Building on our past success in virtual collaborative projects, this initiative aims to enhance networking and skill-sharing experiences among students at OCAD U and our international partner institutions. Funded by the Global Skills Opportunity Innovation Fund from Universities Canada, the Gen-Z Chronicles Podcast Club offers a platform for fostering diverse perspectives, building cross-border friendships and engaging in meaningful discussions.
Led by Jasmine Cardenas, International Networking Assistant and supported by the International Programs & Collaborations Office (IPCO), our team issued a call for proposals in Fall 2023, seeking ideas to establish a virtual exchange club, giving students the opportunity to share their interests and connect with an international community.
Based on a proposal submitted by 3rd year OCAD U Advertising student Fizza Najarli, Gen-Z Chronicles delves into the lives of today’s students, examining the challenges they encounter. Through a blend of spoken word performances and engaging discussions, listeners are immersed in the realms of university life, parental expectations, friendships, romantic relationships, career aspirations, social issues, mental health, and financial hurdles, all while exploring strategies for thriving in the modern world. During virtual sessions, students engage in the podcast production process, working together to define the club's direction, collaborating closely to record and edit each episode. Joined by students from Nottingham Trent University (UK), National Institute of Design (India), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), and CENTRO University (Mexico), this club serves as a platform for sharing personal narratives, experiences, and solutions from a global perspective.
MEET THE TEAM
"I chose to become a part of this international community for meeting like-minded people who face similar challenges as me so that I have a safe space to discuss and solve problems. The free flow of conversation between all the members excites me the most as it forms a layer of insights in my mind which I can leverage whenever I would face any challenges." - Kunal Devi
In my third year, final year! (graduating this summer), studying Broadcast Journalism at Nottingham Trent University, UK, England! I'm a pretty creative person, and the idea of an international collaboration sounded lovely! What I've enjoyed the most so far is "meeting" some wonderful people worldwide!" - Lucy Linton
"My name is Cai and my pronouns are they/them. I’m currently in my second year of Drawing and Painting at OCAD in Toronto. As the token millennial I look forward to getting a more intimate view on what the Gen-Z experience is internationally."
Episode 1: Studying and University Life
Introduction to the series and its mission. A brief overview of Generation Z and their unique challenges. Spoken word performance addressing academic pressures. Gen-Z students sharing their university experience. Tips and advice on managing academic stress and navigating university life.
Episode 2: Finding Balance: Navigating Familial and Personal Expectations
The Gen-Z Podcast Team explores the challenges posed by familial and personal expectations. They delve into tactics for effective communication with parents and achieving individual satisfaction in and out of university life.
Episode 3: Friendships and Romantic Relationships
The podcast team covers friendships and romantic relationships, including relationship advice, partner qualities, dating apps, and personal experiences with cultural differences. Group members discuss relationship challenges, self-care, communication, setting boundaries, conflict resolution, Gen-Z dating trends, technology's impact on relationships, and balancing life, work, and relationships based on poll results.
Episode 4: Money Matters: Navigating Financial Wellbeing as a Gen-Z Student
In this episode, the podcast team delves into the financial struggles faced by Gen-Z students, exploring personal challenges such as high tuition costs, housing expenses, and unexpected emergencies that impact daily life and future plans. Our hosts share valuable insights into managing these hurdles, including practical budgeting tips like tracking expenses, setting clear goals, and utilizing student discounts. We also discuss strategies for paying off debt, building an emergency fund, and maintaining financial flexibility.
Episode 5: Navigating Social and Mental Health Challenges
In this episode the podcast team dives into the pressures of social media and academic stress. Together they review the Instagram poll results on stress, sleep, and therapy. The team share top strategies for positive mental health and offer advice on seeking help and breaking the stigma around it.
Episode 6: Career Aspirations and Future Goals
On the last episode of Gen-Z Chronicles, the podcast team discusses their future career goals, plans post-graduation, traveling, learning new languages, and what music they've been listening to.
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