Campus Connections with Geovanny Mayorga

In Episode 18, host Geovanny Mayorga talks with MCC's DSO Team: Jihoon Doh, Associate Director of SVP Compliance, and Ethan Archer-Helke, International Student Advisor and Title IX Coordinator at Midwestern Career College. Jihoon and Ethan explain how DSOs support international students with F‑1 visas, SEVIS records, domestic and international travel, driver’s licenses, health insurance, program transfers, and Title IX protections. They break down complex immigration rules into clear, practical guidance so students can focus on their education instead of worrying about compliance.Perfect for current and prospective international students who want to understand how MCC’s international office supports their journey in the U.S.

In Episode 17, host Geovanny Mayorga is joined by two key MCC staff, Eric Valdez, Student Services Coordinator, and Monica Loayza, Career Services Coordinator, to share how Midwestern Career College supports students inside and outside the classroom. From personal wellness to professional readiness, Geo, Eric and Monica walk through the key resources every MCC student should know about.Eric explains the support available through student services, including domestic violence and substance abuse resources, help for students experiencing homelessness, mental health support, and the welcoming Game Lounge. He also highlights new-student guides, academic advising, and tutoring connections.Monica covers how MCC Career Services helps students build resumes, practice mock interviews, grow their LinkedIn presence, and network with employers through career talks, career fairs, and student ambassador programs. Together, they show how MCC prepares students for graduation, job placement, and long-term career success.

Join host Geovanny Mayorga for an engaging conversation with Patrick Brennan, distinguished ESL faculty instructor at Midwestern Career College. In this episode, Brennan shares his journey from the financial sector to the classroom, the philosophy that guides his teaching, and the transformative moments he witnesses as students find their confidence in a new language. With warmth, humor, and deeply human insight, he reflects on the challenges and triumphs of multicultural learners—and what it truly means to build a supportive, collaborative learning community. This thoughtful, uplifting episode offers a window into the heart of effective language education and the passion that drives it.

In this episode of Campus Connections, host Geovanny Mayorga sits down with MCC Lead Dental Instructor Rigo Zavala, who shares his path through clinics, dental labs, and hands-on patient care. Rigo reflects on what first drew him to dental work, the surprising challenges of clinical environments, and the skills that shaped him long before he ever considered teaching. He also talks about life in the MCC dental lab, the moments that defined his professional identity, and what it means to guide students who are just starting their own journeys. This is a thoughtful, grounded conversation about craft, mentorship, and the real human stories behind dental care.

In this episode of the MCC Campus Connections Podcast, we sit down with Eric Valdez, Student Success Coordinator at MCC. Eric shares his passion for helping students navigate challenges inside and outside the classroom, from academic support to personal growth. He talks about the importance of community, how MCC’s student services connect learners to the resources they need, and why listening and encouragement are at the heart of success.Whether you’re a new student or preparing for graduation, this conversation highlights the people and programs that make MCC a place where students can thrive.

Join us for an inspiring look into the lives of Midwestern Career College's student ambassadors, Crystal and Tanjea!In this episode, host Geovanny Mayorga and special co-host Jennifer Green, Academic Manager of MCC's Evergreen Park Campus, join two of MCC's Student Ambassadors for a lively discussion on overcoming challenges to make their dream a reality. Crystal and Tanjea share their personal journeys of perseverance and determination as they navigated unexpected challenges on their paths to their dream careers in healthcare. Hear how they overcame setbacks, found their true passions, and are now thriving as student leaders, ready to inspire their peers!This conversation offers valuable insights and motivation for anyone pursuing their educational and professional goals, highlighting the power of resilience and the importance of finding your true calling. Don't miss these uplifting stories from MCC's remarkable student ambassadors. And be, be sure to subscribe to Campus Connections to receive alerts when each new episode is launched!

Campus Connections is back with an insightful discussion on navigating the evolving role of technology in education. Join us as host Geovanny Mayorga sits down with Hamza Mahmood, MCC's Lead IT Instructor, and Dr. Adriana Sabau, Healthcare Program Lead, to explore their personal journeys with technology and how they are leveraging it to enhance student learning.In this episode you'll discover: Their unique backgrounds and initial introductions to technology, from Pakistan to Romania. The advantages and challenges they've encountered in transitioning to online and technology-enabled education, from flexibility to maintaining student engagement. Strategies they employ to keep students motivated, discourage academic dishonesty, and align their curriculum with industry needs. Insights into how they balance the use of technology in the classroom with fostering personal connections and offline activities.Listeners will be captivated by the engaging dialogue as Geovanny, Hamza and Dr. Sabau share their perspectives on the ever-changing landscape of technology in education.

Welcome to Season 2 of Campus Connections! In this episode, host Geovanny Mayorga and co-host Monica Loayza engage in an in-depth discussion with Jennifer Green, Academic Manager of MCC's Evergreen Park Campus. Jennifer shares her personal educational and career journey, which took unexpected turns before leading her to a fulfilling role in supporting students. In this compelling interview, learn more about: MCC's opening of its Evergreen Park campus, which allowed expansion of both courses and student body the diverse range of programs offered at the Evergreen Park campus the personalized approach that defines MCC's educational offerings and more!With the lively dialogue of Geovanny and Monica, Jennifer provides compelling insights into the college's growth, her mentorship of students, and her vision for the future of the Evergreen Park campus.

This episode of the Midwestern Career College Campus Connections podcast features an interview with Monica Loayza, the Career Services Coordinator. She shares her journey growing up in Peru and moving to the US to pursue higher education and career opportunities. Monica discusses her role supporting students through services like resume/interview preparation and job placement. She emphasizes the importance of self-confidence, cultural adaptability, and being open-minded when pursuing international opportunities. She also reflects on her background in psychology and her thesis research on the impact of breast cancer. The conversation provides insights into Monica's personal connection with the passion of developing the career development resources available to MCC students.

In this episode of the Midwestern Career College podcast, host Geovanny Mayorga and co-host Shaudy Martinez sit down with alumna Estefania Mena to discuss her inspiring career journey as an international artist. Born in Guatemala, Estefania shares her story of pursuing her dreams of acting and singing by moving to Mexico for school, overcoming challenges as an immigrant, and ultimately coming to Chicago to further develop her English skills at Midwestern Career College. Listeners will learn about Estefania's diverse experiences performing in theater, film, and music in Latin America and the opportunities she has found in Chicago. Through her story, Estefania provides insight and encouragement for those seeking to advance their careers through cultural exchange and language learning.

In this lively episode of Chicago Conversations, hosts Geovanny Mayorga is joined by guests Brittany Burgess and Stacey Bizzieri. They engage in a dynamic dialogue covering a range of topics from sports to music and community connections. From reminiscing about favorite concerts at iconic venues like Red Rocks Amphitheater to discussing the vibrant sports culture of Chicago, including the enduring rivalry between the Cubs and the White Sox, the conversation delves into personal experiences and shared memories. Listeners are treated to anecdotes about attending concerts, exploring sports stadiums, and navigating the unique cultural landscape of the Windy City. Through their candid and insightful exchange, Brittany and Stacey underscore the importance of community, collaboration, and appreciation for the diverse cultural offerings that make Chicago a truly remarkable city.

Join us for Episode 7 of the Midwestern Career College podcast as we delve into the world of ESL education. Host Geovanny Mayorga, joined by today's co-host Shaudy Martinez, leads a captivating discussion with Ryan Mudder, MCC's International Admissions Manager, exploring the unique experiences of students learning English as a second language. From overcoming language barriers to the diverse cultural backgrounds of learners, discover the transformative power of language education at Midwestern Career College. Tune in for insights, anecdotes, and inspiration on language learning journeys.

Episode 6 delves into the unique career path of Erin Hughes, Director of Admissions at Midwestern Career College. From her beginnings studying fashion design to years spent in retail management, Erin shares her diverse experiences and the pivotal moments that ultimately led her to find purpose in higher education admissions. Discover how Erin's background in art, customer service, and hands-on training prepared her for guiding prospective students toward rewarding healthcare careers. Get an inside look into MCC's admissions process, program offerings, and the college's community-focused approach. Erin's journey highlights the multifaceted skills that can unexpectedly converge to create passionate educators.

In this episode of Campus Connections, host Geovanny Mayorga interviews Ben Lobpries, the Director of MCC's English as a Second Language program. They discuss Ben's journey from growing up in a small town in Texas to pursuing degrees in theater, creative writing and education around the country. Ben shares how he found his calling in teaching ESL and helping international students at MCC. He provides insights into building up the ESL program from just a few students to over 350 today. Ben also talks about volunteering to support refugees in Chicago. This engaging conversation provides lessons on making the most of college opportunities, balancing various interests and using one's skills to give back to the community.

This episode hosts an insightful conversation with Dr. Angel Resto, Director of Business Programs at Midwestern Career College, with valuable perspectives on diverse career paths and the importance of education. Dr. Resto shares his fascinating journey from working in finance, banking, and credit unions to pursuing his passion for teaching and education. As the Director of Business Programs at MCC, Dr. Resto outlines his goals for providing students with a well-rounded business education focused on both technical skills and human relationships. Additionally, he describes his current research interests around boosting student retention and success by enhancing sense of belonging and student-faculty connections.

Episode 3 explores Shaudy Martinez's passions for music, cooking, and community from the perspective of her journey as an international student in Chicago. Originally from Venezuela, Shaudy discusses her time as a choir soloist and singer in bands back home. She shares her love of cooking shows and passion for cooking savory dishes. As the International Student Services Coordinator at MCC, Shaudy notes how she finds community and home in Chicago after nine years. She reflects on how music, food, and the friends she's made through school have created connections for her during her time abroad.

In the latest episode, Geovanny engages in a conversation with Drew Wentzel, a Financial Aid Coordinator with a unique journey in higher education. Geo also reflects on his love for soccer, sharing soccer talk with Drew, including teams, championships, and the World Cup.

In this enlightening episode, we connect with Jessica Karim, an international student and social media creator at MCC. Jessica shares her remarkable journey from Germany to Chicago, emphasizing the importance of embracing new experiences and challenges. She discusses the transformative power of learning a new language, her positive experiences at Midwestern Career College, and the value of international student community engagement. Jessica's story is an inspiring testament to the limitless possibilities that await those who dare to step out of their comfort zones. TAKEAWAYS The Power of Language: Jessica underscores how learning a new language, such as English, opens doors to endless opportunities and enriching experiences, enabling individuals to connect with diverse cultures worldwide. Adapting to Change: Her personal journey from Germany to Chicago highlights that, while moving to a new country can be challenging, children often adapt quickly, and the experience can be life-changing for both parents and kids. Community Engagement: Jessica's initiative of providing campus tours to new international students fosters a sense of belonging and helps newcomers navigate their way in a foreign environment. Professional and Personal Growth: Pursuing education at Midwestern Career College has not only expanded her career prospects but also allowed her to grow personally, developing skills and confidence that will serve her well in the future. The Global Value of English: Learning English is not just about communication; it's a global asset that opens doors to employment and experiences in various countries. KEYWORDS MCC, Germany, Chicago, students, experience, moved, work, kids, learn, people, studying, language, years, grew, English, podcast, downtown Chicago, love, school, campus