What happens when the path you chose no longer fits? Andrea Sotomayor shares her journey from pre-med student to entrepreneur, strategist, and founder, with honest lessons on failure, resilience, and self-awareness. This episode is for students and professionals learning that success is rarely a straight line.
Dr. Fred Fuentes joins The Way to College Podcast to share a powerful story of growth, resilience, and purpose. From being told he was not “college material” to serving in the military, earning multiple degrees, and dedicating his life to mentoring others, Dr. Fuentes reflects on what it means to take ownership of your journey. In this episode, we talk about first-generation experiences, mental health, mentorship, legacy, and the importance of believing in yourself even when the path is unclear....
In this episode of The Way to College Podcast , Dr. Jose Saldivar sits down with Kayla Mendez , a climbing arborist and business owner based in San Antonio, Texas. Kayla shares how an unexpected entrepreneurship class during her final semester of college helped shift how she saw her future and opened her mind to building something of her own. Their conversation explores uncertainty, entrepreneurship, comparison, persistence, and the pressure young people feel to have everything figured out early...
In this episode of The Way to College Podcast , Dr. Jose Saldivar sits down with licensed funeral director and embalmer Arielle Caraveo. We talk resilience, reinvention, and pivoting when life does not go according to plan. From academic probation at UT Austin to launching her own funeral home and founding a nonprofit inspired by her own traumatic birth experience, Arielle shares a story marked by courage, faith, and perseverance. Throughout the conversation, Arielle reflects on entrepreneurship...
In the second part of my conversation with @ KenMillerSpeaks is a practical masterclass on mentorship, boundaries, and life skills . In this episode, we talk about: Why mentorship matters (and what a real mentor actually does) The 4 life skills Ken believes college students should build: Self-audit/self-reflection Learning how to ask for help and opportunities Public speaking and confidence Learning how to say no (boundaries = leadership) How overload and overcommitting can quietly derail your p...
From foster care to the Ivy League to rebuilding after addiction and rock bottom. Ken Miller’s story is proof that your next chapter can be your best one. Ken and Dr. Jose Saldivar talk self-esteem, counseling, guilt vs. shame, Ken’s “4 buckets” growth framework, and why you should “not play in the gray.” 🎧 Follow, listen, and share with someone who needs hope today. Content note: addiction, incarceration, suicide attempts. (U.S. support: 988)...
In this week’s episode of The Way to College Podcast , I’m joined by Dr. Hortencia Jimenez, a sociologist and tenured community college professor at Hartnell College . Dr. Jimenez is also a certified health coach + fitness instructor, and a creator who’s building a powerful platform around identity, healing, mental health, and body liberation. We talk about: redefining “education” beyond classrooms how sociology gave her language for understanding systems, power, and belonging navigating academi...
In this episode of The Way to College Podcast , Dr. Jose Saldivar sits down with Mya Andersen, independent academic life coach and founder of The Student Empowered , to break down the hidden curriculum of college, or the stuff students aren’t explicitly taught, but are still expected to master. Mya has spent 20+ years working on campuses and saw the same pattern again and again: support is often passive, and schools intervene only when there’s a crisis. But when the conversation starts at crisis...
This week on The Way to College Podcast , I’m joined by Jeannie Salinas , founder of Book-E Bus, the Rio Grande Valley’s first mobile bookstore . Jeannie’s story is a masterclass in pivoting with purpose : from earning her business degree at The University of Texas-Pan American, working in retail, helping run her family’s insurance business, and eventually turning a lifelong love of books into a full-on community experience on wheels. In this episode, we talk about: How she turned a side hustle ...
This episode is the reminder you didn’t know you needed. Dr. Jose L. Saldivar sits down with Behdad Jamshidi , a former engineer who became a marketing connector , helping businesses avoid costly mistakes by pairing them with the right marketing partners. He’s spoken with 1,100+ agencies/experts , and what he learned applies way beyond marketing: your career grows at the speed of your relationships. If you’re a student, early-career professional, or someone trying to pivot… this one’s for you. ✅...
Who shapes what Texas students learn? Dr. Jose Saldivar talks with Thomas Ray Garcia , an educator and candidate for the T exas State Board of Education (District 2), about curriculum, textbooks, graduation requirements, charter approvals, and what families are truly concerned about right now: literacy, safety, and the attention economy.
In this episode of The Way to College Podcast , Dr. Jose Saldivar sits down with Jillian Reilly (joining us from Cape Town, South Africa ) to talk about the invisible “success script” so many students feel pressured to follow — and how to rewrite it with courage, clarity, and action. We unpack: Why the “linear life” is a myth (and what to do instead) How to stop outsourcing your choices to approval from others The difference between support, resources… and permission A practical way to take your...
Too many families are told, “Just apply for scholarships,” and then left to figure it out alone—while tuition climbs and student debt keeps stacking. To kick off a new season of The Way to College Podcast , Dr. Jose Saldivar sits down with Jocelyn Pearson , founder of The Scholarship System , to break down what actually works when you’re trying to make college affordable—especially for families stuck in the “income gap” (not enough aid, not enough cash). You’ll hear: How to “follow the money” wh...
In this episode of The Way to College Podcast , Dr. Jose Saldivar talks with Kevin Krebs , a first-generation college graduate and founder of Hello College . Kevin shares how his parents’ belief that education is the great equalizer shaped his journey from immigrant roots to Northwestern University and ultimately to building one of the world’s leading college planning companies. He offers practical advice for students and families navigating the admissions process — including his SAFE framework ...
In this week’s episode of The Way to College Podcast , Dr. Jose Saldivar sits down with motivational speaker and author Jonathan Medina — America’s #1 School Motivator . From a shy middle schooler in the Rio Grande Valley to a Georgetown University graduate and national speaker , Jonathan shares how a single college visit through GEAR UP sparked his dream, how one counselor’s doubt nearly stopped him, and how another educator’s belief changed everything. Listen as Jonathan reflects on his journe...
In Part II of my conversation with Dr. Cristóbal Rodríguez , Associate Vice Provost for Equity-Centered Initiatives at Arizona State University, we explore the politics shaping education today—and the urgent need to build coalitions across communities. Dr. Rodríguez discusses the threats facing public education, the role of systemic inequality, and how division undermines opportunity for all students. But amid the challenges, he reminds us that hope endures—in the stories of students, families, ...
In this episode of The Way to College Podcast , Dr. Jose Saldivar sits down with Dr. Cristóbal Rodríguez , a leading voice in education policy and equity. From growing up in El Paso to earning a congressional scholarship that took him to Germany at age 16, Dr. Rodríguez shares the pivotal moments that shaped his journey. He reflects on working with migrant and tribal communities, serving on the White House Commission on Educational Excellence, and why affirming students’ cultural and familial as...
This week on The Way to College Podcast , Dr. Jose Saldivar speaks with brothers Jack and Evan Goldstein about their unique journeys and their mission to transform the college search experience for students. Jack Goldstein is a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania, studying political science and exploring opportunities in law and politics. Evan Goldstein is a high school sophomore at Jesuit High School in Portland, Oregon, navigating extracurriculars, mock trial, and his first steps toward...
What does it mean to follow curiosity through every stage of life? This week, Dr. Jose Saldivar sits down with Ben Yzaguirre , Vice President of Education & Conferences at the School Nutrition Association. From a childhood spent exploring his home in rural Maryland to teaching high school history, to designing curriculum, and ultimately finding his place in the world of associations, Ben’s story highlights the importance of staying true to yourself while embracing change. In this episode, Be...
This week, Dr. Jose Saldivar sits down with Iuri Melo , licensed clinical social worker, author, and co-founder of SchoolPulse . From his journey growing up in Portugal to building a proactive student mental health platform, Iuri shares how adaptability, curiosity, and a commitment to growth shaped his path. In this episode: The twists and turns of Iuri’s educational journey Why it’s okay to not have “just one” purpose or career path How SchoolPulse is redefining student mental fitness Practical...
This week on The Way to College Podcast , I welcome Daniel Santos , founder and CEO of Prepory. They have guided over 14,000 students worldwide through the college admissions process. Daniel opens up about his educational journey, the lessons he learned along the way, and how those experiences inspired him to help students and families navigate the complex college admissions process. www.prepory.com Listen in as we discuss: ✔️ Why starting early in high school is critical ✔️ How authenticity bea...
Trailblazer La Tonya “LT” Rease Miles returns to share the story behind her memoir Smart Girl and new Smart Girl podcast. We talk first-gen identity, breaking the “one path” myth, and why telling your story matters now more than ever. Check it out, now! #firstgen #smartgirl #podcast #journey #paths #story Smart Girl Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2459505/episodes/17411979
In this episode, I sit down with Justin Reyes—South Texas native, Texas A&M alum, and mission-driven professional—who shares his powerful journey from a small ranching town to leadership roles in national associations and professional networks. Justin opens up about: The influence of his hardworking mother Navigating imposter syndrome and academic probation in college How getting involved transformed his college experience The unexpected career path that led him to Washington, D.C. His advic...
Pamela Maldonado—sports betting analyst for ESPN and the Tennis Channel—joins The Way to College Podcast to share how she transformed curiosity, hustle, and self-taught skills into a national media career. We explore: Her bold move from Texas to Las Vegas with no plan Breaking into media without a journalism degree Lessons from poker that apply to life and work How she built a brand around analysis and storytelling The power of leaning into what brings you joy Pamela’s story is a reminder that s...
In this episode of The Way to College Podcast , I sit down with Sam Bernstein, co-founder of Loper , a free mobile app designed to guide high school students through their college and career exploration journey. Sam shares how his professional journey started at a prestigious hedge fund in New York City. Feeling unfulfilled, Sam began creating a student-centered tech platform to address educational inequality. We dive into his personal journey, the pivotal moments that reshaped his purpose, and ...
In this episode, attorney Ezra Brown joins me to share his powerful journey—from growing up in a working-class Jewish household to practicing law and leading pro bono efforts at the border. Ezra opens up about the culture shock of attending UT Law, the hard lessons he learned navigating the LSAT, and the strategies he used to avoid crushing law school debt. He also offers actionable advice for aspiring law students, especially those from first-gen backgrounds. 🎧 Whether you're thinking about la...
Maria Jose Cook moved to the U.S. at 14, undocumented and uncertain about her future. Today, Maria is the Associate Director at ISPOR and travels the world connecting leaders in healthcare. In this episode, Maria shares how self-advocacy, grit, and staying true to her values helped her build a fulfilling life and career. A must-listen for anyone navigating uncertainty or carving out their unique path. Let's jump in. #podcast #healthcare #journey #nonprofit #latina #latinaleadership #story...
This week on The Way to College Podcast , I’m joined by Sam Garcia —a Mission, Texas native who went from taking dual credit courses at South Texas College to earning a degree from Harvard Law and becoming a partner at the venture capital firm Amplo . In this episode, Sam shares: How early planning (and a few strategic A’s) helped him get into Harvard Law Why dual credit courses in high school can shape your future more than you think What it means to take smart risks—even when you don’t have it...
From immigrant kid in Miami to Executive Director of a national organization, Dr. Celia Chomon Zamora’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and radical self-belief. In this episode, we talk about the power of language, walking away from West Point, navigating rejection, and finding your true calling—even when it doesn’t come with a roadmap. Celia opens up about leading with purpose, advocating for heritage speakers, and why failure is often the best teacher. 🎓 Whether you're a student, edu...
What does it take to leave a stable career, move countries, and start a company from scratch—all in the name of purpose? In this episode, Sharon Samjitsingh, CEO and co-founder of Healthcare Originals, shares her inspiring journey from Trinidad and Tobago to Rochester, NY, where she launched a startup helping people with asthma and COPD thrive. We talk resilience, first-gen college life, the immigrant founder experience, and why the long game matters more than overnight success. Check it out! #E...
