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My First Day

First days can be exhilarating, terrifying — or a mix of both. They mark the beginning of life’s chapters and define who we ultimately become. My First Day is a KPBS Explore series that explores these important days through people who came to San Diego from elsewhere, and now call it home. Produced and hosted by Andrew Bracken.

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  • Robert Lopez, later known as El Vez, plays his first punk rock show at age 16, in the early days of the genre.
  • Shira Robbins goes to medical school to become a doctor, unsure of where it will take her.
  • Reggie Robertson arrives on the campus of University of California at Berkeley, and struggles with how to be a football player and a student.
  • Anna Tarabrina came to California and quickly fell in love. A routine doctor's visit put her love story on fast-forward.
  • When Charles McPherson first saw "Bird" Charlie Parker play he said, "I want to be that." Now, he's one of the most renowned saxophonists in San Diego.
  • Jane Via discovered a passion for Catholicism early in her life. Her strong faith ultimately forces her to test the boundaries of the Church she so dearly loves — and even faces excommunication.
  • Ben Betz goes to Coronado Island to become a Navy SEAL.
  • Artists Einar and Jamex de la Torre think they're taking a vacation. But they soon learn they’re leaving their home in Mexico for a new life in a new country.
  • He’s from an isolated Alaskan island. Cy Kuckenbaker, after receiving a devastating Christmas gift, leaves for San Diego and promptly begins a necessary early-life crisis.
  • Victoria Barana came as a wide-eyed 19-year-old from Brazil looking for an adventure and to learn English. She found a lot more along the way, including a visit from Dad.