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 the Thumbtack 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 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.

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

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

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), Global Initiatives

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

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, Global Initiatives, Inside Washington, Miami In Luxembourg

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: Inside Washington, Miami In Luxembourg

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: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free 24/7 crisis counseling. Or visit: www.crisistextline.org Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services: Visit www.mha.ohio.gov Butler County Crisis Line: Call 1-844-427-4747 Miami University Student Counseling Service. Or call 513-529-4634

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.

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.

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. 

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