What happens after the TRIO program ends and the professional hustle begins? Elijah Mason (formerly Sandoval) returns to the podcast for her second appearance to catch us up on her journey since graduating from CSU in Fall 2024.

Between her role as a Records Intern for the Arapahoe County District Attorney’s office, pursuing a Master’s at Capella University, and navigating the first year of marriage, Elijah offers a masterclass in managing big life transitions with grace (and a little bit of chaos).

Listen to Elijah’s first appearance ("Chaotic and Organized") here: https://letstalktrio.podbean.com/e/organized-chaos-elijah-sandoval-trio-student-support-services-participant-aac/

Community Announcement Links:

TRIO Nation: Your voice is working! While Congress is moving to protect TRIO funding for 2026, we must remain vigilant. Administrative shifts still threaten the stability of TRIO grants. Take action now: Call your Congressional representatives today. Thank them for their bipartisan support and urge them to ensure TRIO programs remain fully funded and operational without delay. Let them know…TRIO Works!

• Find your Congressional Representative

NCCU’S Annual Student Access & Success Conference Info

• Conference Dates: April 9th - 11th
• Register for NCCU 2026 TRIO Student Access and Success Conference

A heartfelt thanks to our individual donors and Patrons on Patreon

• Dr. Jamie Motley
• Dr. Ryan Barone
• Dr. Jeff Nepute
• Angelica Vialpando
• Angelica Valdez
• Rosario Riley
• Eric LaMaster
• Jeff Kahlden
• Felicia Rivera
• Rick Martinez
• Dawn BlueSky-Hill
• Jaded Electronics

A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors

• TRIOjoblist.com
• NOSOTROS Education Center (NEC)
• TheTRIOstore.com powered by Proforma
• Longsdale Publishing
• StudentAccess

Cover Art and Voice Over Work

Cover Art: Raul Perez

Voice Over Ad for Longsdale Publishing and StudentAccess: Amelia Castaneda

Voice Over Ad for NOSOTROS Education Center: Karla Sandoval

The Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Team

John Russell: Music Composer, Music Performer, Audio Engineer, and Post-Production Editor

Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Manager, and Producer

Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host

Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram

Visit the Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Webpage

What does it take to lead a state-wide professional association while managing a university's TRIO programs? Join us as we welcome Bernadine Booky...the Director of TRIO Programs at New Mexico State University. With a deep-rooted history at NMSU - from earning her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Agricultural and Extension Education to her current leadership role - she brings a unique perspective on institutional growth and student advocacy.

Key Highlights:

• Navigating a career path from administrative support to executive leadership.

• The current landscape of TRIO New Mexico and the importance of professional associations.

• Practical advice for managing complex educational programs and supporting diverse student populations.

Community Announcement Links:

TRIO Nation: Your voice is working! While Congress is moving to protect TRIO funding for 2026, we must remain vigilant. Administrative shifts still threaten the stability of TRIO grants. Take action now: Call your Congressional representatives today. Thank them for their bipartisan support and urge them to ensure TRIO programs remain fully funded and operational without delay. Let them know…TRIO Works!

• Find your Congressional Representative

NCCU’S Annual Student Access & Success Conference Info

• Conference Dates: April 9th - 11th
• Register for NCCU 2026 TRIO Student Access and Success Conference

A heartfelt thanks to our individual donors and Patrons on Patreon

• Dr. Jamie Motley
• Dr. Ryan Barone
• Dr. Jeff Nepute
• Angelica Vialpando
• Angelica Valdez
• Rosario Riley
• Eric LaMaster
• Jeff Kahlden
• Felicia Rivera
• Jaded Electronics

A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors

• TRIOjoblist.com
• NOSOTROS Education Center (NEC)
• TheTRIOstore.com powered by Proforma
• Longsdale Publishing
• StudentAccess

Cover Art and Voice Over Work

Cover Art: Raul Perez

Voice Over Ad for Longsdale Publishing and StudentAccess: Amelia Castaneda

Voice Over Ad for NOSOTROS Education Center: Karla Sandoval

The Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Team

John Russell: Music Composer, Music Performer, Audio Engineer, and Post-Production Editor

Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Manager, and Producer

Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host

Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram

Visit the Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Webpage

What does it take to go from a first-generation college student to a doctoral graduate leading the very program that supported you? This week, we sit down with Dr. Kevin David Linton, Director of TRIO Student Support Services at Salem State University.

Dr. Linton takes us through the twists and turns of his educational path ... from navigating the cultural shift between private and public high schools to overcoming imposter syndrome at the University of New Hampshire. We discuss the "hidden curriculum" of post-secondary education, the reality of juggling a career while earning a Ph.D., and why he dedicated his life to opening doors for the next generation of students.

Community Announcement Links:

TRIO Nation: Your voice is working! While Congress is moving to protect TRIO funding for 2026, we must remain vigilant. Administrative shifts still threaten the stability of TRIO grants. Take action now: Call your Congressional representatives today. Thank them for their bipartisan support and urge them to ensure TRIO programs remain fully funded and operational without delay. Let them know…TRIO Works!

• Find your Congressional Representative

NCCU’S Annual Student Access & Success Conference Info

• Conference Dates: April 9th - 11th
• Register for NCCU 2026 TRIO Student Access and Success Conference

TRIO Day Celebrations:

• TRIO Day in Colorado
• TRIO Day Resources (COE)
• Find Your Regional Association

A heartfelt thanks to our individual donors and Patrons on Patreon

• Dr. Jamie Motley
• Dr. Ryan Barone
• Dr. Jeff Nepute
• Angelica Vialpando
• Angelica Valdez
• Rosario Riley
• Eric LaMaster
• Jeff Kahlden
• Felicia Rivera
• Jaded Electronics

A huge thanks to our corporate sponsors

• TRIOjoblist.com
• NOSOTROS Education Center (NEC)
• TheTRIOstore.com powered by Proforma
• Longsdale Publishing
• StudentAccess

Cover Art and Voice Over Work

Cover Art: Raul Perez

Voice Over Ad for Longsdale Publishing and StudentAccess: Amelia Castaneda

Voice Over Ad for NOSOTROS Education Center: Karla Sandoval

The Let’s Talk TRIO Podcast Team

John Russell: Music Composer, Music Performer, Audio Engineer, and Post-Production Editor

Amelia Castaneda: Script Supervisor, Marketing Manager, Social Manager, and Producer

Juan M. Rivas: Executive Producer & Host

Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram