My Tribe Media

You don't necessarily need to write an entire memoir (at first)--just try submitting an essay. Go on: put yourself out there. https://lnkd.in/gQFc7AGY

If you are interested in learning more about the five year history of the CATALYST Awards and this year's nominees, do yourself a favor and listen to this conversation between La'Tonya "LT" Rease Miles, CATALYST founder, and Heather Adams, 4x judge. They discuss what makes a strong nominee and also note some trends with regards to first-gens in mass media and popular culture. Some things on our wishlist for 2025 include: -physical awards for winners -film festival -sponsorship https://lnkd.in/gZzd9xgQ

President Jimmy Carter was a first-generation college student AND a #CommunityCollege transfer! See below for more about his extraordinary legacy! “The American People have always recognized that education is one of the soundest investments they can make. The dividends are reflected in every dimension of our national life — from the strength of our economy and national security to the vitality of our music, art, and literature.” – Jimmy Carter. As a first-gen and community college transfer student, Transfer Nation and My Tribe Media would like to honor former President Jimmy Carter. Carter was the first in his family to complete a college degree and the first on his father's side to graduate from high school. After high school, Carter attended Georgia Southwestern College (a community college known as the Third District Agricultural and Mechanical School, a two-year college that evolved into Georgia Southern University in the 60s). Rosalynn Smith, the future first lady and wife of Jimmy Carter, also attended Georgia Southwestern College, although they did not meet until 1946. In 1942, Carter transferred to the Georgia Institute of Technology and was appointed to the United States Naval Academy in 1946, where he completed his B.S. He then became a submariner and was assigned to the nuclear submarine program in Schenectady, New York. There, he took graduate work at Union College in reactor technology and nuclear physics and served as senior officer of the pre-commissioning crew of the Seawolf, the second nuclear submarine (The Carter Center | www.cartercenter.org/about). For those interested in Carter's political and philanthropic career, there are numerous achievements to note. He championed human rights in foreign affairs, facilitated peace between Egypt and Israel, and negotiated the nuclear limitation treaty with the Soviet Union. He also made significant strides in environmental protection, fought unemployment and inflation, and addressed the national energy shortage. One of Carter's most significant contributions to education was the creation of the U.S. Department of Education. His advocacy for more federal funding of education led to the expansion of the Head Start Program, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to future generations. #Education #HigherEducation #CollegesandUniversities #FirstGen #Transfer #TransferStudent #TransferSuccess #Legacy Resources: https://lnkd.in/gUsdjdrp https://lnkd.in/gj9n_bmz https://lnkd.in/gyrBcdq4 https://lnkd.in/gVAwhSE4 https://lnkd.in/gEGjdKbp https://lnkd.in/eNvJ6azA https://lnkd.in/gge8yqaM

You may have heard the recent reports about the hidden deaths and atrocities that took place at federally run Indian (or Native American) boarding schools over a 150 year period. These institutions also played a part in destroying indigenous cultures. The brilliant television show (and two-time Catalyst Award winner) "Reservation Dogs" depicts what these schools were like during the episode "Deer Lady" in season three.

✨ Flashback! ✨ A few years ago, Heather Adams and La'Tonya "LT" Rease Miles went LIVE to talk about Pam Beesly, everyone's favorite receptionist turned non-traditional student from The Office 📝📚 Pam's journey into higher ed reminded us that it’s never too late to chase your dreams—just like so many adult learners and transfer students out there! And let’s be real... hosting a convo with Jenna Fischer (Pam herself!) to dive even deeper into Pam’s story? That’s still on our bucket list. 👀💫 Putting that out into the universe. ✨ Let’s make it happen! 💭 Tell us: What’s your favorite non-traditional student storyline in pop culture? Drop it below! 👇 #FirstGenAndJuice #MyTribeMedia #Throwback #NonTraditionalStudents #TheOffice #PamBeesly #AdultLearners #TransferNation #BucketListConversations

DID YOU KNOW: La'Tonya "LT" Rease Miles's new memoir, SMART GIRL, is published under the My Tribe Media imprint? That's right: our very first publication for authors who want to take an independent route. Smart Girl is now available for pre-sales on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. https://bit.ly/49T5G7J https://bit.ly/3DqjVom

We have a special opportunity for My Tribe Media followers--a sample chapter from the upcoming memoir, Smart Girl, by co-founder La'Tonya "LT" Rease Miles. 🥳 To guide your reading, here are a few reflection questions to consider: How did friendships or community support play a role in building your confidence during a challenging time? Can you relate to moments of tension with a parent or loved one during a pivotal period in your personal growth? How did you navigate those challenges? We would love to hear your thoughts or reflections on this chapter, so feel free to reply and share your insights. Smart Girl will be available for pre-order soon. https://lnkd.in/gzX46p-2

It's that time of year. My Tribe Media (formerly First Gen Nation) is pleased to present the nominees for the fifth annual Catalyst Awards. We urge you to engage with these texts, to connect with the creators, and to share these stories within your networks. Winners will be announced in February 2025. These awards are sponsored by ADEii Health and we currently are seeking additional sponsors. Contact La'Tonya "LT" Rease Miles or Heather Adams for more information.

The 2024 Catalyst Awards nominations will be revealed on Monday, December 2nd. In the meantime, here's a friendly reminder of the best books of the 21st century about the first-gen experience. Make sure you have these in your library.

At My Tribe Media, we believe that creativity is not just a personal act—it is a revolutionary one. As the legendary Toni Morrison reminds us, this is "precisely the time when artists go to work." In moments of uncertainty, art heals, inspires, and unites. Whether through storytelling, writing, music, or visual expression, artists remind us of our shared humanity and give voice to the change we long to see. We want to encourage you to keep creating and to lean into your artistry. The world needs your vision, your voice, and your truth now more than ever. If you're seeking a community that celebrates and amplifies diverse creatives, you're not alone—we see you, and we are with you. As we prepare for the official launch of My Tribe Media in early 2025, we are building spaces where changemakers, storytellers, and advocates can connect, collaborate, and amplify their impact. Together, we will ensure that every voice, especially those historically underrepresented, has a platform. Keep an eye out for more details about our launch, upcoming events, and resources. In the meantime, let’s honor Toni Morrison’s call to action: Speak, write, and create. Civilizations heal through art and through community. #MyTribeMedia #ArtAsActivism #CreativityForChange #CommunityBuilders #ToniMorrisonWisdom #StorytellingMatters