Major Insight

Find your place and purpose on campus. Honest conversations between college students about choosing majors, getting involved, making friends, finding faculty mentorship, overcoming fears, and more.

College Shapes Your Story 11/07/2024

College Shapes Your Story Lauren Kelley always wanted to become a storyteller to uplift the voices of others, and along the way she found an inspiring voice of her own. Her interests in media, political science, and technology have also unlocked amazing opportunities that have led to new levels of self-esteem and confidence. We’ll also talk about realizing when you’ve taken on way too much in college, and how to adjust and recalibrate along the way. Featured Majors: Strategic Communication, Individualized Studies, Political Science, Film Studies /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/33820422

Create a Self-Portrait of Personal Growth 10/23/2024

Create a Self-Portrait of Personal Growth A love of art and teaching have inspired Isa Obradovich to share her passions with others. As a successful artist and aspiring educator, her work is displayed across university halls, in local art centers, and in the Boomer Gallery of London. Isa has also received attention and acclaim across social media, where her massive following continues to expand. We’ll also talk about the joy of building a community in college, the transformative impact college can have on your confidence, and about making art education more accessible to everyone. Featured Majors: Art Education, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certification /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/33572537

Keep the Courage Going 10/02/2024

Keep the Courage Going Succeeding in college can sometimes be a balancing act. But Rachel Banitt has found insightful and relatable ways to balance a thriving academic and social life, while also leading the largest student organization on campus. We’ll also talk about overcoming the fears of making new friends, about finding a supportive campus community, and about keeping the courage to push yourself to new heights. Featured Majors: Finance, Accounting /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/33284427

The Myths and Fears of Feeling Behind 09/18/2024

The Myths and Fears of Feeling Behind Even when the path ahead may seem long and daunting, with hard work, success is always possible. This is one of the most important lessons that Charles Ellis ’25 has learned in college so far. We’ll also talk about the importance of gaining first hand experience in college, how it’s okay to take time to find your path, and why the fear of feeling behind is just an illusion. Featured Majors: Biomedical Engineering, Premedical Studies /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/33088687

The Fulfillment of Forging Your Own Path 09/03/2024

The Fulfillment of Forging Your Own Path It’s the start of a new adventure on Major Insight as we welcome Maggie Snee to the podcast as our new host. Maggie is an award-winning student researcher whose love of animals and science has inspired her to study Zoology and Geography. We'll also talk about overcoming the pressure to be extraordinary, how friends and “found-family” can make all the difference in college, and about how everything has a way of working itself out. Featured Majors: Zoology, Geography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/32866957

What Makes College So Special (with University President Greg Crawford) 08/20/2024

What Makes College So Special (with University President Greg Crawford) From a first-generation undergraduate all the way to becoming the President of Miami University, Greg Crawford has seen how the entire college experience can unfold. On this special episode, President Crawford talks about what makes college so special including all the doors it can open, all the unimaginable ways to get involved, and about how it can provide the skills and experiences that will last a lifetime. Featured Majors: Physics, Mathematics /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/32594277

You Are Enough (Advice for My First-Year Self) 08/01/2024

You Are Enough (Advice for My First-Year Self) Part two of our special summer series will help you navigate all the ups and downs of college life with more advice and inspiration from successful students who have already been through it all. /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/32165912

Never Give Up (Advice for My First-year Self) 07/18/2024

Never Give Up (Advice for My First-year Self) Hear short stories about being proactive, taking chances, and overcoming doubts and fears. Because finding your place and purpose on campus is not about just waiting for college success to happen to you. It’s actually about taking charge of your journey, and we have all the inspiration and advice to get started right here. /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/32165857

Myth Busting College Stereotypes 06/25/2024

Myth Busting College Stereotypes There’s a reason college has been the setting for some of the most memorable scenes and stories from movies and television shows for generations. But where do the all the myths end, and where do the realities begin? Well, we’re going to find out. Because on this episode, we get to the bottom of everything you ever thought you knew about college life. /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/31866337

Reflections from Two Senior Superstars (Part 2) 05/16/2024

Reflections from Two Senior Superstars (Part 2) As graduation approaches, we continue our conversation that reflects back on four amazing and transformative years as college students. Miami senior Maya Mehlman is back to help recap all the ups and downs -- and all the fun and fears -- of our experiences, while we look ahead to the next chapter of life. If you missed part one, it’s up now. Go back and listen for the rest of this story so far. Or just jump right in! Because whether we want it to or not, this train is moving forward! /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/31328422

Reflections from Two Senior Superstars (Part 1) 05/14/2024

Reflections from Two Senior Superstars (Part 1) Graduating college is a milestone that can bring a huge swing of emotions. On one hand, there’s the profound sense of accomplishment and the excitement of a bright new future ahead. But there’s also the bittersweet feelings of bidding farewell to the place that’s felt like home and to all the friends who have become family. So on this episode, we’re joined again by Maya Mehlman, a graduating senior who’s going to help us reflect back on four amazing years. We’ll talk about bonds forged, memories made, important life lessons learned, and so much more. /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/31262337

Inside the Life of a Rising College Band 05/02/2024

Inside the Life of a Rising College Band Sometimes lighting just strikes. And you’ll never know where you’ll be (or even who you’ll be) when it happens. And that’s exactly how it struck for Brock Shults, a Miami student and the drummer for the , a rising band that’s taken the campus community by storm. We’ll talk about balancing the limelight of live music while keeping up with classes and coursework, the challenges of time management, and about how you never know what might be just around the corner in college. Featured Majors: Kinesiology, Exercise Science /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/31067508

Write Your Own Story Through College 04/25/2024

Write Your Own Story Through College Melanie Hamon has found creative ways to carve out a unique path for herself through college as a writer and musician. Melanie is also active across campus as a writing tutor and Cello performer. And we’ll also talk about finding your own voice and style, learning to embrace feedback, and about college as the prefect time to make mistakes, to totally reinvent yourself, and to become who you really want to be. Featured Majors: Creative Writing, Cello Performance, Rhetoric Featured Organizations: Honors College’s ULIP (Urban Leadership Internship Program), Happy Captive Literary Magazine /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/30965638

College Success Isn’t Brain Science (But It Can Be!) 04/10/2024

College Success Isn’t Brain Science (But It Can Be!) The deep connections between the brain and behavior are something scientists still don’t fully understand, and it’s a mystery that's always fascinated Cambria Beane. Cambria is interested in studying therapeutic interventions for those struggling with trauma and substance use disorders. And we’ll also talk about finding great undergraduate research opportunities, about overcoming imposter syndrome, and about facing the fear of fitting in by immersing yourself in absolutely everything. Featured Majors: Psychology, Neuroscience Featured Organizations: The Reward and Addictive Disorders (RAD) Lab, Psi Chi (The International Honors Society in Psychology, Miami Shakerettes Dance Team /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/30749683

Accomplishing Everything Everywhere All at Once 03/19/2024

Accomplishing Everything Everywhere All at Once Marguerite Smith always wanted to be (and to do) more than one thing in college. As an Engineering major, she’s not only become a leader in a traditionally male dominate field, Marguerite also excels outside the lab as a nationally ranked beach volleyball player. We’ll also talk about some college and engineering stereotypes, about overcoming imposter syndrome, and about learning how to take a break, while still accomplishing everything you want to accomplish. Featured Majors: Electrical Engineering, Engineering Management, Pre-Law Featured Organizations: Society of Women Engineers, IEEE Eta Kappa Nu Honors Society, Miami Beach Volleyball Team /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/30417923

Finding Your Own Personal Win 02/27/2024

Finding Your Own Personal Win Orin Edwards strives for excellence in all aspects of life. As part of Miami RedHawks football, Orin shines as a leader on and off the field. As a student, he understands the essential importance of time management and balance. But success isn’t always easy, and not everything always goes as planned. So we’ll also talk about not giving up when your reality unravels, overcoming the limitations often imposed on us by others, the power of changing your perspective, and more. Featured Majors: Biology, Sport Leadership and Management (SLAM) Featured Organizations: Miami RedHawks Football /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/30121138

Making College Feel Like Home 02/24/2024

Making College Feel Like Home Nyah Smith has gone from an uncertain first-year student to a true student leader as the university’s student body president, and it’s been a remarkable journey that shows just how truly transformative college can be. We’ll also talk about how to pivot and adapt to the unexpected, while still embracing the magic of the moment. Why student orgs are so vital. And why it’s so important to get out of your comfort zone, to get involved, and to just go for it! Featured Majors: Social Work, Public Health Featured Organizations: Associated Student Government, SEAL Ambassadors, Armstrong Student Center Board, Intramural Sport Program /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/29756493

The Ice Breaker Ep. (or Having Fun Conversations in College) 01/19/2024

The Ice Breaker Ep. (or Having Fun Conversations in College) Before every episode of Major Insight, we start with ice breakers. It’s just a way to have fun, to get warmed up, and to get to know each other a little better. So on this special episode, get ready to hear college students answer some of the least important questions of our time. /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/29385533

A Game-Changing Guide to Personal Growth 12/05/2023

A Game-Changing Guide to Personal Growth College is a time of intellectual and personal growth. And Liz Grossman has excelled at both by combining her many interests into a dynamic experience that breaks boundaries between sports, video games, art, history, fashion, pop culture, AI, and more. We’ll also talk about being financially responsible in college, the best kept secrets of time management, tips on applying to grad school, and about how finding balance in life might be one of the most important things you ever learn how to do. Featured Majors: Sport Leadership and Management, Esports Management Featured Organizations: Women in Sport Leadership (WISL), NBA2K Esports Team, Phi Sigma Pi /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/28898443

Staging Success in Film and in Life 11/07/2023

Staging Success in Film and in Life Acting is life for Jonathan Erwin, who has been inspired to move audiences to laughter, tears, and applause ever since he began performing at a young age. We’ll also talk about what it takes to pursue a career in film, learning how to break the mold, to expect the unexpected, and to embrace the freedom you’ll find in college. Featured Majors: Theater, Arts Management and Arts Entrepreneurship. Featured Organizations: Department of Theatre /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/28538444

Aspiring to Inspire for Generations to Come 10/24/2023

Aspiring to Inspire for Generations to Come Lauren McCann understands how truly transformative great educators can be. As a primary education major and aspiring teacher, she hopes to help new generations of children become intelligent, creative, thoughtful, and empathic life-long learners. We’ll also talk about overcoming homesickness, the pitfalls of “people pleasing,” and about relying on good friends and family members during those challenge college times. Featured Majors: Primary Education Featured Organizations: EcoReps, Miami University National Science Teaching Association (MUNSTA), /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/28394912

The Road to Recovery Leads to Opportunity 10/10/2023

The Road to Recovery Leads to Opportunity Avery Holmes knows how to find amazing opportunities from challenging situations. After playing a lot of sports, which came with lots of injuries, she discovered the path to pursue athletic training and physical therapy. We’ll talk about the fascinating world of performance and recovery, why rejection is simply redirection, and how to make the most out of time in college. Because it's going to fly by. Featured Majors: Kinesiology, Athletic Training, Nutrition Featured Organizations: Miami Athletics, RedHawks Football, Kappa Delta /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/28271027

Surviving Culture Shock (Part 1: Studying Abroad) 09/26/2023

Surviving Culture Shock (Part 1: Studying Abroad) Maya Mehlman loves meeting new people, being creative, telling stories, and the kinds of experiences that a career in Media and Communications can bring. She’s also back from a semester-long study abroad, which led to life-changing revelations about overcoming FOMO, dealing with culture shock, and what it’s really like to learn how to live on your own. Featured Majors: Media and Communications, Theater Featured Organizations and Internships: Chi Omega, Chabad, , , /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/28144466

Oh, How You’ll Grow (Part 2: Studying Away) 09/26/2023

Oh, How You’ll Grow (Part 2: Studying Away) Studying away and going abroad is about more than just seeing new places and meeting new people. It’s also about growing as a person and about the life-lessons learned along the way. On this episode, Maya and Meredith continue their conversation after spending their summers studying away and abroad. We’ll also talk about the power of networking, finding the confidence to live the life you want, and about learning how capable you really are. Featured Majors: Media and Communications, Theater Featured Organizations and Internships: , /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/28133489

Mental Health in College: A Student Roundtable 09/05/2023

Mental Health in College: A Student Roundtable Mental health struggles among young people have skyrocketed. Many college students are facing anxiety and depression, drowning in stress, worried about the future, or just feeling overwhelmed by everything all at once. On this episode, we hope to bring more awareness and understanding to this issue by talking about student experiences with mental health, advice for those seeking services and support, and about ending the stigma around mental health for students everywhere. Featured Organizations: National Council for Mental Wellbeing, The Hidden Opponent’s Campus Captains program Additional Resources: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Text 988. Call: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). Or visit: Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free 24/7 crisis counseling. Or visit: Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services: Visit Butler County Crisis Line: Call 1-844-427-4747 . Or call 513-529-4634 Mental Health First Aid Certification: Visit /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/27902907

Advice for My First-Year Self: Finding Yourself 08/08/2023

Advice for My First-Year Self: Finding Yourself College can be an amazing time of personal growth and self-discovery. But the journey is not always easy and the path is never very clear. So as our special summer series continues, we have short stories about students facing fears, finding freedom, embracing uncertainty, and overcoming self-doubt. Because figuring out who you really are takes time and effort. And it’s an adventure that often begins by realizing that nobody has it all figured out just yet. /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/27533274

Advice for My First-Year Self: Finding Community 07/18/2023

Advice for My First-Year Self: Finding Community Have you ever been away from home, feeling homesick, and unsure of your future? Many people have. And it’s one of the biggest challenges for college students. So part 1 of our special summer series features short stories of how students can make new friends and create campus communities. So take a leap of faith and put yourself out there. Because friends are just as important as academics, and belonging to something bigger than yourself can create connections that will last a lifetime. /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/27466224

The Sounds of College Life 06/13/2023

The Sounds of College Life Take an immersive journey into the many different sides of campus life. Hear fascinating soundscapes capturing the magical moments and life-changing experiences that make the university experience come alive. /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/27093087

Great Game Design + Finding Friends Over Time 05/01/2023

Great Game Design + Finding Friends Over Time Gianni Dimacchia ‘24 brings immersive worlds and inspired characters to life as an artist, storyteller, and video game designer. We'll also talk about being involved in eSports, balancing academic life and leisure, avoiding the pitfalls of procrastination, and about overcoming the fear of putting yourself out there to make new friends. Featured Majors: Games + Simulation, Studio Art Featured Organizations and Internships: Miami eSports, Marching Band /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/26672511

Embracing Uncertainty in Your Environment 04/11/2023

Embracing Uncertainty in Your Environment Uncertainly is a big part of life, especially for college students who are figuring out their future. For Alexandria Coffman ‘23, embracing uncertainty is an essential part of success. We’ll also talk about gaining and nurturing leadership experience. Building a new network of friends from scratch. And about how there may not be one right answer for your future, but lots of right answers. Featured Majors: Urban and Regional Planning, Geography and Sustainable Development, Sustainability Featured Organizations: EcoReps /episode/index/show/majorinsight/id/26482272

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