In this episode of the ESAB Podcast, we’re joined by Brenda Alvarez, the current Outreach & Recruitment Chair and next year’s incoming President of ESAB! Brenda shares about her experience navigating imposter syndrome, especially as a first-generation, and EOP student at SDSU. She opens up about how hard her freshman year was, what helped her finally feel like she belonged, and how EOP—and ESAB—became her home on campus.

In this episode of the ESAB Podcast, hosts Andrea and an Chris interview Mario Barahona Miguel, the assistant program coordinator for the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at San Diego State University (SDSU). Mario shares his journey from a student at California State University, San Marcos, to his current role at SDSU. The discussion highlights the importance of community and involvement in college, particularly for students of color. Mario emphasizes the need for targeted support initiatives, better compensation for student workers, and the role of staff in fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among students.

In this episode of the EOP podcast, co-hosts Chris and Andrea discuss the significance of student organization involvement and balancing academic responsibilities. They interview Kate Felipe, a history and Chicano/Chicana studies major, who shares her experiences as vice president of the EOP Student Advisory Board and president of the Latinx Student Union. Kate talks about her journey into student organizations, the challenges and rewards of leadership, and strategies for managing time and stress. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, personal growth, and self-care for student leaders.

In the inaugural episode of their podcast, Andrea and Chris, the student diversity chairs for the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Advisory Board at San Diego State University (SDSU), introduce themselves and share their experiences as transfer students. They discuss the challenges they faced and the support they found within the EOP community. Highlighting the resources available through EOP, they emphasize the importance of seeking help and utilizing these tools. They also outline their goals for the podcast, aiming to create a supportive platform for EOP students. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to engage and participate in future episodes.