The Rural College Student Experience
The Rural College Student Experience is the first and only podcast dedicated exclusively to centering rural college student voices in conversations about higher education access and equity. This podcast is a space for rural students to share their stories, inspire others, and challenge the misconceptions about rural college students.
Hosted by Dr. Matt Newlin (mattnewlin.com), RCSE features student guests —a currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student from a rural background—who shares their experiences navigating college. Together, we discuss the barriers and challenges rural students face, as well as the resilience, strengths, and successes that define our journeys.
Find us on Bluesky: @rcsepod.bsky.social
The Rural College Student Experience
North State Student Ambassadors, Chico State University
In this episode, we travel to Northern California to hear from three incredible rural college students - Isa O’Brion, Kierra Alford, and Simran Wraich - who are blazing trails at California State University, Chico. All three are members of the North State Student Ambassadors program, a powerful peer-led initiative that connects rural high school and community college students with current Chico State students who come from similar rural communities.
Isa, Kierra, and Simran share their personal journeys growing up in Siskiyou County and how their rural identities have shaped their college experiences, their leadership on campus, and their dedication to outreach and mentorship. From presentations at rural high schools to statewide conferences, these ambassadors are helping others see what’s possible—while staying grounded in their roots.
We talk about what it means to belong in college when you come from a tight-knit rural town, the digital and social barriers rural students still face, and the hope that comes with giving back to your home community. You’ll hear stories about career dreams, mentorship moments, and how rural identity shows up on campus in powerful, everyday ways.
Whether you’re an educator, policy leader, or student affairs professional, this episode is a reminder that rural isn’t just where you’re from, but a foundational part of learners' identities.
Follow the North State Student Ambassadors on social media:
NSSA.chico.state (TikTok)
Chicostatestudentambassadors (Instagram)