In this episode, we sit down with Vanessa, our well-travelled guest from Tanzania who recently graduated from Mount Holyoke College. Vanessa opens up about her journey as an African international student in the U.S., reflecting on the culture shocks, unexpected lessons, and moments of growth that came with navigating college, and now post-grad life, far from home. From building community in unfamiliar spaces to finding her voice in academic and social settings, she shares the highs and lows that shaped her experience.

We also dive into her love for travel, including the transformative semester she spent abroad and the many adventures that have broadened her perspective on identity, belonging, and curiosity. And of course, we talk about her life as a swimmer—how being in the water grounds her and how teaching others to swim has become one of her favorite ways to connect and give back.

Expect a warm, honest, and inspiring conversation about crossing borders, literally and figuratively, embracing independence, and creating a life that reflects resilience, exploration, and joy.

Oh, and don't forget to:

⭐ Use #SMST or #SMSTPodcast to share your thoughts!

⭐ Rate the show 5 stars on your preferred listening app, leave a review, and share with your friends and family if you enjoyed the episode!

⭐ Subscribe, like, and leave a comment if you watch on YouTube

⭐ Reach out to seemeeseetrouble@gmail.com if you have a review or general fanmail - the SMST team will be sure to read it on the next episode!

⭐ And most importantly make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: thesmstpod | YouTube: @SeeMeSeeTroublePod | TikTok: @thesmstpod

K, thanks byeeeee.

This episode features an interview with Bethany Sseruwagi, a senior undergraduate student from Kampala, Uganda, majoring in Microbiology at the University of Oklahoma.

We dive into Bethany’s experience moving to the United States for college, including the culture shocks and adapting to life as an African international student at a predominantly white institution (the University of Oklahoma).

Bethany, a Davis UWC Scholar, shares her insights on:

• Academic Journey: Her focus on Microbiology and conducting research on cross-border humanitarian efforts and health in East Africa.
• Nomadic childhood: Her experiences growing up as a child of African Missionaries, and her childhood in Texas, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania and now Oklahoma
• The African Diaspora: Discussing preconceived notions about America, processing homesickness, staying grounded in her Ugandan heritage, and navigating the Black and African community dynamics in the US.
• Campus Leadership: Leading the African Women's League and the East African Alliance at OU, and fostering community among the East African diaspora.
• Life Post-Grad: Looking ahead to her final year, career aspirations (potentially a PhD), and the complexities of the H1B visa.

Expect honest and inspiring moments as Bethany shares her story of finding her place and stepping into leadership far from home.

Don't forget to connect with us!

⭐ Use #SMST or #SMSTPodcast to share your thoughts!

⭐ Rate the show 5 stars on your preferred listening app and share with a friend!

⭐ Subscribe, like, and leave a comment if you watch on YouTube

⭐ Reach out to seemeeseetrouble@gmail.com if you have a review or general fanmail.

⭐ Follow us on:Instagram: thesmstpod | YouTube: @SeeMeSeeTroublePod | TikTok: @thesmstpod

K, thanks byeeeee

In this episode, we sit down with Kwadwo—who you might recognize from his then-controversial, now-iconic line: “if it’s beyond me, it’s beyond me.” But beyond the laughs, Kwadwo opens up about his journey as an international student navigating transferring schools, adjusting to a new environment, and finding his community on campus.

We also dive into his passions outside the classroom, from building a personal style through thrifting, to experimenting with photography and how both have shaped the way he sees the world. Expect a mix of humor, honesty, and inspiration as we discuss culture shocks, creativity, and carving out identity and community in college.

Oh, and don't forget to:

⭐ Use #SMST or #SMSTPodcast to share your thoughts!

⭐ Rate the show 5 stars on your preferred listening app, leave a review, and share with your friends and family if you enjoyed the episode!

⭐ Subscribe, like, and leave a comment if you watch on YouTube

⭐ Reach out to seemeeseetrouble@gmail.com if you have a review or general fanmail - the SMST team will be sure to read it on the next episode!

⭐ And most importantly make sure to follow us on:

Instagram: thesmstpod | YouTube: @SeeMeSeeTroublePod | TikTok: @thesmstpod

K, thanks byeeeee