Dr. Dimitrios Vonofakos joins us to pick up where we left off on our previous episode, “Life’s Pop Quiz: The Unexpected Lessons of a Grad School Exam,” alongside Anish Merchant. Dimitrios summons up his encyclopedia of knowledge on the psychological aspects of test-taking to bring us a fresh perspective on test anxiety, facing your fears, and applying problem-solving frameworks to real-world challenges (not just test-taking). Join us for an in-depth guide to overcoming mental hurdles and acing the test of life. 

Episode Summary 

• 01:52 - Dimitrios shares memories of a cherished childhood photo. 
• 03:15 - How did life lead Dimitrios to study psychoanalytics at the University of Essex? 
• 05:10 - Dr. Dimitrios examines his role at Merchant GMAT & Admissions and the ways he’s utilizing psychoanalysis in his work. 
• 06:31 - What sparked Dr. D’s interest in GMAC in the first place? 
• 07:28 - If the GMAT were an actual person, how would Dr. D describe it? 
• 08:16 - What is this ‘person’ — in this case, the GMAT — trying to bring out of another individual? 
• 09:02 - Dr. D examines how fear is the greatest challenge that students have to face as they tackle the GMAT. 
• 10:37 - Dimitrios reflects on the promises companies make to improve students’ scores but how the reality never lives up to those expectations. 
• 11:47 - How do people deal with anxiety? 
• 14:40 - Dr. D speaks on frameworks that Merchant applies to navigate the mental blocks of test anxiety.  
• 18:18 - How are the psychological challenges we face on the GMAT a metaphor for the challenges we face in our lives? 
• 21:51 - Dimitrios touches on the idea of “skipping” — and how you don’t have to solve everything. 
• 22:56 - Dr. D leaves us with two insights that he thinks are essential for those navigating the GMAT and the tests of life. 
• 25:40 - How can you get in contact with Merchant GMAT & Admissions? 

Links
Merchant GMAT & Admissions

University of Essex

Sigmund Freud

Psychoanalysis

The GMAT Exam 

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Study MBA in the USA

A GMAT Story & Additional Resources

Merchant GMAT & Admissions

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Anish Merchant often recounts “The Hero’s Journey” — the story of a hero who goes on a grand adventure to find where he or she belongs. Stories like this inspired Anish to leave the U.S. in pursuit of his own grand adventure — one that helped him find where he belonged: in Buenas Aires, Argentina. Rather than this signaling the end of his journey, it was the birth of a new one. Anish’s new calling took shape in the form of his company, Merchant GMAT & Admissions, which helps students navigate the GMAT and, as an extension, life itself.


Episode Summary 

• 02:53 - What is the meaning of Anish’s name? 
• 03:39 - Anish explains how seeking adventure brought him to his new home — Buenos Aires, Argentina — and how it changed the trajectory of his life. 
• 05:58 - What is it about Buenos Aires that resonated with Anish so much?
• 07:05 - Anish looks back on the origins of his company, Merchant GMAT & Admissions. 
• 10:44 - How does Anish see the role of an MBA degree in a person’s life?
• 12:05 - Anish gives advice to students who see the GMAT or MBA as an end goal, and suggests that it’s simply a means to an end. 
• 14:48 - As important as it is to know what you want to do, Anish stresses the importance of knowing what you don’t want to do. 
• 18:47 - Anish compares the pathway to an MBA to the path you walk in life. 
• 19:34 - How is the GMAT a metaphor for life itself?
• 21:40 - Anish breaks down problem-solving structures that are inherently present in the GMAT. 
• 24:15 - Anish talks about how the fear of failure inhibits students from performing to their potential. 
• 26:35 - Anish gives one last story on how working in international education has changed his life. 
• 28:00 - Who is Anish’s favorite superhero (and what superpower would he want)? 

Links
Buenas Aires, Argentina

Merchant GMAT & Admissions 

Meaning of the name Anish

The GMAT Exam 

MBA 

Guest Information
Linkedin 

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Study MBA in the USA

A GMAT Story & Additional Resources

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Introduction 

Maryam Esmat, a Forbes Middle East 30 Under 30 honoree, returns for the second part of her interview. In this episode, Maryam shares the work she’s done for NASA by AURA on the James Webb Space Telescope, her current research on the topic of dark matter, and the rarity of Arabs in the physics realm. 

Join us to hear how Maryam is mentoring the next generation and paving the way for students looking to follow in her footsteps. 

Episode Summary 

• 02:00 - Maryam reflects on her time at the Space Telescope Science Institute, working on the James Webb Space Telescope. 
• 05:29 - Maryam mentions two separate projects she worked on with the James Webb Telescope — (1) calibrating the space telescope AND (2) informing exoplanet scientists on how to use it.  
• 07:27 - How did Maryam react to being chosen for the Forbes Middle East 30 under 30? 
• 09:14 - Maryam explains dark matter, what it is, and why it’s important.  
• 15:32 - Maryam talks about her experiences collaborating with scientists, including the HAYSTAC collaboration and Dr. Katelyn Breivik. 
• 20:11 - Maryam debunks common misconceptions about the astrophysicist community, and how she believes people should view them. 
• 23:28 - Maryam touches on being one of the only Arabs, especially women, in the physics and astrophysics space. 
• 26:25 - Maryam gives a PSA to all Arab physicists out there in the world — contact her — she’s part of a Discord channel that connects Arab physicists worldwide! 
• 27:07 - Maryam highlights how important it’s been to her to mentor students, from helping them apply to U.S. institutions through EducationUSA to now mentoring them in astrophysics and creative writing. 
• 29:00 - Maryam shares her advice for students looking to study in the U.S. 

Links 

NASA by AURA

James Webb Space Telescope

Space Telescope Science Institute 

Forbes 30 Under 30

Dark Matter

Haloscope at Yale Sensitive to Axion CDN

Katelyn Breivik

Guest Information

Linkedin 

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Study at Lycoming College

Study Astrophysics and Astronomy in the USA

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Introduction 

Maryam Esmat’s 24 years of life have played out like a greatest hits album. She’s graced the pages of Forbes Middle East 30 Under 30 for her work in astrophysics and donned the title of the youngest published author in the Middle East — yet, if you ask her where we are in her life’s story, she’d tell you we’ve only read the prologue. Maryam is currently pursuing her PhD at Johns Hopkins University, and if that’s any indication, her story is shaping up to be one for the history books.   

Episode Summary 

• 03:09 - Maryam takes us down memory lane, introducing us to her version of the city that never sleeps, her childhood city — Giza, Egypt.    
• 03:53 - Maryam reflects on her household of avid readers, fellow academics, and a mountain of books.   
• 05:06 - Maryam speaks on how the intersections of history, culture, and literature from her parents’ interests gave rise to her personal interest in science. 
• 06:05 - Maryam mentions how the U.S. liberal arts style of education drew her to study abroad.  
• 07:32 - How did Maryam’s family support her decision to come study in the U.S.?  
• 11:19 - Maryam reflects on the reactions of those around her when she first moved vs. now. 
• 13:30 - Maryam emphasizes the depth of geography in the U.S., and mentions some of her favorite states.  
• 15:06 - What are some of the biggest misconceptions or stereotypes that U.S. residents have about international students? 
• 17:49 - Maryam gives us an overview of her award-winning novel, “The Escaping Flashback,” and the inspiration behind it. 
• 20:30 - Maryam mentions how she grounds her writing in reality, taking inspiration from science, human interaction, and the human psyche. 
• 22:05 - Maryam looks back on her creative writing thesis at Lycoming College, “The Evolution of Storytelling in Egypt.” 
• 25:13 - What is the next story Maryam wants to tell? 

Links 

Johns Hopkins University

Giza, Egypt

The Escaping Flashback

Liberal Arts Education

Forbes 30 Under 30

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Study at Lycoming College

Study Astrophysics and Astronomy in the USA

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Introduction 

Danny Nguyen returns for Part 2 of his two-part interview. In this episode, Danny shares his optimistic outlook for the future of international students and the importance of elevating student voices. Despite his optimism, he sees areas for improvement, particularly in accounting for the experiences of international students. Join Simon and Danny as they discuss the state of job prospecting, the weight of comparison, and the importance of community. 

Episode Summary 

• 02:09 - Danny speaks on how humbled he was meeting international students from all walks of life during his time as a teacher.  
• 05:30 - How have Danny’s experiences as a teacher played into his current role as the Vice President of Administrative Services at Mission College? 
• 07:42 - Danny speaks on his current mission to listen to and elevate student voices. 
• 10:44 - What can we do as friends, family members, or higher ed workers to elevate the voices of students? 
• 13:46 - Danny shares his optimism for the future of international students and the diversity of thought, innovation, and creativity that’s been sparked in the industry.  
• 16:36 - Simon and Danny speak on how valuable the experiences of international students are and how that’s lost in job prospecting. 
• 18:49 - As someone who knows the weight of comparison, how did Danny deal with it, and what advice does he have for students? 
• 20:51 - Danny stresses the importance of finding community as an international student. 

Links 

Mission College

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals 

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Study at Mission College

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Introduction 

1977 — In a year remembered for the “Fall of Saigon,” and “Black April,” Danny Nguyen and his family were caught in the middle of a war-torn Vietnam. Call it courage or call it desperation — Danny’s parents wanted a better life for their five children, and if that meant sailing out into the dark, cold ocean to find it, then so be it. The VP of Administrative Services at Mission College you see today is in stark contrast to the four-year-old who’d just landed in America in 1977. As the saying goes, “sometimes you have to lose yourself to find who you are.” 

Episode Summary 

• 02:48 - Danny reminisces about a recent family trip, a big hot tub, and one memorable family picture. 
• 04:18 - Danny looks back on the state of Vietnam in 1977 and what urged his family to flee on a boat in the dark of night.
• 06:24 - Danny reflects on his most vivid memories of leaving Vietnam, and how he rediscovered a part of himself when visiting Ho Chi Minh City in 2015. 
• 10:37 - As a young kid in a new country, what was life like when Danny arrived in the U.S.?  
• 12:28 - How has the theme of ‘belonging’ impacted Danny throughout his life? 
• 16:32 - How did Danny balance holding onto his culture vs. assimilating to American culture? 
• 20:14 - How did Danny go from despising academics to making it such an integral part of his life today? 
• 23:25 - Danny shares how his decision to pursue academics was more of a journey than an epiphany — one that saw him rebel, pursue pharmacy, and so much more. 
• 28:24 - Danny shares his appreciation for his music choir instructor from Sylvandale Middle School, who went the extra mile for him.  

Links 

Fall of Saigon

Mission College

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

District 11 

Finding His Place at Mission College

Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals 

Sylvandale Middle School 

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Study at Mission College

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Introduction

Jessie Gentles is the 3%. The world of IT has thrived as a highly-lucrative, high-growth industry — but the caveat? You’re not going to find many Black women crowding in to become the next IT specialist. As a Jamaican-born woman and software engineering student at Miami University, Jessie represents a demographic that’s shied away from IT — one that’s representing only 3% of the IT space, but she’s not alone. Black Wings is a small, but growing community that supports underrepresented women in IT. Change is on the horizon.

Episode Summary 

• 02:42 - Simon shares the meaning behind Jessie’s last name, Gentles. 
• 03:14 - Jessie shares her educational background and how it was inspired by a desire to explore the world.  
• 04:52 - How did Jessie adapt to the culture shock of moving to the U.S.? 
• 05:53 - Jessie questions how her life would’ve been different if she’d chosen to stay in Jamaica. 
• 06:46 - What has Jessie’s experience been like as a black woman in STEM at Miami University? 
• 08:09 - Jessie compares the accessibility to technology in the U.S. vs. in Jamaica. 
• 09:09 - How have organizations like “Black Wing” and “Rewriting the Code” aided women like Jessie in their academic careers? 
• 10:27 - How did Jessie first get involved with the Black Wings organization, and how has it impacted her? 
• 12:11 - Historically, why might black women have been underrepresented in the STEM field? 
• 12:56 - Jessie speaks on the impact that mentorships and internships can have on the next generation. 
• 14:49 - As part of the “Hackathon Committee,” Jessie shares what this exciting event is all about. 
• 16:18 - With her background in software engineering, does Jessie have any ambitions to start a company of her own?
• 17:27 - There are numerous ways to network with others — Jessie shares some of her favorites.
• 18:37 - Which professors have been influential in Jessie’s journey? 
• 19:47 - Jessie shares what it’s been like navigating through American slang, holidays, and new traditions. 
• 23:24 - Jessie shares some final words for students considering a study abroad. 

Links 

Miami University

Salem Academy 

Status of Women in IT

Rewriting the Code

Black Wings

Hackathon 2022 

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Resources

Study Software Engineering 

American Slang Words You Need to Know

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Introduction 

Paige Steffy returns for Part 2 of a two-part interview. In this episode, Paige reflects on themes that follow every international student on their journey; hope, empathy, and connection. She’s walked the walk of an international student, and now she’s walking beside them on their student journey as part of Unibuddy. Join us to hear how Paige envisions the future of international students. 

Episode Summary 

• 02:26 - Simon and Paige take a moment to explore the roots of Paige’s last name, ‘Steffy.’
• 03:32 - Why is international education so important to Paige? 
• 05:29 - Paige shares how her experience as an international student in the U.K. helped her to be a bridge between cultures in a diverse work environment.  
• 09:18 - As someone who’s been on every end of the international student spectrum — what’s unique about Paige’s current placement in the EdTech industry? 
• 10:30 - Why are student ambassadors so vital to the decision-making process for prospective students?
• 13:51 - Paige mentions an international student with big dreams at Willamette University who specialized in Aquaponics. 
• 18:34 - What is it that gives Paige hope for the next generation of students?
• 20:05 - Paige speaks on why it’s important as adults to foster hope in international students, even if we may not know what they’re going through. 
• 21:33 - What does the U.S. international education system do well, and vice-versa? 
• 23:28 - Where does Paige see the international student industry going in the next five to ten years?
• 25:01 - Paige shares what she’s most grateful for in her life and career in the international student industry. 

Links 

UC Davis

Willamette University

Royal Holloway, University of London 

EdTech

Aquaponics

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Unibuddy

What is a Student Ambassador?

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