FirstGenMe
The podcast series FirstGenMe began in 2022 with interviews of nine College of Education faculty and staff who were first generation college students, discussing a variety of topics of interest to current students. In 2023, the series continues with interviews of Education students who are first generation college students.
Season 2
2
Nick Szalay, Sophomore, Social Studies Education
Sophomore Nick Szalay discusses his First Generation College Student journey, including marrying his high school sweetheart, his military service, working in a factory to put his wife through school, and how he and his wife navigated his return to school as an older student. It’s a story of his truly #PersistentPursuit to study Education at Purdue.
Dr. Jackie Thomas-Miller, Director of Advising and Retention and host of the FirstGenMe podcasts.
Guest: Nick Szalay, Sophomore, Social Studies Education
1
Angela Atwell, Senior, Elementary Education
Graduating senior (Fall 2023) Angela Atwell discusses her First Generation College Student journey, including her personal journey as an older, returning student, and her inspiration, challenges, resources, motivation and advice.
Dr. Jackie Thomas-Miller, Director of Advising and Retention and host of the FirstGenMe podcasts.
Guest: Angela Atwell, Senior, Elementary Education, Non-Traditional Student
Season 1
9
Rose Mason, Associate Professor of Special Education, Department of Educational Studies
Dr. Jackie Thomas-Miller, Director of Advising and Retention and
host of the FirstGenMe podcasts.
Guest: Rose Mason, Associate Professor of Special Education, Department of Educational Studies
8
Rachel Swank, Licensing Advisor, Office of Teacher Education and Licensure
Dr. Jackie Thomas-Miller, Director of Advising and Retention and
host of the FirstGenMe podcasts.
Guest: Rachel Swank, Licensing Advisor, Office of Teacher Education and Licensure
7
Benjamin Mason, Assistant Professor of Special Education, Department of Educational Studies
Dr. Jackie Thomas-Miller, Director of Advising and Retention and
host of the FirstGenMe podcasts.
Guest: Benjamin Mason, Assistant Professor of Special Education, Department of Educational Studies
6
David Stanley, Assistant Professor of Counseling Psychology, Department of Educational Studies
Dr. Jackie Thomas-Miller, Director of Advising and Retention and
host of the FirstGenMe podcasts.
Guest: David Stanley, Assistant Professor of Counseling Psychology, Department of Educational Studies
5
Kathryn Obenchain, Associate Dean for Learning, Engagement, and Global Initiatives
Dr. Jackie Thomas-Miller, Director of Advising and Retention and
host of the FirstGenMe podcasts.
Guest: Kathryn Obenchain, Associate Dean for Learning, Engagement, and Global Initiatives
4
Ryan Farrell, Teacher Education Recruiter
Dr. Jackie Thomas-Miller, Director of Advising and Retention and
host of the FirstGenMe podcasts.
Guest: Ryan Farrell, Teacher Education Recruiter
3
Floyd Craig, Director of the Office of Diversity Initiatives
Dr. Jackie Thomas-Miller, Director of Advising and Retention and
host of the FirstGenMe podcasts.
Guest: Floyd Craig, Director of the Office of Diversity Initiatives
2
Wanju Huang, Learning Design and Technology, Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Dr. Jackie Thomas-Miller, Director of Advising and Retention and
host of the FirstGenMe podcasts.
Guest: Wanju Huang, Learning Design and Technology, Department of Curriculum and
1
Nancy Marchand-Martella, Suzi and Dale Gallagher Dean of Education
Dr. Jackie Thomas-Miller, Director of Advising and Retention and host of the FirstGenMe podcasts.
Guest: Nancy Marchand-Martella, Suzi and Dale Gallagher Dean of Education
Dr. Jackie Thomas-Miller, Host of the FirstGenMe Podcast
As a first generation college graduate, Dr. Jackie has lived the experiences and hope that the inspiring stories of others will provide assurance in knowing “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” It is her hope that the College of Education’s First Gen Me Podcasts will provide First Generation College Students at Purdue with the confidence and skillset needed to navigate the high and lows of being the first in their family to obtain a 4-year college degree.
