In this episode, Dr. Hernandez interviews Javier Tiscareño, a civil engineer, about his First Gen Journey. He discusses academic stumbling blocks, the impact of a supportive college program, the role of relationships in college and career, and the importance of timing and seizing opportunities.

My guest today is Rondell Fletcher. Rondell grew up in the Los Angeles area to a single mother who was an entrepreneur and small business owner. Rondell left Cal-Baptist University after his first year and completed his A.A. and A.S. at East Los Angeles College (ELAC). Entrepreneurship pulled at him and Rondell dedicated himself to building success through business. Rondell is now a successful business owner with businesses in the beauty, television, construction, and produce industries. Although happy with the path he took, Rondell wonders how an academic mentor early in his life would have changed his professional life. Here is a little of his First Gen Journey. . . .

In this episode, I chat with Leticia about her First Gen Journey. She discusses the lack of information she had about college and the influence of a caring teacher who helped her start the college process. Leticia also reflects on the financial limitations she experienced as an architecture major.

This episode is a short introduction to the podcast. I describe the motivation and purpose of the podcast as well as my personal connection with first generation college students and professionals. Stay tuned for future episodes.