Degree Diaries Podcast

Dr. Terry Orozco sits down with Yeni Portillo, an onlinebusiness coach, adjunct early education professor,and educator whose story reflects immigration, resilience, education, and growth. Born in El Salvador during the civil war, Yeni came to the United States at age 10 and had to adjust to a new country, a new language, and a new school system. After being separated from her parents for about 10 years, part of her journey included reconnecting with them while building a new life in the U.S.Together, we talk about immigration, identity, perseverance, first-generation experiences, and the power of education. Yeni shares that she went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in sociology, graduate degrees in child development and family studies, and, in 2024, completed her doctorate in education with a specialization in child development.This is a powerful conversation about becoming, starting over, and building a meaningful life through education and purpose.Follow Yeni Portillo on Instagram @yplcoachingFollow Dr. Terry Orozco on Instagram @terryorozco.psydFollow Degree Diaries @degreediaries.podcastHow to work with Dr. Terry OrozcoVisit my website and fill out the contact form to learn more at https://www.terry-orozcopsyd.com/services ☕ Support the show (optional): If Degree Diaries has resonated with you and you’d like to support the podcast, you can do so here: https://buymeacoffee.com/drmariaterb No pressure — your listens, comments, shares, and support already mean so much.Don’t forget to subscribe to future episodes of Degree Diaries.

In this episode, I’m joined by Alejandra Jimenez Velasco, a proud eldest daughter, born in Mexico, first-generation college graduate, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Together, we talk about Alejandra’s journey of coming to the U.S. at 4 years old, learning English as a child, and growing up carrying both pride and pressure as the first in her family to attend college and earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She shares what it was like to miss hergrandparents in Mexico, navigate school while adjusting to a new language and culture, and carry her accent with pride.We also talk about identity, healing, movement, community work, and what it means to build a life and career that stays connected to where you come from. Alejandra began her career in community mental health, supporting underservedand marginalized communities, and is now the founder of Therapy con Ale, where she provides culturally affirming therapy and coaching for adults navigating life transitions, anxiety, self-worth, and generational healing.This conversation is a reminder that your story, your roots, and even the parts of you that once felt different can become part of your strength.If this episode resonates with you, take a screenshot and [email protected] on Instagram so I can see you’re tuning in. 🎙️🎧📚🎓Time waits for no one.Connect with this episode’s guest: Alejandra Jimenez VelascoInstagram: @thealejandrajimenezWebsite: https://www.therapyconale.com/contactConnect with Degree Diaries:Instagram: @degreediaries.podcastInstagram: @terryorozco.psydConnect with Dr. Terry Orozco:Website: https://www.terry-orozcopsyd.com/Interested in working with me?Visit my website and fill out the contact form to learn more.terry-orozcopsyd.com/servicesWould you like to be a guest?Visit my website terry-orozcopsyd.com/degree-diaries-podcast☕Support the show (optional):If Degree Diaries has resonated with you and you’d like to support the podcast, you can do so here: https://buymeacoffee.com/drmariaterbNo pressure — your listens, comments, shares, and support already mean somuch.Don’t forget to subscribe to future episodes of Degree Diaries.

Welcome to Degree Diaries Podcast: Where Every Path Has a Story. In this episode, I’m joined by Anna, a first-generation Mexican-American, the eldest daughter of immigrants, a mother of two, and a licensed marriage and family therapist in Texas.Together, we talk about Anna’s nonlinear journey through college, the reality of graduating with a bachelor’s degree and not immediately finding work in her field, and the perseverance it took to keep going. Anna shares what it was like to work in fields unrelated to psychology, to decide to return to school for her master’s in counseling, and to start a family while navigating graduate school.We also talk about what it takes to open a private practice, support your community, and build a career that aligns with your purpose. Today, Anna runs her own private practice while continuing to work in community-based spaces, including supporting undocumented individuals and helping eldest daughters build confidence. This conversation is a reminder that not every path is linear, but that does not mean it is not meaningful.If this episode resonates with you, take a screenshot and tag @degreediariespodcast on Instagram so I can see you’re tuning in. 🎙️🎧📚🎓Time waits for no one.Connect with this episode’s guest: Anna BianeyWebsite: https://www.bianeycounseling.com/Connect with Degree Diaries:Instagram: @degreediaries.podcastConnect with Dr. Terry Orozco:Website: https://www.terry-orozcopsyd.com/Interested in working with me?Visit my website and fill out the contact form to learn more.What do you like to be a guest? Visit my website (click on Degree Diaries)☕ Support the show (optional):If Degree Diaries has resonated with you and you’d like to support the podcast, you can do so here: https://buymeacoffee.com/drmariaterbNo pressure — your listens, comments, shares, and support already mean so much.Don’t forget to subscribe to future episodes of Degree Diaries.

This short intro gives you a glimpse of what to expect this season—real stories, different journeys, and honest conversations about growth, education, pivots, and purpose.If you’re listening, take a screenshot and tag @degreediariespodcast on Instagram so I can see you’re tuning in. 🎙️🎧📚🎓Time waits for no one.

Iris Canela is a proud first-generation Mexican-American and the eldest daughter from San José, California. She’s a former K–12 special education teacher turned corporate sales + customer success pro—who began a new chapter two years ago as a life coach focused on surrender work.In this episode, Iris shares how high achievement and the urge to control every outcome led to burnout—and how inner work helped her let go of expectations, reconnect with herself, and redefine success. Now she guides Latinas + women of color to let go of draining roles and rise into lives that feel aligned, free, and joyful.

Juda is a mom of 2, a first-gen eldest daughter, a maternal mental health advocate, and a psychotherapist. In this episode, we talk about postpartum, motherhood as an introvert, juggling school while raising babies, and what it really looks like to need support and still keep going.Her story is honest and tender, a reminder that you don’t have to “have it all together” to keep moving forward.

In this episode, I sat down with Joanna Oyarzabal Méndez, a first-gen Berkeley alum who made a bold move from California to Oaxaca, Mexico She opened up about navigating burnout, reconnecting with her roots, and choosing a slower, intentional life that honors her spirit.This conversation is a reminder that success doesn’t have to look one way — and it’s okay to choose peace over pressure.

In episode 2, I sit down with Natalie Madrigal, a second-generation Latina from the Bronx who followed her ambition all the way to Boston University Raised by strong mujeres, Natalie shares how her upbringing shaped her drive for higher education — and what it really took to navigate college life far from home.

In our very first episode, I sit down with Coach Cirene Marquez — a pastoral coach and certified mental health coach committed to equipping and empowering women through life transitions.We dive into her academic journey, the obstacles she's overcome, and how she now supports women in building vision and purpose during uncertain seasons.✨ Whether you’re a student facing doubt or someone navigating a big life pivot, this conversation is for you — a reminder that you're not alone in your journey.