Learning From Experience

"My time as an ASU student was a journey of self-discovery, of experiential learning and risk taking."

A first-generation graduate of the School of Politics and Global Studies and the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Sami Al-Asady reflects on the opportunities, challenges and defining moments that shaped his perspective on leadership, service and personal growth during his time in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Along the way, he offers insights for current students looking to make the most of their college experience and prepare for what’s next. Listen to hear how he turned curiosity, commitment and a willingness to take risks into a meaningful career in public service.

"The more I got to know both my classmates and professors, the more opportunities started opening up for me. As that was happening, I was also getting the support I always needed to do well in my classes."

Kimberly Zsuffa took advantage of an accelerated master’s program and graduated from the School of Life Sciences in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, earning a BS in 2023 and an MA in 2024. Pursuing these degrees online allowed Zsuffa to work multiple jobs while serving in the United States Coast Guard. Today, she remains active in the ASU community, working as an academic associate for the School of Life Sciences as she prepares for medical school.

Tune in as Zsuffa shares how online learning continues to open doors in her career.

"For any student who is interested in public service, I would say get involved with your local government and any different internship opportunities that are out there."

Mariana Peña graduated in 2023 with a degree in political science from the School of Politics and Global Studies at Arizona State University. Today, she serves as the mayoral assistant to Tempe Mayor Corey Woods.

Her career in public service began taking shape during her undergraduate years as she developed career readiness skills, completed five internships, and cultivated meaningful connections.

Tune in as Peña shares how she became a global citizen and carved her path in public service.

"It would be dead quiet, of course, during our takes. And then you call cut and hear all of the crew go, ‘Oh gross!’ and it was the best feeling to have my crew also be reacting to this stuff."

Kristen Semedo graduated in 2024 with a film and media studies degree, which she completed online through the Department of English at Arizona State University. Today, she is an editor for the NoSleep podcast as well as a writer and director of short films.

This spooky season, tune in as Semedo discusses the process of writing, directing, promoting and screening her first horror short film — "Vermin."

“We want to make sure that we continue to grant as many life changing wishes for children in the Arizona community as possible, and that means also making sure that we're able to expand our efforts of recruiting volunteers statewide.” 

Nicole Waldmann graduated from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University in 2020 with a degree from the School of Human Evolution and Social Change. Today, she serves as the community engagement manager at Make-A-Wish Arizona.

Listen to Waldmann's advice about engaging with notable nonprofits and making a difference in the latest Learning From Experience podcast.

"Biomedical research goes into making all of the life saving medications that people take in order to keep themselves healthy. It goes into cancer treatment. It goes into infectious disease treatment, vaccines, all of the things that keep us healthy and safe."

Chloe Leff graduated from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University in 2024 with degrees in biochemistry and, molecular biosciences and biotechnology. Leff says her undergraduate research experiences set her up for future success. 

Currently she is attending another prestigious university to pursue her PhD in cellular and molecular biology with a concentration in gene therapy and vaccines.

Listen to Leff’s insights on how to get involved in research and start the PhD process in the latest episode of Learning From Experience.

"Give yourself the allowance to know that there are no wrong choices in whichever move that you make."

Michael Houang graduated from Arizona State University in 2018 as a triple major in sociology, economics and business with an emphasis in global politics.

Houang's passion for international affairs and higher education took the Arizona native to China as an English education volunteer, Georgia as a political grassroots organizer and now Illinois as a program specialist for the Peace Corps.

Listen to Houang’s advice on moving to a new place to pursue your personal and professional goals.

"More likely than not, you’re going to have all these credentials, you’re going to have something about you that deserves a higher market value."

Lainey Waldman graduated from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University in 2023 with a degree in actuarial science. Now she works as a health care actuarial senior analyst with The Cigna Group.

Listen to Waldman’s guidance on how to negotiate your salary, as well as other helpful tips on preparing for your dream job.

"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.

"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.