In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The Panther Experience, Will and Daniela sit down with Professor, veteran, mentor, and SGA advisor Kevin Coakley—one of the most influential and inspiring figures at Palm Beach State College.

From his early years in Queens and his life-changing service as a B-52 crew chief in the Air Force, to his accidental entry into higher education and 15 years of shaping student leaders, Coakley shares raw insights about resilience, responsibility, and the true purpose of education.

He opens up about the moments that shaped him—personal loss, rebuilding after 9/11, and the joy he finds in listening deeply to students. Together, the hosts and Coakley explore the power of SGA, what leadership really looks like, why civic engagement matters more than ever, and how every student’s voice can transform a campus.

The episode features a rapid-fire 60-Second Mentor Challenge, stories from Belle Glade and Loxahatchee Groves, and uplifting reminders that sometimes all a student needs is someone to believe in them.

Whether you're a new Panther, a developing leader, or someone searching for purpose, this episode delivers wisdom, humor, and genuine heart.
Fear the Claw!

Daniel Gil Sánchez — former PBSC Student Trustee, SGA President, founder of The Panther Experience, and construction management student at FIU.

In this milestone episode, the hosts welcome back the student who helped build the Panther Experience from the ground up. Daniel shares his journey as a first-generation student, the impact of his mother’s sacrifices, and how growing up in Indiantown shaped his drive to lead and uplift others. He reflects on founding the Panther Experience, building student government at the Loxahatchee Groves campus, and designing the Eden Escape Butterfly Garden to keep students engaged on campus.

Daniel also dives into his growth at FIU, his work in construction management, renewable energy internships in Texas, and his passion for combining construction with public policy. Throughout the episode he emphasizes dreaming big, finding mentors, staying grounded in faith, and building community wherever you go. The hosts close with a photo segment exploring Daniel’s leadership milestones, major awards, family memories, and future ambitions.

In this episode, hosts William and Arshikia welcome Tyler Kollinger, president of the PBSC Honors College and a former Navy calibration technician. Tyler shares his journey from eight years of military service—including time spent in Italy—to becoming a computer science and engineering major with a minor in quantum engineering. He reflects on how his Navy discipline, problem-solving experience, and global perspective shaped his approach to leadership and learning.

Tyler discusses his fascination with quantum computing, his dedication to mastering material through hours of self-study, and his philosophy that “straight A’s are the bare minimum.” He emphasizes that success is about progress, self-improvement, and persistence—not just grades or titles. The conversation also explores his acceptance to the University of Colorado, his insights on time, self-discipline, and the power of second chances in education.