Elevate Empathy's Share Chair Podcast

In this week's episode, we hear from Grand Haven High School Senior Angela Tran. Angela is doing virtual learning for the school year, and it has given her a whole new perspective on school. She has amazing and wise things to say regarding the change to virtual learning. Listen for more on Angela.

In this week's episode, we hear from an international school student named Sophie. Sophie discusses how getting picked on at school shaped her into understanding what others are going through. Listen for more on Sophie.

In this week's episode, we hear from one of the Fruitport High School counselor's Jennifer Finnerty. We hear Jennifer discuss her past achievements with volleyball and basketball. Her children have brought her joy, but she has also faced battles that have shaped her to become the person she is today. Listen for more on Jennifer.

In this week's episode, we hear from Spring Lake Senior Sara Strauss. Sara discusses how she found herself through swimming and where it has taken her today. She has worked hard to earn her current position. Listen for more on Sara.

In this week's episode, we hear from a group of Grand Haven High School students. These students are motivated to create a mindfulness club in lieu of creating a positive environment for kids who may need it. Their perspectives are important and valid, give it a listen!

In this week's episode, we hear from Anna Prince who also goes by Arin. They discuss their family's journey with taking in foster children and how it has brought change. Anna also speaks on the transition with their pronouns and their journey to finding what feels right. Listen for more on Anna.

In this week's episode, we hear from Valparaiso college student Kolton Woods. Kolton discusses his passion for meteorology and how it has shaped him. He does the daily weather for the Muskegon Channel. Grateful for his opportunities, he says wherever he will end up, he will be thankful. Listen for more on Kolton.

In this week's episode, we hear from a student from the Netherlands. Simon discusses how writing and sharing his work online has brought him a supportive community through his mental health struggles. Listen for more on Simon.

In this week's episode, we hear from Grand Haven High School student Evelyn Schlukebir discuss the loss of her beloved friend Kylie to suicide in seventh grade. Evelyn, too went through many struggles to find herself and find happiness within herself. She struggles with bulimia, depression, and anxiety. Listen more to Evelyn's journey.

In this week's episode, we hear from Spring Lake Senior Macy Carey. Macy reminds us that there is good in everything, by listening to Macy you can understand why everyone loves her. She's energetic, caring, outgoing, and passionate about everything she tackles. Her adoption has shaped her to understand that everyone is unique and has their amazing ways of life. Listen to hear Macy talk about her adoption, and family who she is very thankful for.

In this week's episode, Fruitport High School Senior Rachel Cole discusses how her academics and robotics competitions have shaped who she is. Unsure of her plans for next year, she is reaching for Michigan Tech. Listen more to Rachel to hear about her passion for robotics.

In this week’s episode, we hear from Grand Haven High School junior Tina Reyes. When Tina was young, she lost her father, which pushed her to pursue her passion for rugby. Growing up as a minority wasn’t easy for her, but she has taken a lot of time to take a new perspective on all of it. Listen for more on Tina.

In this week's episode, we hear Spring Lake Junior Matthew Uthe, discuss his everyday battle with Autism and Epilepsy. Throughout the episode, we are educated about becoming more aware of how others are affected by certain medical conditions. Matthew is thankful for his ability to conquer his battle and challenge. Listen for more on Matthew!

In this week's episode, we hear Isa communicate how theatre is not only a passion of hers, but it too has provided her with confidence in herself. The play she is currently working on is something of importance to her as we are able to capture that through her words. Listen for more on Isa.

In this week's episode, Josh Hodges from Grand Haven High School talks about how important his family is to him. Sometimes we get caught up in life and forget to be grateful, this episode is a great reminder of that. Josh speaks with passion about his difficulties and strengths. Listen for more on Josh!

In this week's episode, Ken Erny discusses his past as a soccer coach, as well as an athletic director. Ken has done it all and was recently diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The recent diagnosis has changed his passionate career. Listen to Ken speak on his battle and the past of developing important relationships with his colleagues.

In this week's episode, Maarten discusses how he went from being bullied and made fun of, into something that made him stronger and turned him around. Being happier and cracking jokes is something Maarten has achieved. Listen for more on Maarten.

In this week's episode, we hear Spring Lake graduate Nick Zacek discuss his return back to the district now as a teacher. Nick speaks about his growth within the teaching world, as well as his swimming career now leading to a coaching position. Listen for more on Nick.

In this week's episode, we hear part two of the interview with Olivia Ward. Olivia discusses her ways to cope with anxiety and how it has shaped her into the person she is today. Additionally, she is a part of a project dealing with the history of the Holocaust. Listen for more on Olivia!

In this week's episode, we hear Olivia Ward speak about her passion for acting. She has big dreams to achieve her acting goals, her energy is contagious. Listen to her speak about her past and future for acting. This is only part one, check back next week for part two. Happy Listening!