AWC Podcast Episode Explores AI's Growing Impact on College Classrooms

Arizona Western College's student-run Siendo Primero podcast dropped a new episode March 19 titled "The AI Elephant in the Classroom," taking listeners inside a recent AWC campus event by the same name. Hosts Saghey Barcenas and Melanie Ruiz Lopez produced the 20-minute episode, published through KAWC at 11:37 a.m. MST.

The episode frames its central question plainly: "Artificial intelligence is everywhere, but how is it actually changing our lives as students?" It answers by exploring AI from multiple angles, including candid campus stories and AI's practical role as a tool in student life. Six voices appear in the episode: Brian Lizarraga, Bhelem Baltierra, Regina Figueroa, Muñeca Fimbres, Dr. Trisha Campbell, and Shayla Rosenbaum.

Siendo Primero is hosted by KAWC-KOFA interns and designed for first-generation students at Arizona Western College, which serves Yuma and La Paz counties, with the goal of encouraging others to pursue higher education. The program was created by Arizona Western College students specifically to discuss the experiences of those who are the first in their families to attend college.

This semester's run of Siendo Primero brought Barcenas back alongside a new voice, Melanie Ruiz Lopez. The two previously covered scholarship applications, first-generation student experiences, and campus job opportunities in earlier 2026 episodes before turning their attention to the AI conversation.

Students interested in sharing their own stories for the podcast can reach the show at info@kawc.org. The episode is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Pandora.