Learning From Experience

Balancing academics and life with Sally Velez

"Don’t be afraid to figure out what works and doesn’t work for you — don’t be afraid of failure. You’re not going to know what works for you, your family and your obligations if it’s not trial and error."

Sally Velez graduated from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University in 2023 with degrees in English and history. Today she is working with Dog Tag, a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., as a development coordinator and is working on obtaining her master’s degree in library science.

Listen to Velez discuss how she manages her grad program with life outside of the classroom.

Starting a private practice with Kara Gasperone

"Take time to try everything and find out what you’re good at. Be like your mentors, be like your colleagues — absorb information and experiences from other people."

Kara Gasperone graduated from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in family and human development, followed by a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy in 2010. Today she has her own practice in the Phoenix area and is an Emerging Leader at The College.

Listen to how Gasperone built her therapy practice from the ground up.

Kickstarting your own business with Aimee Parker

"They really taught me the importance of finding a mission and networking in order to get that mission done. That helped me out a lot when it came to getting my venture off the ground at a young age."

Aimee Parker graduated from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in communication and a minor in African American studies. She has since launched her own advertising agency and cofounded an app that leverages artificial intelligence to create paid marketing solutions for women.

Listen to Parker’s journey to building a successful business.

Changing plans with Lilliana Gonzalez

"Things change, people change and so do our interests. It’s only human and natural for us to want to keep evolving, especially when it comes to career paths."

Lilliana Gonzalez graduated from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University in 2022 with bachelor’s degrees in history and justice studies. She now works in insurance authorizations and has written several plays after originally intending to attend law school.

Listen to Gonzalez’s journey to her career today after changing course.

Unexpected career paths with Danielle Leonhardt

“The most surprising thing that I’ve learned about myself and my career interests is the significance of flexibility and openness to new opportunities.”

Danielle Leonhardt graduated from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences (conservation biology and ecology) and a minor in sustainability. After originally pursuing a career in sustainability, she now works as a research specialist in the data science industry.

Listen to Leonhardt talk about what it’s like to pursue a job outside her degree area.

Versatile skill sets with Karen Gribosh

"(Having multiple skill sets) has helped me to not only advance in my career, but it gives me a seat at more tables because I bring more perspectives from different places."

Karen Gribosh graduated from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University in 2023 with a master’s degree in sociology. She currently works as a crisis intervention and IEP counselor at the Lincoln Center for Family and Youth.

Listen to Gribosh discuss how developing multiple sets of skills has helped her thrive throughout her career.

Giving back with Sandra Stewart

"It’s amazing how the community will come together for you and your mission.”

Sandra Stewart graduated from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University in 2023 with a degree in English and a minor in political science. After overcoming homelessness in her childhood, she is now in law school and founded a nonprofit for houseless youth called “Light the Way Birthdays.” 

Listen to Stewart talk about how she is using her degree to give back to the community.

Chasing Mars with Aditya Khuller

"If you can find those things that drive you, that’s the key. Explore and try to find what sparks that passion and meaning in your life."

Aditya Khuller earned a master’s degree and PhD in geological sciences from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University after completing his bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering. He is currently working for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where he studies planetary ices, surfaces and atmospheres.

Listen to Khuller talk about how he found his passion and how he pursued a career that aligned with his interests.

Navigating burnout with Esteban Espinoza

"The first thing I did was take a step back. For me that was taking time to sit down and evaluate what am I doing right now with my life, what do I need to change and what can I do to do that."

In 2023, Esteban Espinoza earned a degree in global studies with a minor in Asian languages from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University. Now he’s pursuing his master’s degree in global security and is in Indonesia with ASU’s Critical Languages Institute program learning a new language and culture.

Listen to Espinoza talk about his experiences with being burnt out and the methods he used to navigate those feelings.

Creating something from nothing with Peter Costa

"There is this saying that is the basis of Zen philosophy, which is life is one continuous mistake. It’s this circle of continuous learning through mistakes and through experiences. Don’t be afraid."

After a life on the road as a touring musician, Peter Costa attended Arizona State University to pursue a degree in physics from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences as well as a degree in music composition.

Listen to Costa discuss how embracing mistakes and asking questions can lead to entrepreneurial success.