Major Insight

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!

Graduating college is a profound 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 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.

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 theThumbtack Mechanics, 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

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

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

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

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

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

Before every episode of Major Insight, we start with some fun ice breakers. It’s just a way to get warmed up and to know each other a little better. And they can work for you too! Because when’s the last time you were around a bunch of people, and you couldn’t think of anything to say? Well, on this special episode, we’re going to help transform awkward conversations into a symphony of witty banter as college students answer some of the least important questions of our time.

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