
Zenith of Your Story
As an STEM educator and researcher the most unique part of my day is when students come to my office hours to talk about more than just content. This podcast is to give voice to the journey we all go through as we get to know who we really are, the challenges we face, the knowledge we have. Discovering where we belong and negotiate the intersectional identities and backgrounds we balance in different academic and personal contexts. The Zenith is the culminating moment in your life of grand success, it is also the direction directly above you. It is not enough to move forward but also to move up. How that journey looks for you is what this podcast gives voice to.
Zenith of Your Story
S1E4: Sony, Coming back to school after the workforce
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Idaykis Rodriguez
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Season 1
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Episode 4
Episode 4 invites Sony Raymond, a non-traditional student to share his story. As a non-traditional college student, Sony had to start in the workforce from the very early age of 15 years old in order to provide for his family. It is not until almost 15 years after that he is now finishing his undergraduate degree and pursuing his goal of going to medical school. Sony talks with me about being an athlete, injuries and all the ups and downs the life brings; what it looks like to provide for his mom and siblings; and even manage relationships along the way. Coming from immigrant family, a single mom where basic needs and money were hard to come by, Sony learned how to take adversity and turn it into an opportunity to grow.