Learning From Experience

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.

The journey to medical school with Madison Billingsley

Madison Billingsley earned a biochemistry degree from the School of Molecular Sciences and a global health degree from the School of Human Evolution and Social Change from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 2020. Billingsley then went on to receive a master’s degree in international health from another prestigious university. Now, she’s on the path to her dream career by attending medical school.

“What I’m passionate about is education and empowering people to feel confident in their knowledge, especially when it comes to health,” said Billingsley.

Hear Billingsley discuss her academic journey toward medical school and how she’s utilizing the skills she learned at ASU in the field of public health.

Weaving literature and therapy together with Emma Lauer

Emma Lauer is on a mission to teach people how to make emotional sensitivity their super power.

After graduating from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 2014 with degrees in psychology and English literature, she went on to earn her master’s in social work.

Now, as a mental health therapist with a passion for literature, Lauer has published her first book, DBT Skills for Highly Sensitive People. Hear her discuss how her degrees shaped her career path as well as insights into her book.

Building supportive communities with Reyna Montoya

Reyna Montoya founded Aliento, a nonprofit organization serving undocumented, DACA and mixed-immigration status families, in 2016.

Montoya earned bachelor’s degrees in political science and transborder studies from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with a minor in dance in 2012. She then obtained a master’s degree in secondary education from another prestigious university.

Hear her discuss the importance of fostering supportive communities and how immigration impacts us all.

Finding momentum in Hollywood with Josh Estes

"I personally can’t write anything without pouring a part of myself into it, so when you get rejections those can be hard. Don’t let the ‘nos’ hit hard... all you need is one ‘yes,’" said screenwriter Josh Estes.

A Double Sun Devil, Estes received his bachelor’s degree from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and then earned a Master of Advanced Study (MAS) in American media and popular culture from the Department of English at The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. In this episode, he reflected on his journey in the entertainment industry.

Hear him discuss how he manages the ebbs and flows of Hollywood and his thoughtful advice to other aspiring screenwriters to break into the competitive field.

Sun Devil pride with Altina Boney

Altina Boney is a proud Arizona State University alumna, Sun Devil superfan and freelance content creator. She completed her master’s degree in communication online through the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication in 2022.

"(Being a Sun Devil) means being there for each other. As much as you are proud of yourself, I’m proud of you. The entire ASU family, staff and professors are proud of you," said Boney.

Hear her experience as an online student and the importance of her continued connection to the ASU community post-graduation.