Join us for a podcast dedicated to exploring the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) students. Each episode features insightful conversations with current EOP students, alumni, and educators, who share their unique journeys, strategies for success, and the impact of support systems on their academic and personal lives. Whether you’re an EOP student, a prospective college-goer, or simply interested in education equity, this podcast offers inspiration, practical advice, and a community of voices that celebrate resilience and achievement. Tune in to connect, learn, and empower yourself or others on the path to educational success!
Breaking the Silence: Mental Health in BILPOC Families
In this episode of the ESAB Podcast, co-hosts Ayleen Bautista and Carmen Camarillo sit down with Martha Zanabria to discuss mental health, stress, and depression within BIPOC families and communities. Together, they explore how cultural beliefs, family expectations, and generational differences can influence the way mental health is understood and discussed. Martha shares insight into why some families may minimize emotional struggles or believe that mental health concerns do not exist, as well as how these attitudes can prevent individuals from seeking support. The conversation also highlights practical strategies students can use to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. These include starting open and respectful conversations, educating family members, expressing personal experiences, seeking support from trusted individuals, and recognizing that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
This episode offers an honest and encouraging discussion for students who may be navigating mental health challenges while also trying to communicate with family members who hold different beliefs. It emphasizes the importance of understanding, compassion, community, and creating safe spaces where everyone feels supported.
7 Apr 2026
ESAB Podcast Season 2: EP 003
In this episode of the ESAB podcast, co-hosts Marlene Garcia and Valeria Mejía sit down with Michael Alvarez Franco from SDSU’s Educational Opportunity Programs, Outreach, and Success (EOPOS) to learn more about his journey, career, and experiences as both a student and professional.Michael shares his background, including where he’s from, his academic path, and how he became involved with EOPOS. He reflects on how he stepped into his current role as an EOPOS Outreach Specialist for Compact for Success and gives listeners an inside look at his day-to-day responsibilities. From the most stressful aspects of his work to the moments that make it all worthwhile, Michael offers an honest perspective on working in student support services and what keeps him motivated to continue making an impact at SDSU.The conversation also explores his college experience as an undergraduate. Michael opens up about his involvement on campus, his experience living on-campus during his first year and commuting in later years, and the challenges he faced, including navigating higher education as a first-generation, low-income student. He discusses how his academic interests evolved over time and reflects on lessons he wishes he could share with his younger self.To (http://self.To) wrap things up, we dive into some fun, lighthearted questions—learning about his gym routine, hobbies, and surprising facts about his life outside of work.
This episode offers valuable insight for current and future college students, especially those navigating similar paths, and highlights the importance of mentorship, resilience, and community in higher education.
24 Feb 2026
ESAB Podcast Season 2: EP 2
In this episode of the EOPOS Podcast, co-hosts Marlene Garcia and Valeria Mejia sit down with EOP student and SOAR Mentor Nathalie Jauregui to discuss topics about what it's like being a first-gen commuter student here at SDSU. Together, they explore topics on what it is like being an EOP commuter student, being a student employee on campus, and highlights of the college journey and experience. Stay until the end to listen to Nathalie answer some fun questions!
3 Nov 2025
ESAB Podcast Season 2: EP 001
In this episode of the EOPOS Podcast, new co-hosts Marlene Garcia and Valeria Mejia sit down with EOPOS counselor Alex Castruita to discuss the unique challenges and triumphs of first-generation college students. Together, they explore topics such as imposter syndrome, financial barriers, and navigating college life, while also highlighting Alex’s inspiring career journey and briefly touching on his other involvements here at SDSU! Stay till the end for a fun surprise ;)
21 May 2025
ESAB Podcast 005
In this episode of the ESAB podcast, co-hosts Andrea and Chris interview Sarron Delke, a graduating senior majoring in kinesiology and the current president of ESAB. Sarron shares her journey as an EOP student at San Diego State University, discussing her initial shyness and how involvement with ESAB helped her grow into a leadership role. The conversation highlights the importance of community, mentorship, and the resources provided by EOP. Sarron emphasizes the transformative power of support and leadership experiences, encouraging students to seek help, embrace opportunities, and recognize their value within the academic community.
23 Apr 2025
ESAB Podcast 004
In this episode of the ESAB Podcast, we’re joined by Brenda Alvarez, the current Outreach & Recruitment Chair and next year’s incoming President of ESAB! Brenda shares about her experience navigating imposter syndrome, especially as a first-generation, and EOP student at SDSU. She opens up about how hard her freshman year was, what helped her finally feel like she belonged, and how EOP—and ESAB—became her home on campus.
10 Mar 2025
ESAB PODCAST 003
In this episode of the ESAB Podcast, hosts Andrea and an Chris interview Mario Barahona Miguel, the assistant program coordinator for the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at San Diego State University (SDSU). Mario shares his journey from a student at California State University, San Marcos, to his current role at SDSU. The discussion highlights the importance of community and involvement in college, particularly for students of color. Mario emphasizes the need for targeted support initiatives, better compensation for student workers, and the role of staff in fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among students.
10 Dec 2024
ESAB PODCAST 002
In this episode of the EOP podcast, co-hosts Chris and Andrea discuss the significance of student organization involvement and balancing academic responsibilities. They interview Kate Felipe, a history and Chicano/Chicana studies major, who shares her experiences as vice president of the EOP Student Advisory Board and president of the Latinx Student Union. Kate talks about her journey into student organizations, the challenges and rewards of leadership, and strategies for managing time and stress. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, personal growth, and self-care for student leaders.
29 Oct 2024
ESAB Podcast Episode 1
In the inaugural episode of their podcast, Andrea and Chris, the student diversity chairs for the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Advisory Board at San Diego State University (SDSU), introduce themselves and share their experiences as transfer students. They discuss the challenges they faced and the support they found within the EOP community. Highlighting the resources available through EOP, they emphasize the importance of seeking help and utilizing these tools. They also outline their goals for the podcast, aiming to create a supportive platform for EOP students. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to engage and participate in future episodes.
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