College can feel overwhelming, but having the right college support system can make all the difference. In this episode of The Pack Perspective Podcast, hosts Bree Michaud and Kamy Dube shine a spotlight on the TRIO Student Support Services program at Southern Maine Community College (SMCC).

We explore how TRIO at SMCC helps students thrive through academic advising, college transfer assistance, financial aid guidance, and community connection. Through these resources, TRIO empowers first-generation college students, low-income students, and students with disabilities to overcome barriers, stay motivated, and achieve success in higher education.

The heart of this episode lies in the students’ voices. You’ll hear firsthand student success stories from TRIO participants who open up about the obstacles they’ve faced, the personal growth they’ve experienced, and how TRIO has helped them find confidence, belonging, and a support network within the SMCC community.

Whether you’re a current SMCC student curious about how to join TRIO, a faculty member supporting student success, or simply someone who loves hearing inspirational college stories, this episode highlights how student support programs like TRIO can transform college experiences and change lives.

Podcast Credits Hosts Bree Michaud, Kamy Dube

Guest TRIO Coach Ian Magill, Kamy Dube, Bree Michaud

Script Writers Bree Michaud, Kamy Dube, Aidan Burchill, Christian Mpuhwe

Produced by Bree Michaud, Kamy Dube

Edited by Bree Michaud, Kamy Dube

This week on The Pack Perspective Podcast, host Aidan Burchill sits down with Accounting Professor and Business Club Advisor Stephen Strand for a thoughtful, inspiring conversation about mentorship, entrepreneurship, and building a sense of belonging at Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) and beyond.

Professor Strand shares stories from his career as a business owner, educator, and advisor, reflecting on the lessons he's learned about leadership, perseverance, and financial literacy. He talks about the challenges of starting his own accounting firm, the importance of believing in yourself, and how mentorship and genuine connection can shape personal and professional success.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Finding your path in business, accounting, or any career field.

• The value of networking, student involvement, and mentorship at SMCC.

• How to translate classroom learning into real-world impact.

• The story behind the creation of SMCC's Business Club—and the legendary "hot air balloon" accounting joke.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a business student, or simply someone interested in career growth and community connection, this episode offers valuable takeaways on success, self-confidence, and what it truly means to belong.

Podcast Credits Host: Aidan Burchill Guest: Professor Stephen Strand Script Writers: Bree Michaud, Kamy Dube, Aidan Burchill, Christian Mpuhwe Produced by: Bree Michaud, Aidan Burchill Edited by: Bree Michaud

Secrets, confessions, and stories you won't believe — this episode dives into the anonymous submissions from SMCC students that range from laugh-out-loud campus drama to shocking late-night mishaps. From ding-dong ditch disasters in Spring Point dorms to food fights with mushy bananas, Surfside bathroom confessions, and even hollow mozzarella sticks from the dining hall, nothing is off-limits.

Join Bree, Aidan, and the Campus Insider as they react in real time — unpacking tales of professors singing karaoke in class, Willard Beach midnight encounters, bridge delays that nearly ruined grades, and awkward moments that could only happen at Southern Maine Community College. Think Gossip Girl meets “I Survived College,” with a full dose of humor, chaos, and authenticity.

If you’ve ever said, “I survived SMCC”, this one’s for you. You won’t want to miss the stories you didn’t know you needed to hear.

Hosts Bree Michaud and Aidan Burchill

Guest Kamy Dube as Campus Insider

Script Writers Anonymous SMCC Students

Produced by Bree Michaud, Aidan Burchill, and Kamy Dube

Edited by Kamy Dube and Bree Michaud