What do video games, LEGOs, and student success have in common? More than you think. In this episode, we sit down with Reinalyn Echon, an advisor for Idaho State University's TRIO Student Support Services. As a first-generation student herself, Reinalyn shares her incredible journey - from finding her voice as a college radio DJ to making the pivotal decision to leave a doctoral program to pursue her true passion: helping students like her navigate the "unwritten rules" of higher education. We discuss the power of nerdy hobbies in building problem-solving skills, the vital role of programs like TRIO, and how to build your own path to success, one brick at a time.
Community Announcement Links:
TRIO Nation - Call your congressional representatives to defend TRIO! The most recent proposed budget aims to eliminate TRIO programs. Alumni, participants, and advocates are encouraged to reach out to their senators and representatives. Let them know…TRIO Works!
Find your Congressional Representative
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
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- 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
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