TrevEchoes Podcast Ep. 1: Christmas Away from Home: International Students at Trevecca

Michelle Loria Alvarado

Executive Editor

This episode examines the experiences of international students who stay on Trevecca’s campus during Christmas break, highlighting the challenges of spending the holidays far from home and the support systems in place to help them feel connected.

Through interviews with Eliana Pena, senior physical exercise major and international student from Colombia, Rebecca Merrick, director of global engagement, and Zack Church, associate dean for residential life, the episode explores how the university fosters community during the quiet weeks of winter break.

It also revisits the notable 2020 moment when Vice President and Dean of Student Development Jessica Dykes went door to door delivering gifts and checking on students after the Nashville bombing, underscoring Trevecca’s commitment to student care.

Interviewees:

Eliana Pena – International Student from Colombia and Senior physical exercise major at Trevecca

Rebecca Merrick – Trevecca’s Director of Global Engagement

Jessica Dykes – Vice President and Dean of Student Development

Zack Church – Associate Dean for Residential Life

Audio Websites used:

Pixabay: https://pixabay.com/

Adobe Stock: https://stock.adobe.com/

All music used under appropriate royalty-free or Creative Commons licenses.

Host & Writer:

Michelle Loria Alvarado

Producer / Audio Editor:

Michelle Loria Alvarado 

Recorded at:

Trevecca Nazarene University

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