Stories From The Stage

Alexis Muñoz transforms from a struggling student into a guiding mentor, finding his path through education and eventually helping others.

Crystal Williams climbs the ladder of higher education with help from unexpected supporters along the way.

Mahboba Akhtarzadah journeys to her classroom in Afghanistan against all odds, determined to continue her education despite extraordinary obstacles.

Richard Cardillo learns that sometimes the best teacher is a student, reflecting on an experience that changed the way he understood teaching.

Katie Liesener survives a disastrous first day as a college professor and discovers that being a good teacher isn’t about appearing perfect, but about showing up as her genuine self.

Sofía Colombo-Abdullah learns the power of her name and rethinks who she is.

Jude Treder-Wolff finds seeds of hope to fuel her work as a therapist.

Psychology professor Michael Sargent confronts his biases on an airplane.

After the death of his father, David Filipov goes to Afghanistan, where a Pop-Tart takes on a new meaning.

Cathy Kang, who served as a vice presidential military aide during 9/11, confronts her grief.

Mandy Trichell writes a eulogy for the mother she couldn’t connect with; Raquel de los Angeles tries to mend a family she lost at age 6; and a lost baby bird helps Warren Holleman channel his feelings about family.

Jo’s mother astonishes her family by baking a pie for dinner; Gauri rises above a low point to discover new opportunities through baking; and after the death of his father, David goes to Afghanistan where a Pop-Tart takes on a whole new meaning.

Claritza prepares for her first job in the U.S. by reading the phone book; in Afghanistan, Mahboba journeys to her classroom against all odds; and Dillan discovers that sometimes we need to face our past before moving forward.

Mariama White-Hammond gets down and dirty for a cause; Adam Stumacher volunteers as a human shield in the West Bank to experience the other side of the checkpoint; and Ronald Smith stands up for interracial marriage.

Richard learns that the best teacher is a student; Rosanna discovers that friendship can cross borders; and Jim finds himself in the blue iris of his eye's replacement.

Tracey doesn’t get the proposal she wants; gets the one she needs; Bobby discovers that love can take unexpected turns in the Panamanian jungle; Nick looks back on the painful lesson of first love.

Megan Calfas rewrites her idea of what it means to “make it"; Joe Krajewski finds purpose in running—first with his son, and later in his honor; and Angela Lu reclaims her year abroad by choosing adventure over duty.

Paul’s vacation from Honduras to Boston expands into a new life; After being evicted Michele lands just where she needs to be to say goodbye to her dad; and Samantha lets go of her dream, until grief and an invitation lead her back to her voice.

Joy proves that family is built through resilience as much as biology; Trish becomes both Mum and Dad after the sudden loss of her husband; and Julia finds strength in letting go after a pregnancy heartbreak.

Because some stories deserve another listen—thank you for being part of the community that makes that possible. David Dean Bottrell discovers his passion after stealing the school play's spotlight; Andrea Kamen’s bright menorah cuts through the darkness of anti-semitism; and Joe Charnitski tries to break a nightmare-before-Christmas bad luck streak.