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ND StuGov launches FGLI podcast
By EMMA DUFFY news Writer
d uring the fall semester, the n otre d ame s tudent Government d epartment of d iversity and Inclusion, First Generation Low Income Initiative launched a new podcast. The new podcast, named ‘Golden Generation: First Under the d ome’, aims to assist first generation students throughout their college experience.
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The First Generation Low Income Initiative is a relatively new addition to the n otre d ame s tudent Government d epartment of d iversity and Inclusion. This is their first year as a sub-division under this department. Tavin m artin, director of the sub-division, said the goal of this initiative is to embrace the identity of first generation students on campus.
When discerning the best ways to make an impact, they decided upon the idea of a podcast.
“We wanted a way to connect like, I guess, directly with the community but also in a way that’s timeless,” s ammi s cheiderman, deputy director of the subdivision, explained.
The podcast is joined by the efforts of multiple students. As director of the sub-division, m artin overlooks the entirety of the podcast. Adam Toland is the manager of the podcast, taking on the responsibility for organizing the logistics. s cheiderman is in charge of the editing of the podcast, along with designing the logo and other features. When all of the details are set in place, the podcast is then hosted by e rik Finch- s oto.
The episodes are designed to help students at all different points in their college career. s o far, they have discussed topics such as how to get an internship, how to navigate the add/ drop process and how to balance academic and social aspects of campus.
They bring on a variety of people depending on the topic discussed. s ometimes it will be a faculty member that is an expert on a subject, other times it will be students sharing their experiences.
“I really love working on the podcast,” s cheiderman said. “It’s super fun and everyone we bring in is so interesting and so friendly to and everyone’s so excited to be on it.”
The members on the podcast expressed that there is something for everyone to learn from the podcasts. They inform people about the experiences of first generation students, but they also give advice that could be beneficial to all students. o thers have already come forward to express their gratitude for this podcast.
The members feel that there is always more, that the information brought to the podcast can aid all students on their college journey. e ven those working on the podcast feel that this is helping them learn more.
“All of the conversations are really interesting, and I’ve actually learned quite a few things from myself, because I’m first generation as well,” s cheiderman said.
“I’ve only heard good things about the podcast overall,” m artin said. “It is usually students saying this was helpful, I didn’t know this resource existed, or I didn’t know the process was this easy.” m artin explains that the University is only beginning to address the presence of first generation students on campus. This initiative is acknowledging a side of campus that has long been ignored by n otre d ame. b y opening up this topic of discussion, students feel that they can take part in a shifting dynamic on campus.