Caribbean on both sides, you may not believe that her mother is White. But Kristen Gardner was born into a biracial family that has not always accepted her racial identity in America. A black woman with a love for chemistry, she has been pursuing her passion for the past 8 years. Now on the verge of finishing her Ph.D., she is exploring her next step in research.
In this episode we discuss:
-Growing up biracial
-How Race is viewed in the Caribbean
-Being a student research ambassador
-Being the sole Black woman in a Ph.D. program
-Choosing an institution to support you through academics
-What should be done to formalize D.E.I. initiatives
Guest: Kristen Gardner
IG: @kristenelisegardner
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4JqQMbxZAKuroUkMl05rq1
A Believer, student doctor, model, and Bachelor defines the roles Leroy Arthur is known for. He serves as a leader in his Church just like he did on the Chapel Hill campus. As a Ph.D. student in Biomedical Engineering, he still has not left academics behind. Still, he has been able to balance priorities with hobbies, venturing into modeling gigs and an appearance on The Bachelorette. After moving from North Carolina to Dallas, we catch up after almost 3 years in Texas.
In this episode we discuss:
-Studying with Division 1 athletes
-Young Athletes and social media attention
-Morality of celebrity athletes as role models
-The cost of universal healthcare
-How doctors can provide affordable healthcare in the United States
-True cause of obesity
-If genetics is an excuse for poor health
Guest: Leroy Arthur
IG: @leroyandretti
Emmanuel Okwudi, informally known as Manny, is from Mint Hill, NC, just outside of my hometown. Ironically, we met in Chapel Hill as premeds taking a notorious general chemistry course. Instead of trauma bonding over the coursework, we decided to spend time playing and watching. Almost 8 years later, we are about to begin our medical school journeys. Learn from Manny the faults and possible solutions of the pastime and career field that connected us.
In this episode we discuss:
-Studying with Division 1 athletes
-Young Athletes and social media attention -Morality of celebrity athletes as role models -The cost of universal healthcare -How doctors can provide affordable healthcare in the United States
-True cause of obesity
-If genetics is an excuse for poor health
Guest: Manny Okwudi
IG: @e.okwudi Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4JqQMbxZAKuroUkMl05rq1
K.D. Young and I met at his father’s church in Charlotte. That is where I learned about his love for track and introduction to music. He grew up playing the drums in church but transitioned his musical talent to expression. Beginning with music reviews on Youtube, his hobby became his passion. He has gone on to sign fashion deals, flown out for projects, and has made a living off an industry most people think is a dead end. K.D. explains how he got to this point and what the future can be for aspiring artists.
In this episode we discuss:
-Running track in high school
-Being a pastor's son -Connection between music and artistic style -Black diaspora at an HBCU -Fighting to become an artist-How to breakthrough as an artist
Guest: K.D. Young
IG: @bykd.us Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4JqQMbxZAKuroUkMl05rq1
A man who has lived in three different countries before calling the United States his home? That describes Victor Arahirwa, a medical student of Rwandan heritage. We met at UNC-Chapel Hill while pursuing our medical dreams and soon found out we connected in other ways. He is also a follower of Christ, an older brother, and a supporter of the best football club (Chelsea FC). His honesty about balancing academics, his career, and his ultimate mission in life is a conversation that he is now ready to share with you.
In this episode we discuss: -Living in three diverse cultures -Adjusting to college life in the United States -Having multiple visions -Knowing when to prioritize a vision -Creating a mission -How to overcome stumbles following your purpose Guest: Victor Arahirwa
IG: victorarahirwa
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4JqQMbxZAKuroUkMl05rq1
Rizk grew up in an unusual setting for most first-gen Arabs: a small, rural military town. His identity is not aligned with the people of his hometown, but he is shaped by the experiences he had. He is a practicing medical student with a knack for research that he pursues during the meager free time he has. A well-read individual, he is my news outlet for what goes on in the World. Most of his life is kept private, spending time with close friends and family. In this episode we discuss: -Arab upbringing in a rural town
-The Yemeni spirit
-How a medical career is influenced by family experiences
-If academics is important to success
-The dorm that guarantees lifelong friendships
-Tribalism in cultural clubs
-Exploring other cultures in college
-Finding who your real friends are Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4JqQMbx...
Sam is a lifelong academic from Raleigh, North Carolina. He is an already accomplished American from a humbling Nigerian background. A soon-to-be physician, he has acquired experience in business and management. Even though he is younger than me, I am constantly gaining wisdom from our conversations. His story is one to hear, abundant with pride for his identity and his confidence in navigating two cultures.
In this episode we discuss:
-Getting involved in college organizations -Being a leader on a college campus
-Black male leadership in society
-Growing up in an African household-Woes of First-Gen American children -Transcendent traditions to uphold
Guest: Samuel Ndukwe
IG: @sam.ndukwe
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4JqQMbxZAKuroUkMl05rq1
The inaugural episode with my roommate, That. He is a Burmese refugee who has traveled worldwide to traverse more than 15 states. A soon-to-be economic developer, we unravel the steps he took to make him unique. This foodie and proud Texan definitely has more than meets the eye.
In this episode we discuss:
-Life in Greensboro
-Graduate School
-Young Professionals Today
-Favorite Fast Food
-Love for Football
-Travel Plans
Guest: That Htoo | IG: @that_htoo35
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@minta_y3_d3n
Today's guest is Diamond. We met on a Reddit MCAT forum out of all imaginable places. She has served as my study partner and a self-care advocate. An aspiring doctor, she enjoys the finer things in life. Besides eating tuna tartare and enjoying a Sunday Mimosa, she exemplifies how young Black women can navigate being a young adult.
In this episode we discuss:
-Trusting Online Strangers
-Navigating the Medical School Applications
-Managing Career Stress -Life Away From Home
-Exploring Hobbies
-Emergence of Incels
Guest: Diamond
IG: @dimearmani
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4JqQMbxZAKuroUkMl05rq1