenia Melo, and J-Lyn Thomas, are interviewed by hosts Dr. Eric Hardiman and Alyssa Lotmore on the Social Workers Radio Talk Show. They talk about how in 2019, armed with a $6,500 University StAR grant, the Director of the Spanish program in Languages, Literatures and Cultures (LLC) department and the Associate professor, Carmen Serrano set out to establish the largely student-run podcast; UAlbany Student Stories. This podcast was created to help amplify the voices of underrepresented and marginalized UAlbany students and alumni, with storytelling that would prove both instructive and inspiring to others.  

00:00 – Intro  

00:15 – Social Work month – Events coming up.  

02:48 – Carmen Serrano’s Intro  

03:12 – Creation of UAlbany Student Stories  

03:52 – Yesenia Melo and J-Lyn Thomas intros 

04:26 – How did the idea for this podcast series come about? 

06:27 – COVID’s impact on the podcast 

06:43 – Sound notes recorded during the pandemic. 

07:03 – What are sound notes?  

07:43 – Topics shared on UAlbany Student Stories  

08:01 – How’s the process of preparing for podcast participation?   

10:12 – Was the podcast something we had an interest in before? 

11:44 – How are students selected to tell their stories? 

12:29 – What is the response to the podcast? How do we navigate it?  

14:36 – UAlbany’s rich diversity and student background  

15:24 – What are the most important aspects of storytelling? 

18:20 – Did we expect the podcast’s success? 

20:32 – What’s the notion of discourse a podcast gives you? 

23:03 – Practical skills of interviewing. 

23:54 – How the Social Workers Radio Talk Show started. 

24:12 – Guest’s authentic stories and expertise.  

25:22 – Next steps and expectations for UAlbany Student Stories  

28:30 – Where can you find UAlbany Student Stories? Our platforms and social media  

31:13 – Outro  

Contributors:  

The Social Workers Radio Talk Show: 

Eric Hardiman (Host), Alyssa Lotmore (Host)  

UAlbany Student Stories:  

Carmen Serrano (Storyteller/Editor/Executive Producer), Yesenia Melo (Storyteller/Host), J-Lyn Thomas (Storyteller/Host), Brandon Lemus (Editor), Yehara Gutierrez Rodriguez (Marketing), Christopher Miller (Marketing). UAlbany Student Stories, Season 4, Episode 3 [podcast].  

Season 4: Episode 2

Title: Through Food and Protest: Celebrating Indigenous Heritage

In this episode, guests Jillian Benedict, and Ryleigh John tell the history behind their founding of the Indigenous Student Association at UAlbany. They dig deeper into the extraordinarily successful events their group has held so far, including an indigenous food tasting, and a vigil for the victims of the Residential School system founded by the US and Canadian governments. Jillian and Ryleigh explain the history behind the schools, and their lasting impact. Finally, they discuss some of the future events being held by ISA that listeners can support and attend.

00:00 Intro

00:20 Jillian’s Intro

00:24 Ryleigh’s Intro

00:31 How did ISA start?

01:31 Where are the indigenous communities?

02:05 ISA’s inclusion and acceptance on campus

02:47 How have you been exposed to the culture?

03:58 Seneca language

05:07 NYS Language curriculums do not help

05:30 Life growing up on reservations.

06:18 Cultural shock coming to UAlbany

06:52 How far away are reservations?

07:18 What is something you miss?

07: 47 What is Native American Heritage Month?

08:00 ISA food event

10:01 Residential school survivors’ event

10:22 Residential schools’ background history

11:19 Personal impact of the event

14:20 Upcoming ISA events

14:47 Shout-out

Contributors:

Jillian Benedict (Storyteller), Ryleigh John (Storyteller), Yesenia Melo (Host), J-Lyn Thomas (Host), Brandon Lemus (Editor), Yehara Gutierrez Rodriguez (Marketing), Christopher Miller (Marketing), Carmen Serrano (Editor/Executive Producer). UAlbany Student Stories, Season 4, Episode 2 [podcast]. Music from El Pañuelo de Pepa by Javier Colina and Pepe Rivero. José Cruz, Executive Producer.

Title: Miss Travesía of the Garifuna Community

Seasons 3: Episode 5

Season Finale: Meet the Podcast Team!

In this episode the entire Podcast team introduces themselves, and gives the audience a sneak peak of what occurs behind the scenes when producing podcasts. Each podcast member explains why they decided to join the team, and how UAlbany Student Stories has changed their lives for the better. They each get personal and share a piece of advice with future and current students on how to make the most of their experience here at UAlbany.

:00 Introduction

1:05 Why did we join the Podcast Team?

5:22 Skills that we learned

11:53 How did our semester go?

14:33 Protecting our mental health

18:32 Advice to fellow students

22:40 A Wrap on Season 3!

Contributors:

Yesenia Melo (Host), Delvi Paez (Host), Caitlin Fanning (Editor), Rosmery Reyes (Marketing), Quialmeiry Carrasco Puntier (Marketing), Carmen Serrano (Editor/Executive Producer). UAlbany Student Stories, Season 3, Episode 5 [podcast]. Music from El Pañuelo de Pepa by Javier Colina and Pepe Rivero. José Cruz, Executive Producer.

Funding provided by the UAlbany Faculty Research Awards Program (FRAP).

Special thanks to Ryan C. Clow, Digital Scholarship Center Training Specialist, for allowing us to use the equipment and recording studio.

Seasons 3: Episode 4

Title: UAlbany Changed My Life

In this episode, UAlbany student Ava Green speaks about their coming out story, alongside the many challenges they had to encounter as the only queer individual in their high school. Ava discusses how UAlbany opened up many doors that they didn’t know existed, it opened their mind and introduced them to what the rest of the world has to offer. Their unique experiences have played a significant role in their current view on the world. Coming to UAlbany taught them the importance, as well as the beauty in diversity. Make sure you tune in next week for our last episode of the season!

:00 Introduction

:17 Who is Ava?

:48 Growing up in a rural town

1:25 The only queer person

2:10 Alienated by my town

4:00 GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance)

4:48 Albany accepted my true self

5:02 Gentrification in Delhi

8:14 What UAlbany has to offer

11:30 Relearning history

13:34 Next steps with political science

14:45 Possibility of moving back to Delhi?

16:57 Wrapping things up

Contributors:

Ava Green (Storyteller), Yesenia Melo (Host), Delvi Paez (Host), Caitlin Fanning (Editor), Rosmery Reyes (Marketing), Quialmeiry Carrasco Puntier (Marketing), Carmen Serrano (Editor/Executive Producer). UAlbany Student Stories, Season 3, Episode 4 [podcast]. Music from El Pañuelo de Pepa by Javier Colina and Pepe Rivero. José Cruz, Executive Producer.

Funding provided by the UAlbany Faculty Research Awards Program (FRAP).

Special thanks to Ryan C. Clow, Digital Scholarship Center Training Specialist, for allowing us to use the equipment and recording studio.

Season 3: Episode 3

Title: Unmasking The American Dream

In this episode, UAlbany student Willy Estevez talks about the hardships he encountered when he immigrated to the United States. Willy mentions the difficulty he had learning a new language and having to choose the correct path. He also states that UAlbany felt like the right choice due to its student diversity and the opportunity offered to minorities. His story captures the realities of many immigrants in the United States, who face discrimination, insufficient employment opportunities, and lack of resources. You will find Willy’s strength inspiring.

Warning Explicit Language

:00 Introduction

:12 Willy’s introduction

1:11 Issues adapting to a new language

1:50 Hardships with employment

03:43 My first job

05:02 Strengthening my skills/ developing my skills

05:34 Deviating from the norm

05:45 Why UAlbany?

07:13 Learning to love myself

08:28 Being an advocate

09:16 Being bullied

11:02 bad influences

11:40 Easy money

12:20 Doing the right thing

13:22 Lack of resources

14:43 Experiencing constant violence

15:30 Next steps

16:25 Working toward greatness

Contributors:

Willy Estevez Cruz (Storyteller), Yesenia Melo (Host), Delvi Paez (Host), Caitlin Fanning (Editor), Rosmery Reyes (Marketing), Quialmeiry Carrasco Puntier (Marketing), Carmen Serrano (Editor/Executive Producer). UAlbany Student Stories, Season 3, Episode 3 [podcast]. Music from El Pañuelo de Pepa by Javier Colina and Pepe Rivero. José Cruz, Executive Producer.

Funding provided by the UAlbany Faculty Research Awards Program (FRAP).

Special thanks to Ryan C. Clow, Digital Scholarship Center Training Specialist, for allowing us to use the equipment and recording studio.

Season 3: Episode 2

Title: They Told Me It Was Important to "Improve The Race"

In this episode, UAlbany student Bianca discusses the many hardships her family has endured, and specifically during the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo (1930-1961). She focuses on her brave grandfather and how he stood up for what was right regardless of the repercussions. Bianca also speaks about issues of discrimination and self-identity in the Dominican Republic. This is a profound discussion that addresses themes of liberty, life, and the pursuit of happiness.

:00 Introduction

:17 Bianca’s introduction

:48 My grandfather was arrested

02:49 The Trujillo dictatorship

02:57 Issues that led to his arrest

04:17 Historical timeline of both dictatorships

05:35 Spirit of rebellion

08:39 Racial tension in the Dominican Republic

09:06 “Quiero mejorar la raza”/ I want to better the race

10:21 What Trujillo destroyed and the colorism he created

10:59 Haitian hate fueled by the church

12:24 A push towards accepting ones blackness

15:10 Bilingualism in the island

16:37 “La masacre del perejil” / Parsley massacre

18:21 Bianca’s final thoughts

Contributors:

Biancan Zazzarini-León (Storyteller), Yesenia Melo (Host), Delvi Paez (Host), Caitlin Fanning (Editor), Rosmery Reyes (Marketing), Quialmeiry Carrasco Puntier (Marketing), Carmen Serrano (Editor/Executive Producer). UAlbany Student Stories, Season 3, Episode 2 [podcast]. Music from El Pañuelo de Pepa by Javier Colina and Pepe Rivero. José Cruz, Executive Producer.

Funding provided by the UAlbany Faculty Research Awards Program (FRAP).

Special thanks to Ryan C. Clow, Digital Scholarship Center Training Specialist, for allowing us to use the equipment and recording studio.

Season 3~Episode 2: Part 2 of 2

Moving On to Bigger & Better Things

In this episode, our hosts Delvi and Yesenia finish interviewing our anonymous guest who is referred to as Maui Matthews. This is the second and final part of Maui’s story, where he describes in intimate detail his academic and personal life throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. He later talks about becoming comfortable in his own skin, living life to the fullest, and spreading kindness all around. Tune in for new episodes!

:00 Introduction

:05 Start of sophomore year

:20 Struggling to get back into school mode

:53 Substance abuse resurfacing

01:11 Getting arrested

01:41 Destroying my image

02:31 Caged in

04:26 My criminal record

05:21 I want to get out of here

05:30 My first apartment

06:46 Getting my life together

07:28 Coming out

08:28 I can’t be myself

09:28 Accepting myself

11:05 Feeling safe

13:54 Comfortable with my sexuality

14:58 Senior year

15:04 Optimistic about the future

16:09 Accepting people for who they are

Contributors:

Maui Matthews (Storyteller), Yesenia Melo (Host), Delvi Paez (Host), Caitlin Fanning (Editor), Rosmery Reyes (Marketing), Quialmeiry Carrasco Puntier (Marketing), Carmen Serrano (Editor/Executive Producer). UAlbany Student Stories, Season 3, Episode 2 [podcast]. Music from El Pañuelo de Pepa by Javier Colina and Pepe Rivero. José Cruz, Executive Producer.

Funding provided by the UAlbany Faculty Research Awards Program (FRAP).

Special thanks to Ryan C. Clow, Digital Scholarship Center Training Specialist, for allowing us to use the equipment and recording studio.

Email Carmen Serrano: cserrano4@albany.edu or the Podcast team: GRP-uastudentstories@albany.edu

Interested in supporting future podcast programming? Please donate to LLC and specify “UAlbany Student Stories.” Click on the following link:

Season 3~Episode 1: Part 1 of 2

In this episode, our hosts Delvi and Yesenia interview an anonymous guest who is referred to as Maui Matthews. This is a UAlbany student’s coming of age story. Maui describes in detail how he fell out with his family, became homeless, as well as the many struggles he encountered in high school that led him to lean into drugs and alcohol for comfort. This is part one of Maui’s story, in part two he talks about overcoming his challenges, and how he was able to embrace adversity with the help of our UAlbany community. Make sure you tune in soon to hear the rest of his story!

Warning Explicit Language

:00 - Introduction

:00 - Maui

:29 - The start of family issues

03:10 - Eviction and homelessness

06:30 - Moving around the city

09:29 - Relying on drugs & alcohol

11:30 - Where was my brother?

13:20 - My godmother saved us

14:43 - Discovering who my true friends were

16:07 - Why UAlbany?

17:36 - My freshman year at UAlbany

18:45 - COVID forced me to move back “home”

20:35 - I wanted my grandmother dead

22:05 - Wrapping up my freshman year experience

Contributors:

Maui Matthews (Storyteller), Yesenia Melo (host), Delvi Paez (host), Caitlin Fanning (Editor), Rosmery Reyes(marketing), Quialmeiry Carrasco Puntier (marketing), Carmen Serrano (Editor/Executive Producer). UAlbany Student Stories, Season 3, Episode 1 [podcast]. Music from El Pañuelo de Pepa by Javier Colina and Pepe Rivero. José Cruz, Executive Producer.

Funding provided by the UAlbany Faculty Research Awards Program (FRAP).

Special thanks to Ryan C. Clow, Digital Scholarship Center Training Specialist, for allowing us to use the equipment and recording studio.

Email Carmen Serrano: cserrano4@albany.edu or the Podcast team: GRP-uastudentstories@albany.edu

Interested in supporting future podcast programming? Please donate to LLC and specify “UAlbany Student Stories.” Click on the following link:

Season 2 - Episode 4- Latin in My Everyday Life 

In this episode, UAlbany student Chris discusses his experience at the university and his experience serving in the US Navy. He mentions his medical condition, POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), and how it affected his ability to continue his service. He later talks about his experience taking a Latin class at UAlbany and how having an amazing professor for the class has impacted his appreciation and understanding of the language. 

:00 – Introduction 

:50 – Why Chris chose UAlbany 

2:09 – Chris’ experience at UAlbany 

4:20 – Experience in the Navy 

7:08 – Medical condition – POTS 

7:55 – Experience with taking a Latin class 

10:25- Taking a class with Award Winning Instructors (Shout out to Charlie Giglio!) 

14:10 – Thoughts about Latin 

16:23 – How Latin has helped with reading comprehension 

19:05 – Tattoo with meaningful phrase in Latin 

24:27 – Chris’ future plans 

Contributors:  

Christopher Stewart (Storyteller), Claudia Pique (host), Henry Grygas (host), Jessica Dandrow (sound editor/marketing), Rashel Jimenez (marketing), Carmen Serrano (Editor/Executive Producer). UAlbany Student Stories, Episode 2 [podcast]. Music from El Pañuelo de Pepa by Javier Colina and Pepe Rivero. José Cruz, Executive Producer. Funded provided by the UAlbany  

Faculty Research Awards Program (FRAP).  

Special thanks to Ryan C. Clow, Digital Scholarship Center Training Specialist, for allowing us to use the equipment and recording studio.  

Email Carmen Serrano: cserrano4@albany.edu or the Podcast team: GRP-uastudentstories@albany.edu 

Funding provided by the UAlbany Faculty Research Awards Program (FRAP).

Interested in supporting future podcast programming? Please donate to LLC and specify “UAlbany Student Stories.” Click on the following link: 

Season 2 – Episode 3 (En Español) - Guardar semillas en el cabello 

In this episode, UAlbany students Andrea Miranda (LACS) and Quialmeiry Carrasco Puntier (Criminal Justics/Spanish) have a conversation about the art exhibit Guardar Semillas en el cabello, which Andrea helped curate. Their heartfelt conversation also addresses issues of hair and race. They describe painful experiences and how they have come to appreciate and embrace their identity. 

EXPOSICIÓN EN PANAMÁ, PANAMA, PANAMÁ:

Meet the Podcast Team: A Podcast About Podcasting

Season 2 – Episode 2

Show Notes

In this episode, podcast members introduce themselves and talk about why they have joined UAlbany Student Stories. We listen to their stories to gain a better sense of who is behind the scenes and understand the community that our members are building within UAlbany Student Stories. This episode highlights who our members are, what they think about podcasting, and what their desired future field of expertise, among other student-centered topics. 

:00 – Introduction

:17 – Introduction of Our Podcast Members

1:57 – Why Our Members Joined 

4:08 – Thoughts on Podcasting

7:23 – Podcasting and It’s Efficiency

7:40 -- Building a Community Through Stories @GRP-uastudentstories@albany.edu

8:24 – The Truth About College

9:22 – Where Will Our Members Be

12:03 – Future Careers

12:25 – Why We Love Working with Kids

15:55 – What Have We Learned

17:22 – Shoutouts

Contributors:

Claudia Pique (host), Henry Grygas (host), Jessica Dandrow (sound editor/marketing), Rashel Jimenez (sound editor/marketing), Carmen Serrano (Editor/Executive Producer). UAlbany Student Stories, Episode 2 [podcast]. Music from El Pañuelo de Pepa by Javier Colina and Pepe Rivero. José Cruz, Executive Producer. Special thanks to Ryan C. Clow, Digital Scholarship Center Training Specialist, for allowing us to use the equipment and recording studio. 

Email Carmen Serrano: cserrano4@albany.edu or the Podcast team: GRP-uastudentstories@albany.edu

Funding provided by the UAlbany Faculty Research Awards Program (FRAP).

Interested in supporting future podcast programming? Please donate to LLC and specify “UAlbany Student Stories.” Click on the following link:

Proud Curls 

Season 2 – Episode 1 

In this episode, UAlbany student Marielis Cepin talks about her experiences at the university and how she has learned to embrace her natural hair. She first discusses the sense of community and diversity she has found at UAlbany, and then goes on to tell the story of her personal curly hair journey. Her inspiring story highlights some of the struggles she has had to face regarding others’ viewpoints on natural curly hair, as well as how having patience with herself and with her hair has been the key to success throughout her hair journey.  

:00 – Introduction 

:52 – Why Marielis Chose UAlbany 

3:48 – Most Inspiring Classes Marielis has Taken 

5:31 – Learning About Hair Cultures  

6:44 – Marielis' Curly Hair Journey 

12:40 – Society’s View on Curly Hair 

14:21– Curly Hair Routine 

16:27 – About Her Instagram Page: @mcurlyy  

18:00 – “Bad Hair” versus “Good Hair” 

18:58 – The Influence of Family  

Contributors: 

Marielis Cepin (storyteller), Claudia Pique (host), Henry Grygas (host), Jessica Dandrow (sound editor/marketing), Rashel Jimenez (sound editor/marketing), Carmen Serrano (Editor/Executive Producer). UAlbany Student Stories, Episode 2 [podcast]. Music from El Pañuelo de Pepa by Javier Colina and Pepe Rivero. José Cruz, Executive Producer. Special thanks to Ryan C. Clow, Digital Scholarship Center Training Specialist, for allowing us to use the equipment and recording studio. Email Carmen Serrano: cserrano4@albany.edu or the Podcast team: GRP-uastudentstories@albany.edu

Funding provided by the UAlbany Faculty Research Awards Program (FRAP). 

Interested in supporting future podcast programming? Please donate to LLC and specify “UAlbany Student Stories.” Click on the following link: