Culture, Rest, and the First-Gen Journey with Sarah Diaz

About this episode

Iyana Anderson and Sara Diaz discuss the intersection of culture, mental health, and the experiences of first-generation students.

In this episode, I'm joined by Sara Diaz, a licensed clinical social worker, first-generation Cuban American, and the founder of The First Gen Madrina. Sara was also one of our speakers at this year's Women in Wellness Summit. Together, we talk about the impact of culture, its beauty, its richness, and also the parts many of us are learning to unlearn. Sara shares her personal journey as a first-generation college student, how navigating mental health challenges shaped her path into social work, and why rest is not a betrayal of our families' sacrifices, but a way to honor them. We also explore the realities first-generation students face in college spaces that were not always built with them in mind, the mental health barriers they encounter, and the importance of mentorship, community, and culturally affirming support. Sarah reflects on what it means to hold on to our cultural values while also choosing ourselves, slowing down, and redefining success on our own terms. This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and consider what you may want to leave behind as the year ends, what you're ready to unlearn, and how you want to move into the new year with more intention, rest…

People in this episode

Host: Iyana Anderson

Guest: Sara Diaz

Topics covered

• cultural identity
• mental health
• first-generation students
• rest and self-care
• mentorship
• community support

Keywords

• first-generation college
• mental health challenges
• cultural values
• rest
• self-improvement
• community support
• mentorship

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The First Gen Madrina

Places: Cuban American

More episodes of Mental Health Unscripted

• Feeling Off? A Grounded Conversation About Energy Healing, Balance, and Coming Back to Yourself · February 8, 2026 · 22 min
• Pausing With Purpose: Trauma, Rest, and Learning to Pivot · January 29, 2026 · 19 min
• From Coping to Transformation: Dr. Olivia Yearns on Values, Alignment & Relationships · January 22, 2026 · 23 min
• You Belong in This Room: A Look Into the Women in Wellness Summit · January 15, 2026 · 14 min
• Beginning Again, Gently · January 8, 2026 · 7 min
• Still Abundant: Reframing Scarcity, Success, and Purpose · December 29, 2025 · 18 min