First Year to Fearless

About First Year to Fearless

Starting college is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. First Year to Fearless is a weekly podcast created just for Worcester State students to help you navigate the ups, downs, and everything in between during your first year as a Lancer. Hosted by Tammy Tebo, Assistant Dean in the Academic Success Center, and Thomas Kelley (TKay), Director of Retention, the show breaks down the first-year experience into real, relatable conversations. From navigating Self-Service and Blackboard to finding parking, managing finances, and connecting with faculty, Tammy and TKay give you the tools, tips, and encouragement you need to thrive. Whether you’re thriving, surviving, or somewhere in between, First Year to Fearless is here to stay curious, stay connected, and above all… stay fearless. 🎧 Need a transcript with the episode? Full transcripts are available on Podbean and Apple Podcasts App alongside each episode of First Year to Fearless. 👉 Listen and read along on Podbean or Apple Podcasts to follow every detail of the conversation.

Publisher

WooTalks

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

29 Aug 2025

Latest episode

15 Dec 2025

Latest episodes

17 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   15 Dec 2025

   Semester Wrap-Up – Reflect, Reset, Recharge.

   This week on First Year to Fearless, Tammy & TKay close out the semester with Episode 16: Semester Wrap-Up – Reflect, Reset, Recharge. 🎙️ Finals are underway, grades are posting, and the semester is officially coming to a close. In this final episode of the season, Tammy & TKay walk you through everything you need to do before stepping into winter break. They cover how to review your final grades, clear up any discrepancies, and communicate respectfully with faculty if something doesn’t look right. The conversation also focuses on setting yourself up for a strong spring. Tammy & TKay remind students to confirm that Spring 2026 classes are registered (not just planned), explain how fall grades can impact spring schedules, and encourage connecting with academic advisors early to keep options open. They also highlight key end-of-semester housekeeping tasks, from returning library materials to checking student accounts, managing housing check-out, and cleaning out your email so you can start fresh in January. 🎧 Need a transcript with the episode?Full transcripts are available on Podbean and the Apple Podcasts app alongside each episode of First Year to Fearless. 👉 Listen on Podbean or Apple Podcasts and finish the semester fearlessly. Production by Brendan Bailey.

2. 

   8 Dec 2025

   The Final Stretch – How to Close the Semester Fearlessly!

   This week on First Year to Fearless, Tammy & TKay are back with Episode 15: How to Close the Semester Fearlessly! 🎙️ It is the last day of classes, and the end of the fall semester is in sight. Tammy & TKay walk you through how to confirm what finals you actually have, how to read the Worcester State final exam schedule, and why understanding the format of each final is essential. They also share strategies for creating a finals week checklist, organizing your study materials, breaking your study sessions into manageable chunks, and tapping into campus supports like the Writing Center, STEM Center, Counseling Services, and ASC advising before schedules fill up. The episode also digs into managing stress during finals, using healthy breaks and realistic goals, avoiding burnout, and recognizing your small wins throughout these next two weeks. Tammy and TKay also remind you to clean up your inbox, return library books, check for missing grades or assignments, and make sure your Spring 2026 classes are fully registered, not just planned. 🎧 Full transcripts are available on Podbean and the Apple Podcasts app. 👉 Listen on Podbean or Apple Podcasts for every detail. Production by Brendan Bailey.

3. 

   1 Dec 2025

   Back From Break: Finishing the Semester Fearlessly

   This week on First Year to Fearless, Tammy & TKay are back with Episode 14: Back From Break: Finishing the Semester Fearlessly! 🎙️ Thanksgiving recess is over, and it’s time to get back into your routine. Tammy & TKay walk you through resetting your sleep schedule, cleaning up your inbox, checking your syllabi, and creating a two-week academic game plan. They also cover how to find missing grades or assignments in Blackboard or Google Classroom and when to connect with campus supports like the Writing Center, Counseling Services, and your academic advisor. The episode also breaks down everything you need to know about finals: what type you have, when they’re scheduled, and how the finals calendar works. Plus, they remind you to double-check that your Spring 2026 classes are fully registered and make any needed schedule changes before the semester ends. 🎧 Full transcripts are available on Podbean and the Apple Podcasts app. 👉 Listen on Podbean or Apple Podcasts for every detail. Production by Brendan Bailey.

4. 

   24 Nov 2025

   The Week After Pre-Registration – What Happens Now?

   This week on First Year to Fearless, Tammy & TKay are back with Episode 13: The Week After Pre-Registration – What Happens Now? 🎙️ Pre-registration might be over, but the work (and the choices) aren’t. In this episode, Tammy & TKay walk you through what comes next: how to double-check that your schedule is actually registered (not just planned), why joining waitlists still matters, and how to make smart changes without accidentally losing a class you need. They also break down what to do if you didn’t register, how to tackle holds, and how to connect with advisors in the Academic Success Center to get back on track. Plus, with Thanksgiving recess coming up, they talk about setting boundaries, resetting your routine, and using the short break to recharge before the final sprint to the end of the semester. In this week’s Campus Connection, TKay sits down with Steven Edwards, Assistant Director of LGBTQIA+ Outreach and Confidential Title IX Resource Provider, to highlight the newly expanded LGBTQIA+ Community Center. Steven shares how the space supports students through community-building, support groups, resources, and upcoming programming, all in a welcoming, visible, and centralized location on campus. 🌈💙 🎧 Need a transcript with the episode?Full transcripts are available on Podbean and the Apple Podcasts app alongside each episode of First Year to Fearless. 👉 Listen and read along on Podbean or Apple Podcasts to catch every detail of the conversation. Production by Brendan Bailey.

5. 

   17 Nov 2025

   Ready, Set, Pre-Register!

   This week on First Year to Fearless, Tammy & TKay are back with Episode 12: Ready, Set, Pre-Register! 🎙️ It’s officially pre-registration week, and this episode is your playbook for navigating one of the biggest moments of your first year. Tammy & TKay break down everything you need to know—from finding your exact registration day and time to what to do if classes start filling up before you log in. You’ll learn how to stay flexible, how to use the waitlist the right way, and why “planned” does not mean “registered.” They also cover what to do if you miss your time, how many credits you really need for financial aid, and how to keep your schedule—and your stress—on track. In this week’s Campus Connection, TKay chats with Julie Carmel, Director of Student Accounts, about what happens after you register. Julie walks listeners through spring billing timelines, payment plans, outstanding balance options, and why setting up a proxy may save you a headache later. 💵💙 🎧 Need a transcript with the episode?Full transcripts are available on Podbean and the Apple Podcasts app alongside each episode of First Year to Fearless. 👉 Listen and read along on Podbean or Apple Podcasts to catch every detail of the conversation. Production by Brendon Bailey.

6. 

   10 Nov 2025

   Countdown to Pre-Registration

   This week on First Year to Fearless, Tammy & TKay are back with Episode 11: Countdown to Pre-Registration! 🎙️ We’re in the home stretch of advising season, and this episode is your guide to finishing strong. From making that last-minute advising appointment to double-checking your holds, Tammy & TKay walk you through the final steps to make sure you’re ready when registration officially opens. You’ll learn how to plan your schedule, what to do if your advisor’s calendar is full, and why it’s still worth registering even if you’re unsure about returning next semester. In this week’s Campus Connection, TKay sits down with Kristie McNamara, Director of the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership Development, to talk about Thea’s Pantry, Worcester State’s on-campus resource supporting students through food, toiletries, and community care. 🥫💙 🎧 Need a transcript with the episode?Full transcripts are available on Podbean and the Apple Podcasts app alongside each episode of First Year to Fearless. 👉 Listen and read along on Podbean or Apple Podcasts to catch every detail of the conversation. Production by Brendon Bailey.

7. 

   3 Nov 2025

   Wait, What is Pre-Registration? (Part II)

   This week on First Year to Fearless, Tammy & TKay are back with Episode 10: Wait, What is Pre-Registration Part II! 🎙️ We’re diving deeper into the pre-registration process with everything you need to know as advising season hits full swing. From booking your faculty advising appointment to attending Academic Success Center workshops, this episode breaks down how to finalize your spring schedule like a pro. You’ll learn how to find and fix holds or restrictions, what to do if your advisor’s calendar is full, and how to handle schedule conflicts without the stress. In this week’s Campus Connection, TKay chats with Julie Carmel, Director of Student Accounts, to talk spring billing, payment plans, and how to make the financial side of college a little less intimidating. 🎧 Need a transcript with the episode?Full transcripts are available on Podbean and the Apple Podcasts app alongside each episode of First Year to Fearless. 👉 Listen and read along on Podbean or Apple Podcasts to catch every detail of the conversation. Production by Brendon Bailey.

8. 

   27 Oct 2025

   Wait, What is Pre-Registration? (Part I)

   This week on First Year to Fearless, Tammy & TKay dive into “Episode 9: Wait, What is Pre-Registration?” 🎙️ We break down everything you need to know to prepare for pre-registration and advising, what it is, why it matters, and how to get ready to build your spring schedule with confidence. You’ll learn how to use Self-Service to plan your courses, what “getting cleared” by your faculty advisor means, and why bringing your laptop to an Academic Success Center workshop is a must. Plus, we share how to check your account for holds or restrictions before they hold you back, and the importance of having backup plans for your classes. In this week’s Campus Connection, TKay sits down with Dannie Lacks, Director of the Career Development Center, to explore all the ways the CDC helps students prepare for life after graduation, from resume reviews and mock interviews to career conversations and employer networking through Handshake🎧 Need a transcript with the episode?Full transcripts are available on Podbean and the Apple Podcasts app alongside each episode of First Year to Fearless. 👉 Listen and read along on Podbean or Apple Podcasts to follow every detail of the conversation. Production by Brendon Bailey.

9. 

   20 Oct 2025

   Your Guide to MajorPlus: Two Paths, One Purpose.

   This week on First Year to Fearless, Tammy & TKay unpack “Episode 8: Your Guide to MajorPlus: Two Paths, One Purpose.” We break down Worcester State’s MajorPlus model, how to combine a major and minor or double major in no extra time and no extra cost, and share exactly how to plan it with your Academic Success Center advisor. You’ll learn when to declare (aim before 45 credits), how to use LASC/Gen Ed courses to explore your “plus,” and what to do if you’re undeclared or torn between two interests. In this week’s Campus Connection, TKay sits down with Kristen Nelson, Director of Residence Life & Student Engagement, to explore living on campus, from Woo Wednesdays and Late Night Lancers to choosing among Dowden, Sheehan, Wasylean, and Chandler Village, plus how to connect with @wsureslife and where to find the Res Life office in Sheehan Hall (Room 101). 🎧 Need a transcript with the episode?Full transcripts are available on Podbean and the Apple Podcasts app alongside each episode of First Year to Fearless. 👉 Listen and read along on Podbean or Apple Podcasts to follow every detail of the conversation. Production by Brendon Bailey.

10. 

    13 Oct 2025

    Midterm Checkpoint: Grades, Goals, and Getting Back on Track

    This week on First Year to Fearless, Tammy & TKay dive into mid-semester realities with “Midterm Checkpoint: Grades, Goals, and Getting Back on Track.” From midterms and mounting assignments to social pressures and financial worries, we explore how stress shows up and how to keep it from taking over. Through personal stories and practical strategies, you’ll learn how to move from overwhelmed to organized, check your standing with faculty, understand Early Support failure warnings, and decide when to push through, withdraw, or go pass/fail. We also highlight how to use resources like the Academic Success Center, tutoring, and the writing and math centers to stay on track. In this week’s Campus Connection, TKay sits down with Linzy Martinez, Assistant Director of Student Involvement and Commuter Services. Linzy shares how commuter students can get involved through programs like Sweet Treat Tuesdays, Make & Takes, and Commuter Appreciation Week to build community and feel connected to campus life. Plus, we answer your Question of the Week: What do you wish you had done differently during midterms, and how do you stay positive when classmates seem to be doing better? We share tips for studying smarter, staying organized, and leaning on campus supports to keep your momentum strong. 🎧 Need a transcript with the episode?Full transcripts are available on Podbean and the Apple Podcasts app alongside each episode of First Year to Fearless. 👉 Listen and read along on Podbean or Apple Podcasts to follow every detail of the conversation. Production by Brendon Bailey.

11. 

    6 Oct 2025

    Stressed to Steady: Finding Your Calm in College

    This week on First Year to Fearless, Tammy & TKay dive into mid-semester realities with “Stressed to Steady: Finding Your Calm in College.” From midterms and mounting assignments to social pressures and financial worries, we explore how stress shows up—and how to keep it from taking over. Through personal stories and practical strategies, you’ll learn how to move from overwhelmed to organized and rediscover your balance when college life gets hectic. We also feature Counseling Services in this week’s Campus Connection, as TKay sits down with Kevin Fenlon, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs & Director of Counseling Services. Kevin breaks down what’s available to Worcester State students—from free and confidential short-term counseling to walk-in triage hours, after-hours support through ResilientU, and MK, the campus’s much-loved therapeutic assistance dog 🐾—all designed to help you stay well and grounded. Plus, we answer your Question of the Week: How do I balance studying for midterms with everything else going on? We share concrete tips for studying smarter, not harder, and for using campus resources like the Academic Success Center to get organized. 🎧 Need a transcript with the episode?Full transcripts are available on Podbean and the Apple Podcasts app alongside each episode of First Year to Fearless. 👉 Listen and read along on Podbean or Apple Podcasts to follow every detail of the conversation. Production by Brendon Bailey.

12. 

    29 Sept 2025

    Wait… Professors Don’t Live on Campus?

    This week on First Year to Fearless, Tammy & TKay break down the myth that professors only exist in the classroom with “Wait… Professors Don’t Live on Campus?” We sit down with four Worcester State faculty members, Dr. Lisa Wark (Business & Econ), Dr. Jeremy Andreatta (Chemistry), Dr. Charlotte Haller (History & Political Science), and Dr. Christina Santana (English), to uncover their hobbies, hidden talents, comfort foods, and advice for first-year students. From wine collecting to quilt-making, knitting to blackjack dealing, you’ll hear how our faculty are real people who care about your success. We also feature the library, along with Executive Director Matt Bejune, in this week’s Campus Connection, highlighting how research support, study spaces, and digital resources can help you thrive. Plus, we answer your “Question of the Week” on how to connect with faculty if you’re shy, and we wrap with not one but two Fearless Tips—don’t wait for a problem to connect, and be curious, not perfect. 🎧 Need a transcript with the episode?Full transcripts are available on Podbean and the Apple Podcasts App alongside each episode of First Year to Fearless. 👉 Listen and read along on Podbean or Apple Podcasts to follow every detail of the conversation. Production by Brendon Bailey

13. 

    22 Sept 2025

    Working at Woo

    This week on First Year to Fearless Tammy & TKay dig into what it means to start Working at Woo. From landing your first on-campus job to understanding the difference between student positions and work-study, we share tips on where to apply, how to follow up, and how to balance work with your classes and life. Plus, we answer your “Question of the Week” about faculty office hours, highlight tutoring and academic support resources, and spotlight Student Involvement with Sarah Potrikus, covering clubs, leadership programs, and how to build your Lancer community. 🎧 Need a transcript with the episode?Full transcripts are available on Podbean and the Apple Podcasts App alongside each episode of First Year to Fearless. 👉 Listen and read along on Podbean or Apple Podcasts to follow every detail of the conversation. Production by Brendon Bailey

14. 

    15 Sept 2025

    Lean into Lancer Life

    This week on First Year to Fearless Tammy & TKay dive into what week three of the semester really feels like: homesickness, new routines, and finding your spot on campus. From library nooks to the Wellness Center, we share favorite spaces to recharge, tips for staying connected to home, and how to get involved in Lancer Life. Plus, we answer listener questions, spotlight Student Accessibility Services with Dr. Rachel Graddy, and remind you of key deadlines. 🎧 Need a transcript with the episode?Full transcripts are available on Podbean and Apple Podcasts App alongside each episode of First Year to Fearless. 👉 Listen and read along on Podbean or Apple Podcasts to follow every detail of the conversation. Production by Brendon Bailey

15. 

    8 Sept 2025

    Finding Your Flow: Week Two Reset

    Week one is in the books. Now it’s time to find your flow. In this episode of First Year to Fearless, Tammy & TKay talk about turning “Sunday scaries” into a “Sunday reset,” building routines that stick, and making the most of your second week on campus. We cover add/drop deadlines, connecting with faculty and classmates, and spotlight the Financial Aid Office to help you stay on track. Celebrate your wins, reset where you need to, and keep moving forward on your fearless journey. 🎧 Need a transcript with the episode?Full transcripts are available on Podbean and Apple Podcasts App alongside each episode of First Year to Fearless. 👉 Listen and read along on Podbean or Apple Podcasts to follow every detail of the conversation. Production by Brendon Bailey

16. 

    1 Sept 2025

    First Year to Fearless: The Pilot

    In the pilot of First Year to Fearless, Tammy and TKay share tips, stories, and campus resources to help Worcester State students navigate their first week, covering convocation, textbooks, parking, and more, so every new Lancer can start strong and stay fearless. 🎧 Need a transcript with the episode?Full transcripts are available on Podbean and Apple Podcasts App alongside each episode of First Year to Fearless. 👉 Listen and read along on Podbean or Apple Podcasts to follow every detail of the conversation. Production by Brendon Bailey

17. 

    29 Aug 2025

    FY2F - Promo

    What’s up, Worcester State! First Year to Fearless is the podcast for new Lancers, guiding you through the ups, downs, and everything in between during your first year on campus. Each week, we share stories, tackle challenges, and spotlight campus resources to help you stay curious, stay connected, and above all ... stay fearless.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.