Unlocking College Life Ilona Phillips and Joy Pehlke

Joy and Ilona welcome guest Mel Selber, who is a graduating senior at the University of Michigan. Mel talks about how she redefined who she is over the course of her college experience, and how continuing to take small risks played a role. 

Key Takeaways:

• Internalized beliefs about who we are
• Imposter syndrome
• Straddling two identities, while not belonging to either one
• The experience of being othered
• Discomfort leading to clarity
• Mel’s secret for making new things less nerve-wracking
• Challenging preconceived notions
• Finding new ways to fail safely
• Distinguishing between helpful vs unhelpful anxiety

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Ilona and Joy welcome guest Kate Panzer, who is a 2nd-year medical student at the University of Michigan. Kate followed the pre-med track at the University of Pennsylvania as an undergrad where she developed an interest in disability health through learning American Sign Language (ASL). She is now integrating her interest in disability health into her experience in medical school.

Key Takeaways:

• The pre-med track in undergrad
• The decision to take two gap years before med school
• Why Kate ended up taking 4 semesters of ASL
• From theory to hands-on learning with physicians
• Getting to see medicine in different environments
• How Kate balances the rigor of medical school with social life
• Exploring disability advocacy in health care
• The importance of keeping an open mind throughout college

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Joy and Ilona are joined by Merry Gebretsadik, a first-generation student studying political science and ethnic studies at Colorado State University. Merry outlines her path at CSU from a disconnected first-year student to ultimately being elected as the Vice President of Student Government (ASCSU). 

Key Takeaways:

• Navigating a PWI as a black female student
• Leaning on mentors and advisors
• Importance of putting yourself out there
• Challenging non-inclusive student spaces 
• From student senator to Vice President
• Merry’s “first” in ASCSU history
• The power of the student's voice
• The concept of reverse time management 
• Radical inclusion & continuous outreach as a leader

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Ilona and Joy are joined by Senaida, a student at New York University’s Clive Davis Institute for Recorded Music. Senaida talks openly about her experiences as a musical artist, and the challenges she went through to find her unique artistry now. She says: “My art is my life, and my life is always a work in progress.”

Key Takeaways:

• The high pressure of performing
• Why Senaida developed stage fright
• Accepting limitations 
• Finding her creative place in the music industry
• How Senaida made her college choice
• The pros and cons of competition
• Meditation, spirituality, and musical expression
• The process of accepting that something is “good enough”
• The power of therapy
• Remembering to slow down

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