Watch the interview on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast player.

Dr. Jena, a first-generation college student, shares her experience with City Year in Columbus, Ohio which started her career trajectory into education. She then served with Ohio Campus Compact as an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America) at the start of a three-year program aimed at improving college access efforts for adults and increasing college and financial literacy for elementary and middle school students. The program was a collaboration of three VISTAs serving at a local technical college, a public university, and a private college. She went to graduate school and started a career in higher education after her two years of service.

After working at The Ohio State University for 12 years where she read thousands of applications, Dr. Jena now helps working professionals on their journey to graduate school.

AmeriCorps alumni considering graduate school or preparing their applications can follow and connect with Dr. Jena for advice on the process.