The College Try

By Gina Kaufmann,

Matthew Long-Middleton, Sylvia Maria Gross, Kyle Palmer

Published December 15, 2015 at 12:07 PM CST

First-generation college students head to campus saddled with hopes and dreams, but not necessarily the same resources as their peers. With rigorous academic demands, responsibilities to their families, rising college tuition and increased focus on experiences like study abroad, students breaking through the higher-ed barrier face a unique set of challenges.

Guests:

Steph Hart, counselor, Cristo Rey Kansas City
Eric Grospitch, Dean of Students, University of Missouri-Kansas City
Jorge Dominguez, student, Donnelly College
Ines Soto, senior, University of Missouri-Kansas City
Sarah Smarsh, first-generation college graduate and writer, sarahsmarsh.com

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Gina Kaufmann

People don't make cameos in news stories; the human story is the story, with characters affected by news events, not defined by them. As a columnist and podcaster, I want to acknowledge what it feels like to live through this time in Kansas City, one vantage point at a time. Together, these weekly vignettes form a collage of daily life in Kansas City as it changes in some ways, and stubbornly resists change in others. You can follow me on Twitter @GinaKCUR or email me at gina@kcur.org.

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Matthew Long-Middleton

Matthew Long-Middleton has been a talk-show producer, community producer, Media Training Manager and now the Community Engagement Manager at KCUR. You can reach him at Matthew@kcur.org, or on Twitter @MLMIndustries.

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Sylvia Maria Gross

Sylvia Maria Gross is storytelling editor at KCUR 89.3. Reach her on Twitter @pubradiosly.

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Kyle Palmer

Kyle Palmer is the editor of the Shawnee Mission Post, a digital news outlet serving Northeast Johnson County, Kansas. He previously served as KCUR's news director and morning newscaster.

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