Learning From Experience

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.

Preparing for law school with Courtney Barger

"'Perfect' is an allusion. Let yourself enjoy the experience and let yourself learn," said Courtney Barger.

Barger earned two degrees from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 2020, one in economics and the other in justice studies. She then went on to complete law school. Listen to Barger discuss how her dual degrees helped her become an adaptable law student.

Maximizing internships with Hannah Johnson

"Trial and error is not the enemy. Even though it’s hard, [that] doesn’t mean it’s impossible. So, try to see what you can do... and try as many things as you possibly can," said Hannah Johnson.

Johnson graduated with two bachelor’s degrees from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 2021, one in philosophy and the other in political science. Currently, she works as a policy advisor for the Office of the Arizona Governor. Listen to Johnson discuss how experiencing many diverse internships helped develop her career.

Staying grounded with Elaissia Sears

“At the end of the day, the most important thing is pouring into your own cup.”

Elaissia Sears obtained her BA in global studies with a minor in German from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 2017. In 2019, Sears became the youngest person, and the third African American woman in Arizona history, elected Justice of the Peace for the West Mesa Justice Court.

Hear her reflect on how she balances a fulfilling life of public service as an elected official but remains grounded.

Creative growth with Rayne Simmonds

Rayne Simmonds earned a Bachelor of Arts in film and media studies from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 2018. She reflected on her career as a junior creative producer and how a move to Los Angeles developed her artistic approach.

"I wanted to make the next step into full-time creative," noted Simmonds. "I’m able to learn, grow, fail... all of those things, but under the guidance of someone who’s a lot more experienced than me."

Hear more of Simmonds’ insights into how the ASU community helped her on journey.

Turning adversity into service with Prince Murray

"Because of my life experiences, all the things I went through... the only thing I could do is to go to school and get a higher education, so that someday I would be able to advocate for the voiceless," said Murray.

Prince Murray fled conflict in Liberia and settled in the United States as a child. Despite numerous obstacles, he completed his bachelor’s degree in political science with honors from the School of Politics and Global Studies at The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 2021.

Hear Murray explain his drive to turn his challenges and education at ASU into a career of community and public service.