In this episode, Dr. Hernandez interviews Israel Rojas-Moreno, a Senior Consultant at Capital Group about his First Gen Journey. He discusses how he felt guilty about having distance from the challenges his family faced back home and how his long-term perspective was vital in helping him stay motivated for school. He also shared how he learned to utilize the strengths of his First Gen identity to relate to others and build meaningful relationships with colleagues and family members.
Episode 19: Recognizing Your Value with Maira
In this episode, Dr. Hernandez interviews Maira Hernández, an author, blogger, and Recruitment Specialist at a non-profit organization about her First Gen Journey. She discusses her struggle to understand herself better, find balance, and advocate for a professional space that would allow her to feel valued.
Episode 18: Creating a Career Path with Rocio
In this episode, Dr. Hernandez interviews Rocio Herrera, an A-G Diploma Project Counselor at a high school in Los Angeles, about her First Gen Journey. She discusses her early need for structure and guidance, her strategy for creating a career path that would provide flexibility and security, and how her First Gen identity helps her relate to her students.
Episode 16: Choosing Between Two Paths with Andrea
In this episode, Dr. Hernandez interviews Andrea Hernandez, a Relationship Advisor at a commercial bank, about her First Gen Journey. She discusses her decision to transition from one major to another, her experience joining a sorority, and the two separate career paths she carved out for herself during college.
Episode 15: Learning to be Strategic with Ernesto
In this episode, Dr. Hernandez interviews Ernesto Velázquez, Deputy City Attorney for the City of Los Angeles, about his First Gen Journey. He discusses struggling with coursework before leaning in to his interests, navigating law school and the legal profession while feeling different, and the lessons he has learned along the way.
Episode 14: Life of Purpose with Jessica
In this episode, Dr. Hernandez interviews Jessica Tovar, a project manager working in public policy, about her First Gen Journey. She discusses how the inequality she experienced in college sparked a passion for social justice and creating change. Her parents didn’t necessarily understand her career path but they trusted her to make the right decisions for her life.
Episode 13: Working Your Way Up with Germán
In this episode, Dr. Hernandez interviews Germán Ornelas, a freelance producer and editor in the television industry, about his First Gen Journey. He discusses how his major didn’t really prepare him for his career but his college experience was vital to his personal growth. He also details the trials and triumphs of navigating a career in television production.
Episode 12: Persistence with Jackie
In this episode, Dr. Hernandez interviews Jacqueline Medina, a Human Resources Analyst, about her First Gen Journey. She discusses how her experience studying abroad shaped her perspective and love of traveling. She also describes how she struggled to find work in her chosen career but through persistence and determination was able to land a job in Human Resources.