First Up: Brought To You By ISAC

Episode 31: The Notion of Smartness

In this episode of First Up, our host speak with the Director of the School of Education at the University of Illinois Springfield, Dr. Beth Hatt. Dr. Hatt's research interests center 1) the cultural production of smartness and identity, 2) restorative practices and leadership, 3) the school to prison pipeline and 4) funds of knowledge curriculum development. Her research has been widely cited and she has been highly sought after to provide professional development P-20 on culturally responsive and equity based educational practice.

Episode 30: Study Abroad

Are you a student interested in studying abroad? If so this episode is for you! Join our host as they  interview first year ISACorps member, Niah Dobbins. In this episode Niah shares her experience studying abroad, the benefits of learning new cultures, and the reality of culture shock.

Episode 29: What's Your Marshmallow?

In this episode of First Up, our host are joined by ISAC's Assistant Director of College Access Services, Kim Korando, to discuss what it was like being first generation and growing up in Southern Illinois. We hope you enjoy!
"What's your marshmallow" refers to the marshmallow test, a study that measures a person's ability to delay gratification. 

Episode 28: *Round Table with ISAC*

In this special episode of First Up,  our host attend an open house where they hear from different divisions of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). In this round table talk, we get to hear from several people and we also did some rapid fire questions that we think you'll enjoy!
 
Top Holiday Movie Choices:
1)The Grinch 2)Home Alone 3)Diehard & Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Episode 27: * Friendsmas*

In this holiday themed episode, our host are joined by members of ISAC to discuss their family holiday traditions, movie favorites, and the importance of coming together. This episode is filled with plenty of friendly banter and interesting questions!
Want to join in on the fun? Send your answer(s) to the question(s) listed below to isac.firstup@illinois.gov
1) Favorite holiday movie?
2) Real tree or fake tree?
3) One family tradition?
To hear more about Michael Norton's "Ritual Effect" visit: https://www.familyactionnetwork.net/events/the-ritual-effect-from-habit-to-ritual-harness-the-surprising-power-of-everyday-actions/ 

Episode 26: Community & Connection

In this episode of First Up, we hear from ISACorps member, Adamaris Saavedra, as she shares her experience with facing financial barriers and the power of mental health resources. This was a heartfelt episode that we hope you will enjoy!
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”- Helen Keller.

Episode 25: Everything Comes At It's Own Time

In this episode of First Up, we hear from second year ISACorps member,  Ines Garcia-Valdivia. We had a great conversation about mentorship, finding resources, asking for help and learning how to move at your own pace. 
Have a question or story you'd like to share? Email us at isac.firstup@Illinois.gov . 

Episode 24: Staying Persistent

In this episode of First Up, we hear from second year ISACorps member, Brandon Bernal, as he discusses the highs and lows of transitioning from high school to college as a first generation college student. During this episode, Brandon shares his personal struggles in high school and describes ways in which he remained persistent.

Episode 23: Planning Ahead

Welcome to season two of First Up! In this episode we hear from ISAC's Director of Outreach Operations, Abel Montoya, as he shares his journey as a first generation college student and professional. This episode covers everything from barriers to resources, retirement plans and planning ahead for professionals. 
Resources mentioned in this episode: studentportal.isac.org/firstgen
 

Welcome to Season 2!

Happy National First Gen Day! We're excited to announce that our first episode of season two will be live next Wednesday, November 13th!
Have a question or story you'd like to share? Email us at isac.firstup@Illinois.gov . 

Episode 22: Closing (Season 1)

Welcome to the season one finale of First Up! In this episode, Brian and Jasmine are joined by Jacqueline Moreno- ISAC Chief Service Officer, and producers Joey Lieberman, and Matt Montez to recap this season. Join in on the discussion as everyone provides reflections, relives their favorite moments, and hint at plans for future season(s). We would like to give a special thanks to all our guest who have joined this season, as well as all our listeners. We look forward to the future stories and discussions that we can share with you all! We encourage you to visit https://studentportal.isac.org/isacorps for student and parent resources, information about future events near you, and connecting with your local ISACorps members.

Episode 21: Navigating Mental Health-Part 2

This episode of First Up is part two of a two part series that dives into navigating mental health, this time through the eyes of former ISACorps Alum, Keeayla Jones, LMSW. Keeayla is currently working in the high school setting as a social behavioral counselor in the state of Texas. In this one on one conversation, Brian and Keeayla discuss the ways in which people can fight against social barriers, uplift students, and build safe spaces in both the high school and college setting. 

Episode 20: Navigating Mental Health-Part 1

This episode of First Up is part one of a two part series that dives into navigating mental health through the eyes of Maggie Espinoza. Maggie is a licensed clinical professional counselor, certified integrative medicine, and certified clinical trauma professional.  In this one on one conversation, Brian and Maggie discuss the unique ways in which people can heal from trauma, as well how to go about supporting students through therapy, while propelling them towards their future. 

Episode 19: Joining the Armed Forces

In this episode of First Up, Brian has a one on one conversation with first generation student and first generation veteran, Jesus Molina. Jesus is a Communications Specialist from the US Department of Veterans Affairs (Edward Hines Jr VA Hospital). Join us in the discussion, as Jesus shares some of the benefits available to veterans, as well as his personal journey navigating from the U.S. Marines to college. Are you a veteran interested in learning more some of the benefits available to you? If so visit US Department of Veteran Affairs (USVA): https://www.va.gov/Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG): https://www.isac.org/isac-gift-assistance-programs/illinois-veteran-grant/

Episode 18: Finding Your Crew

In this episode of First Up, Brian and Jasmine discuss the importance of friendship and finding your people in college. They are joined by Fernando Bazaldua - ISAC Gear Up Grant Manager and Account Liaison, and their very own producer, Matthew Montez -ISAC Outreach Planning and Partnership Manager, as they reminisce about their experience becoming friends and eventually working together years later. We hope you will enjoy this episode!

Episode 17: Young Professionals

Welcome to another episode of First Up! In today's episode our host are joined by Maggie West, Community Relations Strategist for the City Colleges of Chicago. Maggie is a former ISACorps member who continues to navigate in the higher education space as a young professional.  We hope you find this to be an insightful episode!

*Episode 16: Spring Break is Here!

In this special Spring Break episode of First Up, our host, Brian, and Jasmine, share a quick guide into staying safe during your break. If you're a college student thinking about things to do over your Spring Break, they have you covered with a few ideas!First Up will resume on March 20th. We hope you all enjoy your Spring Break and most importantly, stay safe!

Episode 15: Choosing the Right Fit School

Welcome to another episode of First Up! In today's episode our host are joined by another returning guest, Paul Oliver III, to discuss how students can choose and compare what schools are a best fit for them. We would love for you to join in on the discussion, as they dive into all the important components that go into choosing the right fit school.Visit ISAC's Student Portal at https://studentportal.isac.org/for tools and resources to aid in your postsecondary journey!

Episode 14: Tackling (Boundaries and Expectations)

On today's episode of First Up, our host Brian and Jasmine are joined by returning guest, Brandon Perez -ISAC GearUp Specialist. The three sit down to tackle setting boundaries and fighting off expectations. These are important conversations to have with the people around you, and even with yourself at times. We hope you can take something positive away from this episode.  

*Episode 13: Valentine’s Day

Happy Valentine's Day to all our listeners! In today's episode, Brian and Jasmine share a list of 20 self-care activities (including tips from our episode on mindfulness) that students can use to alleviate stress.  Everyone combats stress differently, but we hope you can incorporate a few of these tips into your daily routine.  

Episode 12: The Financial Aid Process

In this episode of First Up, Brian and Jasmine provide a quick walkthrough of what the financial aid process could look like for your typical high school senior, planning to attend a college or university.  If you are a student who needs assistance with any of your postsecondary planning, you can always find your local ISACorps member at https://studentportal.isac.org .   To our listeners: We know that students and parents may be feeling confused and worried about how to get financial aid for college because the 2024-25 FAFSA has had delays and some technical problems. This is reminder that you are not going to fall behind, nor are you doing anything wrong. The U.S. Department of Education is aware of these issues and is working on resolving them. 

Episode 11: Parenting

In this episode of First Up, Brian and Jasmine are joined by Claudia Aly, ISAC Parent Outreach Coordinator, and Olivia Sanchez, ISAC Career Pathways Initiative Specialist.If you're a parent looking for ways to advocate and be more supportive to your student(s), this episode is for you! 

Episode 10: Seeking (Support for Dyslexia on Campus)

In this episode, our host, Brian, and Jasmine, are joined by a young man named Cortney Hill, who shared his personal experiences with dyslexia, seeking help, and eventually learning to appreciate his learning disability. Dyslexia is a learning disability that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling.   We are extremely grateful for Cortney being vulnerable and sharing his personal journey, challenges, and words of encouragement with our host. We hope you can learn something from this beautiful episode.

Episode 9: Networking

In this episode of First Up, Renee Martinez, ISAC Statewide Outreach Coordinator,  joins Brian and Jasmine to discuss how students can take advantage of career fairs and other opportunities presented early in their educational path. Following last week's episode, Connecting, Renee shares how students can think of “networking” as relationship building and relationship management. Interested in joining the ISACorps? Visit www.isac.org/jointheISACorps

Episode 8: Connecting

In this episode of First Up, Tiffany Sharp, ISACorps Alumni Coordinator,  joins Brian and Jasmine to have an open conversation about what it truly means to build relationships. Join us in our conversation about the importance of connecting, building, and maintaining relationships. 

Episode 7: Calming

In this episode of First Up, Dr. Trina Bryant -Executive Director for the Center for Student Enrichment at Eastern Nazarene College, joins Brian to discuss the practice of mindfulness. The practice of mindfulness has been known to have benefits for people dealing with anxiety, depression, and stress. Join us in our discussion on mindfulness.Happy Holidays! The next episode of First Up will air January 10th. 

Episode 6: Stressing

In today's episode, Brian and Jasmine discuss what stress could look like for students moving away from home. They are joined by ISAC's GearUP Specialist, Brandon Perez and Paul Oliver III, to talk about their personal experiences with culture shock, feeling guilt from leaving home for college, and what stress looked like for them. We hope you enjoy!

*Episode 5: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)-Part 2

This episode is a follow up to episode three as we get closer to the release of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or the FAFSA. This time around Brian and Jasmine are joined by ISAC's Professional Development Specialist, Thomas Semanic, to discuss new processes and terminology on the 2024-2025 FAFSA. *Information is subject to change. Please visit https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center to stay up to date.*

Episode 4: Are You a First Generation College Student?

In this quick and informative episode of First Up, Brian discusses who is considered a first generation college student and speaks about some of the barriers they may face. 

*Episode 3: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)-Part 1

On this episode of First Up, Jasmine and Brian are joined by one of ISAC's Professional Development specialist, Dada Ibrahimovic, as they dive into some of the upcoming changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you have questions, our guest has answers!*Information is subject to change. Please visit https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center  to stay up to date.*

Episode 2: Experiencing

On this episode of First Up, Jasmine and Brian are joined by Ariana Benitez to discuss making the big transition from high school to college as a first generation student, what it’s like to work as a student, fighting perfection, and the struggle of career vs degree.

Episode 1: Opening

Get to know your host of First Up and hear their personal stories. In this opening episode, you get to meet our host, Brian White and Jasmine Jetton- Gonzales, as they talk about their personal journeys as two first generation college students and discuss what this whole podcast is all about!