Video Interviews
These interviews feature community college graduates (and near graduates) and first-generation students reflecting on their academic journeys in their own words. Each video offers insight into the motivations, challenges, and decisions that shaped their experience—from first-day anxiety to choosing majors, managing work and school, and building relationships on campus. You’re invited to listen deeply, pause where something resonates, and share these stories with students or colleagues who may benefit from them. When viewing these interviews, please:
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Approach the stories with the same care and respect you would in a face-to-face conversation.
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There are two ways to navigate the video library.
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To follow smaller themes, note that each video post has tags listed at the bottom of the description page. Click on a tag to get to other videos with the same tag.
Click on the student’s photo to get to their full interview.
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Samer
FROM COMMUNITY COLLEGE TO COLUMBIA UNIVESITY
Samer graduated after summer of 2018 with a concentration in political science and then transferred to Columbia University in New York City. He is both a first-generation college student and a first-generation American. His legal status kept him from attending college right away, but he stayed focused on his commitment to attend school with a plan to eventually get into politics. Samer discusses his struggle with math, and how he overcame this challenge. He utilized the Wellness Center and the Advising Office and highly recommends club involvement to help students build community.
Sara
HOW A COMMITMENT TO USING EVERY RESOURCE LED TO SARA’S FIRST A IN MATH AND ACCEPTANCE TO SMITH COLLEGE
Sara graduated in May of 2018 with a concentration in Political Science and transferred to Smith College to study political science and film production. Sara talks about her experience first dropping out of college and then coming back. She provides some ideas for prioritizing time while in school. Sara used a number of supports while in college, including: tutoring, the Wellness Center, faculty, and student clubs.
Daniel
BALANCING WORK AND SCHOOL TO GET TO HIS DREAM COLLEGE
Daniel graduated from Harold Washington in 2016 with a concentration in business and entrepreneurship. He is now at Columbia University in New York. Daniel was born in Mexico City and came to the United States when he was eight. Daniel’s biggest challenge was that he worked 30-40 hours a week while in college. At times, prioritizing school meant giving up social time. In order to get into his dream college, Daniel retook some of his courses to raise his GPA. Daniel didn’t use the Wellness Center until he transferred to Columbia. He did however use faculty office hours and club involvement to stay motivated.