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.

In this inspiring episode, hosts Ignacia Piraino and Arshikia Stephens sit down with Dean Jyrece McClendon, a passionate educator and leader at Palm Beach State College. Dean McClendon shares her journey from being a first-generation college student to becoming an influential academic leader. She reflects on balancing her many roles—as a dean, professor, advisor, and lifelong learner—while emphasizing the importance of “protecting your yeses” and staying grounded in purpose.

The conversation explores the value of empathy in leadership, finding motivation through service to others, and redefining student success beyond grades. Dean McClendon also discusses the need to reignite a love for learning, the unseen work behind academic leadership, and her belief that education—though it looks different for everyone—is truly for everyone. She ends with a powerful reminder to appreciate the privilege of education and embrace every opportunity to learn and grow.

In this episode, hosts Guillermo Anderson and Areshika Stevens sit down with Michael Derilus, Palm Beach State’s new student trustee and vice president of the Honors College. Michael shares his journey from struggling academically in high school to becoming a first-generation college student leader with a 3.92 GPA. He credits mentorship, persistence, and programs like Summer Bridge for sparking his transformation.

Michael discusses what the student trustee role means—bridging the gap between students and faculty—and emphasizes representation, unity, and being a voice for all students at PBSC. He reflects on lessons learned about confidence, leadership, and the importance of starting now rather than waiting for the “perfect moment.” The episode also touches on his personal life, hidden talents like playing the violin, and his perspective on growth, perseverance, and community.

In this episode, hosts Areshika Stevens and William welcome back Head Coach Tay Norwood of Palm Beach State men’s basketball, along with standout guard Javon “JoJo” Palavra. The conversation dives into the program’s legacy of excellence, emphasizing that PBSC basketball is about more than wins—it’s about developing young men into leaders, students, and community role models.

Coach Norwood reflects on building character, accountability, and preparation as the foundation for success, while JoJo shares how his growth on and off the court has shaped his time at PBSC. They discuss leadership, time management, handling pressure, and the importance of finding one’s role within the team. The episode also touches on memorable adjustments in games, the balance between ambition and humility, and the high expectations for the upcoming season.

PBSC Athletics home page

In this episode of The Panther Experience, hosts Daniela Perez and Arshakia Stevens sit down with Nina Nesbit, a Palm Beach State student, PTK member, and Kimmel 25 alumna. Nina shares her passion for anthropology, her love for art and music, and how community and mentorship have shaped her college journey.

We dive into:

• Why anthropology inspires her curiosity about human culture and connection

• The role of music and art as universal expressions of the human soul

• Her published writing in Sabaduría on the impact of social media and self-image

• How volunteering, creativity, and academic growth have prepared her for big dreams—like pursuing studies in New York or even abroad

• Advice for students who want to publish their own writing and research

Nina’s story is one of resilience, discovery, and the power of embracing opportunities that come your way.

In this episode of The Panther Experience, we sit down with Jacoby Waters, CEO of Young Men of Distinction and a dedicated Palm Beach State student. Jacoby shares his powerful journey—from chasing his passion for music to founding a nonprofit that uplifts young men through mentorship, leadership, and community.

We explore:

• How Palm Beach State helped him finish what he started and reignite his educational journey

• The mission behind Young Men of Distinction and its focus on self, leadership, and community

• Inspiring success stories of transformation and resilience among the young men he mentors

• The importance of mental health, life skills, and soft skills in today’s world

• What it truly means to lead with accountability, adaptability, and heart

Jacoby’s story is a reminder that leadership is about action, not titles—and that one person’s commitment can ripple across a whole community.