In this episode, Dr. Matt Newlin sits down with three incredible students — Bjorn Mauritsen, Ella Bussell, and Herjok Panther Deng Agot — who share their journeys from rural communities to the University of Notre Dame, where they now serve as Rural Admissions Interns.

We explore the unique challenges rural students face when navigating the college admissions process, from limited access to test preparation and guidance counseling to financial barriers and cultural differences on campus. The conversation digs deep into how growing up in rural areas shapes students’ perspectives on community, connection, and success — and why intentional, equity-focused outreach matters.

Bjorn, Ella, and Panther also share their work as Rural Admissions Interns, where they’re helping Notre Dame better understand and support prospective students from rural backgrounds. Through outreach, campus programming, and sharing their lived experiences, they’re working to make the path to college clearer and more accessible for students from small towns and remote areas.

Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, or higher ed practitioner, this episode offers insights into how rural student voices can shape more inclusive recruitment and retention strategies.