Learning From Experience

"Don’t be afraid to figure out what works and doesn’t work for you — don’t be afraid of failure. You’re not going to know what works for you, your family and your obligations if it’s not trial and error."

Sally Velez graduated from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University in 2023 with degrees in English and history. Today she is working with Dog Tag, a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., as a developmen...

"Take time to try everything and find out what you’re good at. Be like your mentors, be like your colleagues — absorb information and experiences from other people."

Kara Gasperone graduated from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in family and human development, followed by a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy in 2010. Today she has her own practice in ...

"They really taught me the importance of finding a mission and networking in order to get that mission done. That helped me out a lot when it came to getting my venture off the ground at a young age."

Aimee Parker graduated from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in communication and a minor in African American studies. She has since launched her own advertising age...

"Things change, people change and so do our interests. It’s only human and natural for us to want to keep evolving, especially when it comes to career paths."

Lilliana Gonzalez graduated from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University in 2022 with bachelor’s degrees in history and justice studies. She now works in insurance authorizations and has written several plays after originally intending to attend l...

“The most surprising thing that I’ve learned about myself and my career interests is the significance of flexibility and openness to new opportunities.”

Danielle Leonhardt graduated from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences (conservation biology and ecology) and a minor in sustainability. After originally pursuing a career in sustainability, she...

"(Having multiple skill sets) has helped me to not only advance in my career, but it gives me a seat at more tables because I bring more perspectives from different places."

Karen Gribosh graduated from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University in 2023 with a master’s degree in sociology. She currently works as a crisis intervention and IEP counselor at the Lincoln Center for Family and Youth.

Listen to G...

"It’s amazing how the community will come together for you and your mission.”

Sandra Stewart graduated from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University in 2023 with a degree in English and a minor in political science. After overcoming homelessness in her childhood, she is now in law school and founded a nonprofit for houseless youth called “Light the Way Birthdays.” 

Listen to Stewart talk about how she is...

"If you can find those things that drive you, that’s the key. Explore and try to find what sparks that passion and meaning in your life."

Aditya Khuller earned a master’s degree and PhD in geological sciences from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University after completing his bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering. He is currently working for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where he studies planetar...

"The first thing I did was take a step back. For me that was taking time to sit down and evaluate what am I doing right now with my life, what do I need to change and what can I do to do that."

In 2023, Esteban Espinoza earned a degree in global studies with a minor in Asian languages from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University. Now he’s pursuing his master’s degree in global security and is in Indones...

"There is this saying that is the basis of Zen philosophy, which is life is one continuous mistake. It’s this circle of continuous learning through mistakes and through experiences. Don’t be afraid." After a life on the road as a touring musician, Peter Costa attended Arizona State University to pursue a degree in physics from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences as well as a degree in music composition.

Listen to Costa discu...

"Trial and error is not the enemy. Even though it’s hard, [that] doesn’t mean it’s impossible. So, try to see what you can do... and try as many things as you possibly can," said Hannah Johnson.

Johnson graduated with two bachelor’s degrees from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 2021, one in philosophy and the other in political science. Currently, she works as a policy advisor for the Office of the Arizona Governor. List...

“At the end of the day, the most important thing is pouring into your own cup.”

Elaissia Sears obtained her BA in global studies with a minor in German from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 2017. In 2019, Sears became the youngest person, and the third African American woman in Arizona history, elected Justice of the Peace for the West Mesa Justice Court.

Hear her reflect on how she balances a fulfilling life of public s...

Rayne Simmonds earned a Bachelor of Arts in film and media studies from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 2018. She reflected on her career as a junior creative producer and how a move to Los Angeles developed her artistic approach.

"I wanted to make the next step into full-time creative," noted Simmonds. "I’m able to learn, grow, fail... all of those things, but under the guidance of someone who’s a lot more experienced ...

"Because of my life experiences, all the things I went through... the only thing I could do is to go to school and get a higher education, so that someday I would be able to advocate for the voiceless," said Murray.

Prince Murray fled conflict in Liberia and settled in the United States as a child. Despite num...

Madison Billingsley earned a biochemistry degree from the School of Molecular Sciences and a global health degree from the School of Human Evolution and Social Change from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 2020. Billingsley then went on to receive a master’s degree in international health from another prestigious university. Now, she’s on the path to her dream career by attending medical school.

“What I’m passionate about...

Emma Lauer is on a mission to teach people how to make emotional sensitivity their super power.

After graduating from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 2014 with degrees in psychology and English literature, she went on to earn her master’s in social work.

Now, as a mental health therapist with a passion for literature, Lauer has published her first book, DBT Skills for Highly Sensitive People. Hear her discuss how her de...

Reyna Montoya founded Aliento, a nonprofit organization serving undocumented, DACA and mixed-immigration status families, in 2016.

Montoya earned bachelor’s degrees in political science and transborder studies from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with a minor in dance in 2012. She then obtained a master’s degree in secondary education from another prestigious university.

Hear her discuss the importance of fostering support...

"I personally can’t write anything without pouring a part of myself into it, so when you get rejections those can be hard. Don’t let the ‘nos’ hit hard... all you need is one ‘yes,’" said screenwriter Josh Estes.

A Double Sun Devil, Estes received his bachelor’s degree from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and then earned a Master of Advanced Study (MAS) in American media and popular culture from the ...