<![CDATA[Quad Cast]]>Quad Cast is a weekly show hosted by speechwriter turned higher ed advisor, Inna Effress. In each episode, students and faculty share personal insights into campus life and their programs. Hear about new frontiers in science, real medical research, and departmental STEM innovations. Feel the wonders of arts and humanities. Hear directly from students about their internships and summer programs, unique career paths, the road to college, and making the most of their potential in a shifting world, all through personal stories. 

Inna’s love for education began when she emigrated from Ukraine to the U.S., and her family had to start from scratch in a foreign language. After college, she became a writer helping American public figures and lawmakers tell their stories. Now, she works with students applying to top schools. She helps them go after their niche through the transformative force of education, knowing that once a person has it, no one can take it away. 

Cover art by Raisa Effress

“Cathedral of Salt” (intro/outtro) composed by Abe Effress 

]]>www.innaeffress.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Thu, 28 May 2026 06:04:14 GMTWed, 18 Feb 2026 21:26:50 GMT60Inna A Effress<p>Quad Cast is a weekly show hosted by speechwriter turned higher ed advisor, Inna Effress. In each episode, students and faculty share personal insights into campus life and their programs. Hear about new frontiers in science, real medical research, and departmental STEM innovations. Feel the wonders of arts and humanities. Hear directly from students about their internships and summer programs, unique career paths, the road to college, and making the most of their potential in a shifting world, all through personal stories. <br /></p><p>Inna’s love for education began when she emigrated from Ukraine to the U.S., and her family had to start from scratch in a foreign language. After college, she became a writer helping American public figures and lawmakers tell their stories. Now, she works with students applying to top schools. She helps them go after their niche through the transformative force of education, knowing that once a person has it, no one can take it away. <br /></p><p>Cover art by Raisa Effress</p><p>“Cathedral of Salt” (intro/outtro) composed by Abe Effress </p>episodicInna A Effresseffressinna@gmail.comno<![CDATA[Tamara, Northwestern Law & LSE, on human rights & being a first-gen student]]>Tamara Kissoon shares her story as a first generation student who emigrated from Guyana as a child. Through life-changing mentor relationships with high school teachers who encouraged her to travel, Tamara overcame the inequities of being a low-income student from a different school, and she began her pursuit of higher education, first as a Northwestern undergraduate, then as a Master’s student at London School of Economics, and now back at Northwestern, where she is earning her law degree.

About the Show:

Quad Cast is a weekly show hosted by speechwriter turned higher ed advisor, Inna Effress. In each episode, students and faculty share personal insights into campus life and their programs. Hear about new frontiers in science, real medical research, and departmental STEM innovations. Feel the wonders of arts and humanities. Hear directly from students about their internships and summer programs, unique career paths, and making the most of their potential in a shifting world, all through personal stories. 

Inna’s love for education began when she emigrated from Ukraine to the U.S., and her family had to start from scratch in a foreign language. After college, she became a writer helping American public figures and lawmakers tell their stories. Now, she works with students applying to top schools. She helps them go after their niche through the transformative force of education, knowing that once a person has it, no one can take it away. 

Cover art by Raisa Effress

“Cathedral of Salt” (intro/outtro) composed by Abe Effress


00:00 Intro to Tamara, Northwestern Law

02:18 From Guyana to New Jersey

06:12 Navigating Inequity in High School

10:49 Finding mentors in high school

12:12 How travel opened doors

15:26 Applying to Northwestern & leaving for Chicago

18:48 What was suprising about college

20:24 Deciding to study abroad

21:20 Finances: Choosing London School of Economics over Columbia

23:57 Kids in Need of Defense

26:05 Intersection of law and social policy

28:58 Becoming editor of Journal of Human Rights

31:18 Stay true to yourself: parting words

#northwestern #londonschoolofeconomics #collegeapplications #firstgeneration #firstgen #lowincome #mentors #collegelife #highereducation #lawschool #lawschoolapps #DEI

]]>a8248046-bdd0-4cd3-ba73-f0b63a58681cMon, 04 May 2026 20:45:36 GMT<p>Tamara Kissoon shares her story as a first generation student who emigrated from Guyana as a child. Through life-changing mentor relationships with high school teachers who encouraged her to travel, Tamara overcame the inequities of being a low-income student from a different school, and she began her pursuit of higher education, first as a Northwestern undergraduate, then as a Master’s student at London School of Economics, and now back at Northwestern, where she is earning her law degree.</p><p>About the Show:</p><p>Quad Cast is a weekly show hosted by speechwriter turned higher ed advisor, Inna Effress. In each episode, students and faculty share personal insights into campus life and their programs. Hear about new frontiers in science, real medical research, and departmental STEM innovations. Feel the wonders of arts and humanities. Hear directly from students about their internships and summer programs, unique career paths, and making the most of their potential in a shifting world, all through personal stories. </p><p>Inna’s love for education began when she emigrated from Ukraine to the U.S., and her family had to start from scratch in a foreign language. After college, she became a writer helping American public figures and lawmakers tell their stories. Now, she works with students applying to top schools. She helps them go after their niche through the transformative force of education, knowing that once a person has it, no one can take it away. </p><p>Cover art by Raisa Effress</p><p>“Cathedral of Salt” (intro/outtro) composed by Abe Effress</p><p><br /></p><p>00:00 Intro to Tamara, Northwestern Law</p><p>02:18 From Guyana to New Jersey</p><p>06:12 Navigating Inequity in High School</p><p>10:49 Finding mentors in high school</p><p>12:12 How travel opened doors</p><p>15:26 Applying to Northwestern &amp; leaving for Chicago</p><p>18:48 What was suprising about college</p><p>20:24 Deciding to study abroad</p><p>21:20 Finances: Choosing London School of Economics over Columbia</p><p>23:57 Kids in Need of Defense</p><p>26:05 Intersection of law and social policy</p><p>28:58 Becoming editor of Journal of Human Rights</p><p>31:18 Stay true to yourself: parting words</p><p></p><p>#northwestern #londonschoolofeconomics #collegeapplications #firstgeneration #firstgen #lowincome #mentors #collegelife #highereducation #lawschool #lawschoolapps #DEI</p>no00:32:59111Tamara, Northwestern Law & LSE, on human rights & being a first-gen studentfull<![CDATA[Tamara, Northwestern Law & London School of Economics]]>Tamara Kissoon shares her story as a first generation student who emigrated from Guyana as a child. Through life-changing mentor relationships with high school teachers who encouraged her to travel, Tamara overcame the inequities of being a low-income student from a different school, and she began her pursuit of higher education, first as a Northwestern undergraduate, then as a Master’s student at London School of Economics, and now back at Northwestern, where she is earning her law degree.

About the Show:

Quad Cast is a weekly show hosted by speechwriter turned higher ed advisor, Inna Effress. In each episode, students and faculty share personal insights into campus life and their programs. Hear about new frontiers in science, real medical research, and departmental STEM innovations. Feel the wonders of arts and humanities. Hear directly from students about their internships and summer programs, unique career paths, and making the most of their potential in a shifting world, all through personal stories. 

Inna’s love for education began when she emigrated from Ukraine to the U.S., and her family had to start from scratch in a foreign language. After college, she became a writer helping American public figures and lawmakers tell their stories. Now, she works with students applying to top schools. She helps them go after their niche through the transformative force of education, knowing that once a person has it, no one can take it away. 

Cover art by Raisa Effress

“Cathedral of Salt” (intro/outtro) composed by Abe Effress


Timestamps:

00:00 Intro to Tamara, Northwestern Law

02:18 From Guyana to New Jersey

06:12 Navigating Inequity in High School

10:49 Finding mentors in high school

12:12 How travel opened doors

15:26 Applying to Northwestern & leaving for Chicago

18:48 What was suprising about college

20:24 Deciding to study abroad

21:20 Finances: Choosing London School of Economics over Columbia

23:57 Kids in Need of Defense

26:05 Intersection of law and social policy

28:58 Becoming editor of Journal of Human Rights

31:18 Stay true to yourself: parting words

]]>1903d689-295f-4661-ad9a-66d08442b0f5Mon, 04 May 2026 19:32:22 GMT<p>Tamara Kissoon shares her story as a first generation student who emigrated from Guyana as a child. Through life-changing mentor relationships with high school teachers who encouraged her to travel, Tamara overcame the inequities of being a low-income student from a different school, and she began her pursuit of higher education, first as a Northwestern undergraduate, then as a Master’s student at London School of Economics, and now back at Northwestern, where she is earning her law degree.</p><p></p><p>About the Show:</p><p>Quad Cast is a weekly show hosted by speechwriter turned higher ed advisor, Inna Effress. In each episode, students and faculty share personal insights into campus life and their programs. Hear about new frontiers in science, real medical research, and departmental STEM innovations. Feel the wonders of arts and humanities. Hear directly from students about their internships and summer programs, unique career paths, and making the most of their potential in a shifting world, all through personal stories. </p><p>Inna’s love for education began when she emigrated from Ukraine to the U.S., and her family had to start from scratch in a foreign language. After college, she became a writer helping American public figures and lawmakers tell their stories. Now, she works with students applying to top schools. She helps them go after their niche through the transformative force of education, knowing that once a person has it, no one can take it away. </p><p></p><p>Cover art by Raisa Effress</p><p>“Cathedral of Salt” (intro/outtro) composed by Abe Effress</p><p><br />Timestamps:</p><p>00:00 Intro to Tamara, Northwestern Law</p><p>02:18 From Guyana to New Jersey</p><p>06:12 Navigating Inequity in High School</p><p>10:49 Finding mentors in high school</p><p>12:12 How travel opened doors</p><p>15:26 Applying to Northwestern &amp; leaving for Chicago</p><p>18:48 What was suprising about college</p><p>20:24 Deciding to study abroad</p><p>21:20 Finances: Choosing London School of Economics over Columbia</p><p>23:57 Kids in Need of Defense</p><p>26:05 Intersection of law and social policy</p><p>28:58 Becoming editor of Journal of Human Rights</p><p>31:18 Stay true to yourself: parting words</p>no00:32:59111Tamara, Northwestern Law & London School of Economicsfull<![CDATA[Hugh, Stanford '29, on campus bike culture, the beauty of math, and finding community]]>In this episode, Hugh Cheng talks about writing problems for Stanford Math Tournament, Taiwanese Culture Society, favorite classes, playing alto sax in a musical for the first time, and riding his bike with no hands.

About the Show:

Quad Cast is a weekly show hosted by speechwriter turned higher ed advisor, Inna Effress. In each episode, students and faculty share personal insights into campus life and their programs. Hear about new frontiers in science, real medical research, and departmental STEM innovations. Feel the wonders of arts and humanities. Hear directly from students about their internships and summer programs, unique career paths, and making the most of their potential in a shifting world, all through personal stories. 

Inna’s love for education began when she emigrated from Ukraine to the U.S., and her family had to start from scratch in a foreign language. After college, she became a writer helping American public figures and lawmakers tell their stories. Now, she works with students applying to top schools. She helps them go after their niche through the transformative force of education, knowing that once a person has it, no one can take it away. 

Cover art by Raisa Effress

“Cathedral of Salt” (intro/outtro) composed by Abe Effress

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro to Hugh, Stanford '29

00:46 Writing for Stanford Math Tournament

03:14 Alto Sax at Stanford

05:14 Taiwanese Cultural Society

06:24 Stanford vs MIT

09:16 Math is beautiful

15:20 Finding community

16:56 Upcoming events & closing thoughts

#stanford #altosax #math #taiwanese #roommate #campuslife #paloalto #stanfordmathtournament

]]>3b6870bd-e8c8-4c4f-9e41-36ca3ed81e62Fri, 17 Apr 2026 01:32:22 GMT<p>In this episode, Hugh Cheng talks about writing problems for Stanford Math Tournament, Taiwanese Culture Society, favorite classes, playing alto sax in a musical for the first time, and riding his bike with no hands.</p><p></p><p>About the Show:</p><p>Quad Cast is a weekly show hosted by speechwriter turned higher ed advisor, Inna Effress. In each episode, students and faculty share personal insights into campus life and their programs. Hear about new frontiers in science, real medical research, and departmental STEM innovations. Feel the wonders of arts and humanities. Hear directly from students about their internships and summer programs, unique career paths, and making the most of their potential in a shifting world, all through personal stories. </p><p>Inna’s love for education began when she emigrated from Ukraine to the U.S., and her family had to start from scratch in a foreign language. After college, she became a writer helping American public figures and lawmakers tell their stories. Now, she works with students applying to top schools. She helps them go after their niche through the transformative force of education, knowing that once a person has it, no one can take it away. </p><p>Cover art by Raisa Effress</p><p>“Cathedral of Salt” (intro/outtro) composed by Abe Effress</p><p></p><p>Timestamps:</p><p>00:00 Intro to Hugh, Stanford '29</p><p>00:46 Writing for Stanford Math Tournament</p><p>03:14 Alto Sax at Stanford</p><p>05:14 Taiwanese Cultural Society</p><p>06:24 Stanford vs MIT</p><p>09:16 Math is beautiful</p><p>15:20 Finding community</p><p>16:56 Upcoming events &amp; closing thoughts</p><p></p><p>#stanford #altosax #math #taiwanese #roommate #campuslife #paloalto #stanfordmathtournament</p>no00:17:48110Hugh, Stanford '29, on campus bike culture, the beauty of math, and finding communityfull<![CDATA[Samantha, USC '29, on Chinese International Students, Housecleaning & Basketball ]]>Samantha Gao, USC ‘29, shares her journey from China to USC, her involvement in Chinese Women’s Basketball, content creation while working as a housecleaner, advice on joining clubs, and the anxieties facing international students today.

About the Show:

Quad Cast is a weekly show hosted by speechwriter turned higher ed advisor, Inna Effress. In each episode, students and faculty share personal insights into campus life and their programs. Hear about new frontiers in science, real medical research, and departmental STEM innovations. Feel the wonders of arts and humanities. Hear directly from students about their internships and summer programs, unique career paths, and making the most of their potential in a shifting world, all through personal stories. 

Inna’s love for education began when she emigrated from Ukraine to the U.S., and her family had to start from scratch in a foreign language. After college, she became a writer helping American public figures and lawmakers tell their stories. Now, she works with students applying to top schools. She helps them go after their niche through the transformative force of education, knowing that once a person has it, no one can take it away. 

Cover art by Raisa Effress

“Cathedral of Salt” (intro/outtro) composed by Abe Effress

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro to Samantha, USC '29

01:35 Chinese Womens Basketball at USC

03:29 Anxieties of Chinese Students

05:10 Policies & attitudes towards international student

06:32  Housecleaning with Tidy Trojans

09:35 U.S. campus life & Chinese cultural dynamics

11:01 From China to USC

13:42 Playing the guzheng to the bass guitar

15:32 Japanese class & multicultural friendships

16:43 Applying to USC & essays on unique interests

20:22 Wisdom on joining clubs

]]>a75a32ca-576c-493d-8b67-140b10c62df0Thu, 09 Apr 2026 01:13:16 GMT<p>Samantha Gao, USC ‘29, shares her journey from China to USC, her involvement in Chinese Women’s Basketball, content creation while working as a housecleaner, advice on joining clubs, and the anxieties facing international students today.</p><p></p><p>About the Show:</p><p>Quad Cast is a weekly show hosted by speechwriter turned higher ed advisor, Inna Effress. In each episode, students and faculty share personal insights into campus life and their programs. Hear about new frontiers in science, real medical research, and departmental STEM innovations. Feel the wonders of arts and humanities. Hear directly from students about their internships and summer programs, unique career paths, and making the most of their potential in a shifting world, all through personal stories. </p><p>Inna’s love for education began when she emigrated from Ukraine to the U.S., and her family had to start from scratch in a foreign language. After college, she became a writer helping American public figures and lawmakers tell their stories. Now, she works with students applying to top schools. She helps them go after their niche through the transformative force of education, knowing that once a person has it, no one can take it away. </p><p>Cover art by Raisa Effress</p><p>“Cathedral of Salt” (intro/outtro) composed by Abe Effress</p><p></p><p>Timestamps:</p><p>00:00 Intro to Samantha, USC '29</p><p>01:35 Chinese Womens Basketball at USC</p><p>03:29 Anxieties of Chinese Students</p><p>05:10 Policies &amp; attitudes towards international student</p><p>06:32  Housecleaning with Tidy Trojans</p><p>09:35 U.S. campus life &amp; Chinese cultural dynamics</p><p>11:01 From China to USC</p><p>13:42 Playing the guzheng to the bass guitar</p><p>15:32 Japanese class &amp; multicultural friendships</p><p>16:43 Applying to USC &amp; essays on unique interests</p><p>20:22 Wisdom on joining clubs</p>no00:22:5419Samantha, USC '29, on Chinese International Students, Housecleaning & Basketball full<![CDATA[Jackson, Yale '29, on designing airplanes, getting a pilot's license, and Jazz.]]>In this episode, Jackson, Yale '29, shares his love of flying, designing a record-breaking aircraft with other engineering students at Yale, and campus life.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro to Jackson, Yale '29

01:30 Learning to Fly a Piper Archer

05:52 Saxophone Story

07:57 Yale Social Life

09:38 Egyptology Reading Room

11:05 Surprises at Yale & New Haven Jazz

13:53 Project Jet & Yale Undergraduate Aerospace Association

21:04 Applying to Yale & Personal Narrative

23:39 Current Pressures on Universities & Student Perspectives

25:46 Summer plans

26:38 Engineering at a Humanities-Centered School

About the show:

Quad Cast is a weekly show hosted by speechwriter turned higher ed advisor, Inna Effress. In each episode, students and faculty share personal insights into campus life and their programs. Hear about new frontiers in science, real medical research, and departmental STEM innovations. Feel the wonders of arts and humanities. Hear directly from students about their internships and summer programs, unique career paths, and making the most of their potential in a shifting world, all through personal stories. 

Inna’s love for education began when she emigrated from Ukraine to the U.S., and her family had to start from scratch in a foreign language. After college, she became a writer helping American public figures and lawmakers tell their stories. Now, she works with students applying to top schools. She helps them go after their niche through the transformative force of education, knowing that once a person has it, no one can take it away. 

Cover art by Raisa Effress

“Cathedral of Salt” (intro/outtro) composed by Abe Effress

#Yale #learningtofly #aero #engineering #engineeringstudent #Jazz #campuslife #newhaven #egyptologyreadingroom

]]>92476df3-7ac1-42a0-a825-ee360c99db6cSat, 14 Mar 2026 18:22:15 GMT<p>In this episode, Jackson, Yale '29, shares his love of flying, designing a record-breaking aircraft with other engineering students at Yale, and campus life. </p><p></p><p>Timestamps:</p><p>00:00 Intro to Jackson, Yale '29</p><p>01:30 Learning to Fly a Piper Archer</p><p>05:52 Saxophone Story</p><p>07:57 Yale Social Life</p><p>09:38 Egyptology Reading Room</p><p>11:05 Surprises at Yale &amp; New Haven Jazz</p><p>13:53 Project Jet &amp; Yale Undergraduate Aerospace Association</p><p>21:04 Applying to Yale &amp; Personal Narrative</p><p>23:39 Current Pressures on Universities &amp; Student Perspectives</p><p>25:46 Summer plans</p><p>26:38 Engineering at a Humanities-Centered School</p><p></p><p>About the show:</p><p>Quad Cast is a weekly show hosted by speechwriter turned higher ed advisor, Inna Effress. In each episode, students and faculty share personal insights into campus life and their programs. Hear about new frontiers in science, real medical research, and departmental STEM innovations. Feel the wonders of arts and humanities. Hear directly from students about their internships and summer programs, unique career paths, and making the most of their potential in a shifting world, all through personal stories. </p><p>Inna’s love for education began when she emigrated from Ukraine to the U.S., and her family had to start from scratch in a foreign language. After college, she became a writer helping American public figures and lawmakers tell their stories. Now, she works with students applying to top schools. She helps them go after their niche through the transformative force of education, knowing that once a person has it, no one can take it away. </p><p>Cover art by Raisa Effress</p><p>“Cathedral of Salt” (intro/outtro) composed by Abe Effress</p><p></p><p>#Yale #learningtofly #aero #engineering #engineeringstudent #Jazz #campuslife #newhaven #egyptologyreadingroom </p>no00:30:0617Jackson, Yale '29, on designing airplanes, getting a pilot's license, and Jazz.full<![CDATA[Ella, Vanderbilt '29, on Playing Trumpet, STEM Research, and Social Life]]>In this episode, Ella Graber, Vanderbilt '29, shares her experiences playing trumpet at Vanderbilt, her path to science research and pre-med studies, and making the most of community service and social life, on and off campus.

About the Show:

Quad Cast is a weekly show hosted by speechwriter turned higher ed advisor, Inna Effress. In each episode, students and faculty share personal insights into campus life and their programs. Hear about new frontiers in science, real medical research, and departmental STEM innovations. Feel the wonders of arts and humanities. Hear directly from students about their internships and summer programs, unique career paths, and making the most of their potential in a shifting world, all through personal stories. 

Inna’s love for education began when she emigrated from Ukraine to the U.S., and her family had to start from scratch in a foreign language. After college, she became a writer helping American public figures and lawmakers tell their stories. Now, she works with students applying to top schools. She helps them go after their niche through the transformative force of education, knowing that once a person has it, no one can take it away. 

Cover art by Raisa Effress

“Cathedral of Salt” (intro/outtro) composed by Abe Effress

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro to Ella, Vanderbilt '29

01:52 Trumpet & Overcoming Stage Fright

03:46 Auditioning for Jazz at Vanderbilt

06:29 Favorite Practice Space at Vanderbilt

07:05 USC Summer Research Experience

09:23 What's Cognitive Studies?

10:40 Undergrad Research at Vanderbilt

13:05 Aspirations in Medicine and Research

16:24 Applying to Vanderbilt

18:35 Speaking Spanish in Health Work

20:14 Social Life at Vanderbilt

#Vanderbilt #STEM #collegeapps #campuslife #greeklife #jazz #bigband #audition #vandy #studentlife #collegelife

]]>80c364d6-8f2e-448f-baf9-85d27606a52eThu, 12 Mar 2026 03:21:07 GMT<p>In this episode, Ella Graber, Vanderbilt '29, shares her experiences playing trumpet at Vanderbilt, her path to science research and pre-med studies, and making the most of community service and social life, on and off campus.</p><p></p><p>About the Show:</p><p>Quad Cast is a weekly show hosted by speechwriter turned higher ed advisor, Inna Effress. In each episode, students and faculty share personal insights into campus life and their programs. Hear about new frontiers in science, real medical research, and departmental STEM innovations. Feel the wonders of arts and humanities. Hear directly from students about their internships and summer programs, unique career paths, and making the most of their potential in a shifting world, all through personal stories. </p><p>Inna’s love for education began when she emigrated from Ukraine to the U.S., and her family had to start from scratch in a foreign language. After college, she became a writer helping American public figures and lawmakers tell their stories. Now, she works with students applying to top schools. She helps them go after their niche through the transformative force of education, knowing that once a person has it, no one can take it away. </p><p>Cover art by Raisa Effress</p><p>“Cathedral of Salt” (intro/outtro) composed by Abe Effress</p><p></p><p>Timestamps:</p><p>00:00 Intro to Ella, Vanderbilt '29</p><p>01:52 Trumpet &amp; Overcoming Stage Fright</p><p>03:46 Auditioning for Jazz at Vanderbilt</p><p>06:29 Favorite Practice Space at Vanderbilt</p><p>07:05 USC Summer Research Experience</p><p>09:23 What's Cognitive Studies?</p><p>10:40 Undergrad Research at Vanderbilt</p><p>13:05 Aspirations in Medicine and Research</p><p>16:24 Applying to Vanderbilt</p><p>18:35 Speaking Spanish in Health Work</p><p>20:14 Social Life at Vanderbilt</p><p></p><p>#Vanderbilt #STEM #collegeapps #campuslife #greeklife #jazz #bigband #audition #vandy #studentlife #collegelife</p><p></p><p></p>no00:22:2016Ella, Vanderbilt '29, on Playing Trumpet, STEM Research, and Social Lifefull<![CDATA[Kenna, Northwestern Law, on First-Gen Mindset , Sports, and Lifting Others]]>Kenna, a first-generation student at Northwestern Law, shares how she overcame educational barriers and translated her athletic scholarship into a college degree and later, admission to one of the top law schools in the U.S. as the daughter of Mexican immigrants.

About the Show:

Quad Cast is a weekly show hosted by speechwriter turned higher ed advisor, Inna Effress. In each episode, students and faculty share personal insights into campus life and their programs. Hear about new frontiers in science, real medical research, and departmental STEM innovations. Feel the wonders of arts and humanities. Hear directly from students about their internships and summer programs, unique career paths, and making the most of their potential in a shifting world, all through personal stories. 

Inna’s love for education began when she emigrated from Ukraine to the U.S., and her family had to start from scratch in a foreign language. After college, she became a writer helping American public figures and lawmakers tell their stories. Now, she works with students applying to top schools. She helps them go after their niche through the transformative force of education, knowing that once a person has it, no one can take it away. 

Cover art by Raisa Effress

“Cathedral of Salt” (intro/outtro) composed by Abe Effress


Timestamps:

00:00 Intro to Kenna Flores, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law

01:41 Family immigration story

03:05 Impact of discrimination lawsuit

07:00 Overcoming educational barriers in underresourced schools

08:48 Discipline and family values

10:09 Athletic scholarship and discovering Northwestern

12:44 Studying for the LSAT while juggling jobs and sports

17:03 First-Gen at Northwestern and Overcoming the Education Gap

19:52 Editor-in-Chief 

21:13 Influential Professors and Mentors

23:07 Collaboration and Social Life

25:03 Adding Ladders to Lift Others

28:03 Full Circle at MALDEF

]]>0da81548-e2ff-4a18-8bac-7d0e184c76edTue, 10 Mar 2026 06:09:39 GMT<p>Kenna, a first-generation student at Northwestern Law, shares how she overcame educational barriers and translated her athletic scholarship into a college degree and later, admission to one of the top law schools in the U.S. as the daughter of Mexican immigrants.</p><p></p><p>About the Show:</p><p>Quad Cast is a weekly show hosted by speechwriter turned higher ed advisor, Inna Effress. In each episode, students and faculty share personal insights into campus life and their programs. Hear about new frontiers in science, real medical research, and departmental STEM innovations. Feel the wonders of arts and humanities. Hear directly from students about their internships and summer programs, unique career paths, and making the most of their potential in a shifting world, all through personal stories. </p><p>Inna’s love for education began when she emigrated from Ukraine to the U.S., and her family had to start from scratch in a foreign language. After college, she became a writer helping American public figures and lawmakers tell their stories. Now, she works with students applying to top schools. She helps them go after their niche through the transformative force of education, knowing that once a person has it, no one can take it away. </p><p></p><p>Cover art by Raisa Effress</p><p>“Cathedral of Salt” (intro/outtro) composed by Abe Effress</p><p><br />Timestamps:</p><p>00:00 Intro to Kenna Flores, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law</p><p>01:41 Family immigration story</p><p>03:05 Impact of discrimination lawsuit</p><p>07:00 Overcoming educational barriers in underresourced schools</p><p>08:48 Discipline and family values</p><p>10:09 Athletic scholarship and discovering Northwestern</p><p>12:44 Studying for the LSAT while juggling jobs and sports</p><p>17:03 First-Gen at Northwestern and Overcoming the Education Gap</p><p>19:52 Editor-in-Chief </p><p>21:13 Influential Professors and Mentors</p><p>23:07 Collaboration and Social Life</p><p>25:03 Adding Ladders to Lift Others</p><p>28:03 Full Circle at MALDEF</p>no00:29:4715Kenna, Northwestern Law, on First-Gen Mindset , Sports, and Lifting Othersfull<![CDATA[Beckett, St. Andrews University, on Scotland, Castles & Dual Course at Uni]]>In this episode, Beckett shares why he chose St. Andrews in Scotland and talks about tradition, local cuisine, friendships, his family’s literary legacy, and his dual passions for German language and history. 

About the Show:

Quad Cast is a weekly show hosted by speechwriter turned higher ed advisor, Inna Effress. In each episode, students and faculty share personal insights into campus life and their programs. Hear about new frontiers in science, real medical research, and departmental STEM innovations. Feel the wonders of arts and humanities. Hear directly from students about their internships and summer programs, unique career paths, and making the most of their potential in a shifting world, all through personal stories. 

Inna’s love for education began when she emigrated from Ukraine to the U.S., and her family had to start from scratch in a foreign language. After college, she became a writer helping American public figures and lawmakers tell their stories. Now, she works with students applying to top schools. She helps them go after their niche through the transformative force of education, knowing that once a person has it, no one can take it away. 

Cover art by Raisa Effress

“Cathedral of Salt” (intro/outtro) composed by Abe Effress

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Beckett Osher, St. Andrews University

02:00 Scotland Weather and Traditions

03:51 Campus Life and Town

05:11 German and History Studies

07:10 History: Early Influences

09:34 Historical Perspectives at St. Andrews

11:10 Edinburgh Castle

11:56 Europe Travel

12:15 Being American at St. Andrews

13:15 Friendships and Social Circles

14:06 Family Legacy and Literary Influence

15:05 The Intersection of History and Writing

15:48 Advice for Prospective Students

17:47 UCAS and Applying to St. Andrews

18:45 Local Exploration

19:45 Study Habits and Library Life

20:18 Connecting With Family in the U.S.

21:01 Dining in Scotland

]]>4d201fbc-b465-484b-a5ef-e238c420f47cFri, 06 Mar 2026 21:25:29 GMT<p>In this episode, Beckett shares why he chose St. Andrews in Scotland and talks about tradition, local cuisine, friendships, his family’s literary legacy, and his dual passions for German language and history. </p><p></p><p>About the Show:</p><p>Quad Cast is a weekly show hosted by speechwriter turned higher ed advisor, Inna Effress. In each episode, students and faculty share personal insights into campus life and their programs. Hear about new frontiers in science, real medical research, and departmental STEM innovations. Feel the wonders of arts and humanities. Hear directly from students about their internships and summer programs, unique career paths, and making the most of their potential in a shifting world, all through personal stories. </p><p></p><p>Inna’s love for education began when she emigrated from Ukraine to the U.S., and her family had to start from scratch in a foreign language. After college, she became a writer helping American public figures and lawmakers tell their stories. Now, she works with students applying to top schools. She helps them go after their niche through the transformative force of education, knowing that once a person has it, no one can take it away. </p><p></p><p>Cover art by Raisa Effress</p><p>“Cathedral of Salt” (intro/outtro) composed by Abe Effress</p><p></p><p>Timestamps:</p><p>00:00 Introduction to Beckett Osher, St. Andrews University</p><p>02:00 Scotland Weather and Traditions</p><p>03:51 Campus Life and Town</p><p>05:11 German and History Studies</p><p>07:10 History: Early Influences</p><p>09:34 Historical Perspectives at St. Andrews</p><p>11:10 Edinburgh Castle</p><p>11:56 Europe Travel</p><p>12:15 Being American at St. Andrews</p><p>13:15 Friendships and Social Circles</p><p>14:06 Family Legacy and Literary Influence</p><p>15:05 The Intersection of History and Writing</p><p>15:48 Advice for Prospective Students</p><p>17:47 UCAS and Applying to St. Andrews</p><p>18:45 Local Exploration</p><p>19:45 Study Habits and Library Life</p><p>20:18 Connecting With Family in the U.S.</p><p>21:01 Dining in Scotland</p>no00:22:0014Beckett, St. Andrews University, on Scotland, Castles & Dual Course at Unifull<![CDATA[Naomi, Columbia University '27, on Rocketry & NYC]]>In this episode, Naomi shares how she chose between Columbia and Cal Tech. She talks about her passion for building rockets, social life on campus, favorite museums and ice skating in Manhattan, plus what it's like to be an international student at Columbia today.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro to Naomi
01:49 Brazil to Miami to NYC
03:02 Columbia vs. Cal Tech?
04:08 High School STEM & Service
07:34 MIT Siblings & Comparison to Columbia U
08:27 Favorite NYC Spots
09:17 Making Friends on Campus
10:25 Rockets Team
12:33 Aerospace as an International Student
14:45 From Robotics to Rocketry
16:34 Team Culture
20:08 Clubs and Campus Life
22:11 Students Mentoring Students
24:14 International Community
27:47 Scuba Diving

About the Show:

Quad Cast is a weekly show hosted by speechwriter turned higher ed advisor, Inna Effress. In each episode, students and faculty share personal insights into campus life and their programs. Hear about new frontiers in science, real medical research, and departmental STEM innovations. Feel the wonders of arts and humanities. Hear directly from students about their internships and summer programs, unique career paths, and making the most of their potential in a shifting world, all through personal stories. 

Inna’s love for education began when she emigrated from Ukraine to the U.S., and her family had to start from scratch in a foreign language. After college, she became a writer helping American public figures and lawmakers tell their stories. Now, she works with students applying to top schools. She helps them go after their niche through the transformative force of education, knowing that once a person has it, no one can take it away. 

Cover art by Raisa Effress

“Cathedral of Salt” (intro/outtro) composed by Abe Effress

]]>6db276ab-03cb-4ba5-be27-1a7171bc535fThu, 26 Feb 2026 20:13:57 GMT<p>In this episode, Naomi shares how she chose between Columbia and Cal Tech. She talks about her passion for building rockets, social life on campus, favorite museums and ice skating in Manhattan, plus what it's like to be an international student at Columbia today. </p><p></p><p>Timestamps:</p><p>00:00 Intro to Naomi<br />01:49 Brazil to Miami to NYC<br />03:02 Columbia vs. Cal Tech?<br />04:08 High School STEM &amp; Service<br />07:34 MIT Siblings &amp; Comparison to Columbia U<br />08:27 Favorite NYC Spots<br />09:17 Making Friends on Campus<br />10:25 Rockets Team<br />12:33 Aerospace as an International Student<br />14:45 From Robotics to Rocketry<br />16:34 Team Culture<br />20:08 Clubs and Campus Life<br />22:11 Students Mentoring Students<br />24:14 International Community<br />27:47 Scuba Diving</p><p></p><p>About the Show:</p><p>Quad Cast is a weekly show hosted by speechwriter turned higher ed advisor, Inna Effress. In each episode, students and faculty share personal insights into campus life and their programs. Hear about new frontiers in science, real medical research, and departmental STEM innovations. Feel the wonders of arts and humanities. Hear directly from students about their internships and summer programs, unique career paths, and making the most of their potential in a shifting world, all through personal stories. </p><p></p><p>Inna’s love for education began when she emigrated from Ukraine to the U.S., and her family had to start from scratch in a foreign language. After college, she became a writer helping American public figures and lawmakers tell their stories. Now, she works with students applying to top schools. She helps them go after their niche through the transformative force of education, knowing that once a person has it, no one can take it away. <br /></p><p>Cover art by Raisa Effress</p><p>“Cathedral of Salt” (intro/outtro) composed by Abe Effress</p>no00:29:3513Naomi, Columbia University '27, on Rocketry & NYCfull<![CDATA[Alexa, Boston University '29, on mental health, acapella with BosTones, and escape rooms]]>Alexa Chang shares her insights on BU's international culture, boys and mental health, singing as a Tenor I with the BosTones, Boston life, and her experiences as a Psychology and Brain Sciences major working towards her PhD.

]]>bb273e96-fed1-4c66-a070-97343db91bcdSun, 22 Feb 2026 22:54:59 GMT<p>Alexa Chang shares her insights on BU's international culture, boys and mental health, singing as a Tenor I with the BosTones, Boston life, and her experiences as a Psychology and Brain Sciences major working towards her PhD.</p>no00:23:43Alexa, Boston University '29, on mental health, acapella with BosTones, and escape roomsfull<![CDATA[Glennis, Northwestern University '30, on journalism and speaking up]]>In this episode, Glennis Woosley shares her story of how her passion for journalism unfolded from personal challenges and a desire to connect with people. We talk about her experiences covering impactful events in her school and community and connecting those events to teens, winning multiple awards, earning the School of the New York Times full-tuition scholarship, and a memorable summer at Northwestern's Cherubs program, as she gets ready for college life at Northwestern University.

]]>8ed7651d-4fad-4e0c-ade3-15110209df89Wed, 18 Feb 2026 21:42:40 GMT<p>In this episode, Glennis Woosley shares her story of how her passion for journalism unfolded from personal challenges and a desire to connect with people. We talk about her experiences covering impactful events in her school and community and connecting those events to teens, winning multiple awards, earning the School of the New York Times full-tuition scholarship, and a memorable summer at Northwestern's Cherubs program, as she gets ready for college life at Northwestern University.</p>no00:47:21Glennis, Northwestern University '30, on journalism and speaking upfull