Sometimes, life can change on a lunch break. In his freshman year, Guillermo “Memo” Gonzalez was eating lunch at the LMU Academic Resource Center when he was introduced to Alexia Pineda Soto, the coordinator of the LMU First To Go program. Gonzalez is the first in his family to go to college, but at that point he wasn’t aware of the significance of being a first-generation student, and the wealth of resources and opportunities available to him through First To Go.
“My family is originally from Mexico, and I grew up in South Central Los Angeles with my mom, dad, and younger sister,” explained Gonzalez. “Thanks to First To Go, I was able to navigate a college culture that was wholly new to me – I no longer felt overwhelmed by the hurdles of applying for student aid, staying on top of course registration, or gaining access to academic support. The program validated my sense of belonging at LMU, helping me to overcome imposter syndrome and the survivors’ guilt that so many of us face as first-generation students. I came to realize how much we have to offer – to our families, to universities, and to the world at large.”
As it happens, Gonzalez had his own very personal way of giving back to the program. Majoring in recording arts at the LMU School of Film and Television, he knows a thing or two about what it takes to produce a trailblazing podcast. When Pineda Soto heard that Gonzalez was searching for a work study job, she suggested launching a new podcast about the experiences of first-generation students. That was the origin of “For The Generation,” a podcast co-founded by Gonzalez and his First To Go colleague, Jasmine Collins-Johnson, featuring interviews with students, professors, and alumni discussing pressing issues ranging from immigration justice, to financial literacy, to self-care strategies.
“The opportunity to launch the podcast influenced the rest of my college career,” said Gonzalez. “Each episode is produced with the intention of giving first-generation students a platform to feel seen and heard, inviting others to share in our experiences. Now that I’m graduating, I’ll be handing off the podcast to new First To Go hosts, to continue and expand that legacy in any way they see fit.”
For Gonzalez, the process of understanding his own identity and journey as a first-generation student was strengthened by learning about the lives of others. “I’ve been exposed to countless different perspectives,” he said. “Launching the podcast has opened so many doors for me, and I’m determined to give back to the communities that have supported me along the way – my family, my mentors, and of course the First To Go community. As an LMU alumnus, I’m looking forward to serving as a mentor for my fellow first-generation students. We’re in it together – we’re the way-makers.”
For The Generation is a podcast that discusses the various tactics of being a first-generation student. Essentially, our goal is to bridge a connection of first-generation students to the world. We hope to promote awareness of the community that these students have and create a comfortable space to share their unique individual stories . “For the Generation” will touch on a diverse group of students to embrace different experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. With doing so, listeners will have an opportunity to get an up-close and personal view of the lives of first-gens
This podcast is bridging a connection of first-gen students to the world!
In this episode, we introduce ourselves, Natalia Velasco and Alexa Gomez, as the new hosts of season 4! After our brief introduction, we interview the co-founder of this podcast, Guillermo Gonzalez, also known as Memo! Memo is currently a senior at Loyola Marymount University majoring in recording arts and minoring in film, television, and media. Listen as we get to know more about Memo, his involvements at LMU, and what it was like to start this very podcast.
Don’t forget to follow us on our other socials!
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/forthegen/
Tiktok – https://www.tiktok.com/@forthegen
Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh12KD6AlRUfdQUSxHsaRSQ
Twitter – https://twitter.com/ForTheGen
Other inquiries – forthegenepodcast@gmail.com
Special Guest
Guillermo “Memo” Gonzalez
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/superduper_memo/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/guillermo-gonzalez-5776641b7
Published Student Journal – https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/saysomethingtheological/vol4/iss1/5/
Follow Us! …but not too closely
Alexa Gomez
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/itsalexagomez/
Natalia Velasco
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/nataliaavelascoo/
Angel Vilchis [looking for paid gigs too]
Portfolio – https://xocozin.myportfolio.com
Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCULMw7js2tJZAdD7CX4Mlzw
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/papachurro_/
oh did you drop something down here, hopefully not your standards. Keep ya head up!
You can follow the “For The Generation” podcast here. To support LMU First To Go programs, contact Dan Montoya, executive director of development, at 310.338.1796, daniel.montoya@lmu.edu, or visit here.
