Learning From Experience

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.

Uncovering your own career path with Paige Madison

A lifelong lover of fossils, Paige is on a mission to make human evolution as culturally interesting as dinosaurs.

In 2020, she received her PhD in history and philosophy of science from the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University.

Hear her insights into becoming a successful science writer — including publishing in National Geographic — and carving her own interdisciplinary career path as a journalist and scientist.

Applying to medical school with Anna Abraham

After graduating with a major in biological sciences and minors in global health and psychology, Anna took a gap year to work as a full-time medical scribe and experience hands-on what it's like to work in medicine.

In preparing her medical school application, she took advantage of several resources at ASU, including Pre-Health Advising, faculty mentors and more.

Hear her advice on writing your personal statement, obtaining letters of recommendation and how to give the best first impression to medical school admissions committees.

Expectations at graduation with Brandon Saunders

When Brandon was about to graduate with a degree in film and media studies, he was working as a Starbucks barista. He wasn’t sure how he would be able to launch his career as a writer and still pay his bills.

After picking up various writing side jobs, he was finally able to land a position as a video game proofreader. That was the beginning of a successful career in video game writing.

Hear Brandon’s advice on setting expectations at graduation, leaning on others and finding your own career path.

Pursuing a PhD with Alyssa Macomber

As a first-generation college student, Alyssa never considered getting an advanced degree until she gained research experience as an undergraduate student at ASU.

After graduating with degrees in psychology and neuroscience in 2019, she practiced patience, persistence and grace to follow her dream of becoming a clinical neuropsychologist. She eventually got accepted to a doctoral program at Northwestern University.

Hear Alyssa's insights on applying to and completing a doctoral program.

The long haul with Jeffrey Ayres

Jeff is a professional basketball player that has played for the NBA and for teams across the world.

His experiences on and off the court have taught him to keep trudging through the mud to find long-term success.

Hear his advice for students and recent grads and how his degree in economics and minor in African and African American studies have informed his life and career.