Nextspectation
Nextspectation
By Maxine Hsiung
As a high school senior, I both worry about and look forward to what many describe as the best years of their lives: college. This podcast is a speed round Q&A where I discuss high school life and my expectations for college while my mentor talks about her college experience.
Process
My mentor and I always reflect on our lives, so creating a podcast together suited us well. We used the easily navigable Anchor app to record our podcast. Creating the podcast was fun; it felt like we were just recording a typical conversation between us.
Meet the Pair
MENTEE MAXINE HSIUNG & MENTOR EMMA BAKER
Maxine’s Anecdote: I felt an instant connection with Emma from the day we first met at orientation. She has helped me through my entire college application process and has been there for me through a stressful school year. Emma understands me well, and helps me articulate my thoughts. I love catching up with her and laughing at our weekly pair sessions. I am incredibly lucky to be paired with such an inspiring, hardworking, genuine mentor.
Emma’s Anecdote: This is not Maxine’s first time around the sun. Within the first day of meeting her, I felt like I had known her all my life—but this effect is less of a testament to our connection than it is to her incisive emotional intelligence, thoughtfulness, and genuine curiosity about all that crosses her path. I’ve watched her navigate college applications, relationships, and the slog of high school with unyielding drive and grace; despite formally being my “mentee,” she has taught me so much about handling difficult situations and having the conviction to always stick to your values. I’m honored to know her, grateful for her influence, and so excited to see the woman she becomes. Undoubtedly, she will do great things.
