The Way to College Podcast

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, Ben shares:How boredom sparked a lifelong curiosityWhy small colleges can be the right fit for introvertsLessons learned from leaving the classroomOvercoming imposter syndrome when working with world-class expertsThe role of associations in professional and personal growth✨ Quote to remember: “Be bored, and then be curious.”Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on education, career pivots, and building a fulfilling professional journey.

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 journeyWhy it’s okay to not have “just one” purpose or career pathHow SchoolPulse is redefining student mental fitnessPractical advice for students: go into the world with confidence🎧 Tune in for a powerful conversation on resilience, reinvention, and the importance of proactive mental health support for young people.

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.comListen in as we discuss:✔️ Why starting early in high school is critical✔️ How authenticity beats any “secret formula”✔️ The importance of reflection and challenging the stories we tell ourselves✔️ Why the how of college matters more than the whereWhether you’re a student preparing for applications or a parent supporting your child, this episode offers valuable strategies and perspective.#CollegeJourney #AdmissionsProcess #Prepory #CollegeReadiness #EducationPodcast #StudentSuccess #TheWayToCollege

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 #storySmart 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 motherNavigating imposter syndrome and academic probation in collegeHow getting involved transformed his college experienceThe unexpected career path that led him to Washington, D.C.His advice for first-year students and those applying to college nowWhether you’re a student, educator, or professional, this episode is a reminder that your path may not be linear—but it’s always yours to shape.🎧 Tune in and get inspired by Justin’s story of resilience, growth, and service.#TheWayToCollegePodcast #FirstGenVoices #CollegeSuccess #LatinoLeadership

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 planBreaking into media without a journalism degreeLessons from poker that apply to life and workHow she built a brand around analysis and storytellingThe power of leaning into what brings you joyPamela’s story is a reminder that success isn’t always planned—and that sometimes, taking a chance on yourself is the best bet you can make.

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 how Loper is helping students discover the right post-high school path—whether it’s a four-year university, trade school, or something else entirely.💡 Highlights:Why Sam walked away from Wall StreetThe role of privilege and perspective in college accessHow Loper personalizes the college discovery processAdvice for students feeling overwhelmed by decisions“Time is long,” Sam reminds us, encouraging young people to be patient with the process and open to growth along the way.🎙️ Tune in to hear how one app is helping students reimagine what comes next.

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 LawWhy dual credit courses in high school can shape your future more than you thinkWhat it means to take smart risks—even when you don’t have it all figured outHis path from law school to teaching at Harvard and leading VC dealsThe story behind writing for Forbes and The Guardian while still a student💡 Whether you're a student, educator, or professional, Sam’s journey is a masterclass in intentionality, hustle, and saying yes to opportunity.🎧 Listen now and learn how to stack the odds in your favor—starting today.

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, educator, or mid-career dreamer, this is for you. Let's jump in!

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!#EdEquity #WomenInTech #FoundersJourney #CollegeToCareer #TheWayToCollegePodcast #ImmigrantFounder #FirstGenSuccess

This week, Felida Villarreal, President and CEO of VIDA eht no em snioj ,podcast. From early college to CPA to nonprofit leadership, Felida shares how her educational journey and openness to opportunity led her to mission-driven work transforming lives across the Rio Grande Valley. This is definitely an episode you don't want to miss.

In this powerful episode, author Dorotea Reyna shares her journey from a small South Texas pueblo to Stanford and UT Austin—and how language, identity, and memory shaped her path. We discuss the bittersweet experience of gaining academic success while feeling cultural loss, the power of storytelling, and what inspired her to write Los Cedros: A Tejana Memoir.From resisting silence to honoring her community with words, Dorotea reminds us that our voices matter—and that sometimes, writing is the most powerful form of resistance.📘 Get her book: Los Cedros: A Tejana Memoir💬 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

🎧 New Episode Drop!Carlos Cardenas is living proof that detours don’t define you — persistence does.From serving his country to serving his community, Carlos opens up about his educational journey, his battles with self-doubt, and his drive to elevate Latino leadership.If you’ve ever needed a reminder that your story isn’t over, this is it.👉 Listen now!#Persistence #VeteranVoices #LatinoExcellence #WayToCollegePodcast

In this episode, I sit down with Mayra Valle—educational consultant, facilitator, and owner of Mayra V. Strategy. From growing up in a close-knit immigrant community in Houston to launching her own consulting business, Mayra shares a journey rooted in resilience, culture, and community. We talk about identity, the power of education, learning to rest, and what it truly means to be community-made.🔑 Topics: first-gen student experience, college transitions, education equity, entrepreneurship, cultural identity, self-care

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Vanessa Fonseca Chavez—Associate Dean of Inclusion and Student Success and Assistant Vice Provost at Arizona State University—takes us through her powerful journey from rural New Mexico to academic leadership.Vanessa reflects on the early experiences that shaped her—being underestimated, navigating college as a young mother, and discovering her purpose through language and culture. Her story is one of grit, identity, and the impact of community support.Whether you're a student trying to find your way, a professional facing self-doubt, or someone searching for meaning in your work—this episode is for you.Tune in to hear:✅ Why resilience matters more than a perfect GPA✅ The value of asking questions and owning what you don’t know✅ How embracing your identity can lead to professional purpose#journey #grit #resilience #education #latina #Chicana #newmexico #asu

How does one go from being a first-generation college student to a trailblazing educator? In this episode of The Way to College Podcast, Dr. Roberta Treviño shares her inspiring journey through higher education, the mentors who shaped her path, and her mission to create opportunities for future generations.Dr. Treviño’s story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of education to transform lives. Whether you’re a student navigating your college journey or an educator looking for ways to support first-gen learners, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Check it out now and don't forget to share the podcast. #FirstGenSuccess #EducationMatters #zapata #southtexas #latina #TheWaytoCollegePodcast

🎙 Episode 179: Finding Purpose Through Conservation with Sara Lopez 🌿In this episode of The Way to College Podcast, we sit down with Sara Lopez, founder of The Jungle Journal, to explore her inspiring journey from the fast-paced world of advertising in New York to the heart of rainforest conservation in Mexico’s Lacandona Jungle.Sara shares how studying abroad in Morocco first ignited her passion for cultural exploration, why she walked away from corporate life to pursue more meaningful work, and how she’s now using storytelling and education to raise awareness about environmental conservation.🌎 Listen as we discuss:✔️ The power of stepping outside your comfort zone✔️ Finding purpose through travel and cultural connection✔️ The evolution of The Jungle Journal from a publication to a movement✔️ Why educating young people about conservation is more important than everSara’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, forging your path leads to the most fulfilling work.#Podcast #PodcastEpisode #NewPodcast #PodcastLife #Podcaster #Conservation #Rainforest #EnvironmentalAwareness #Sustainability #EcoWarrior #EducationMatters #StudentSuccess #LifelongLearning #Inspiration #Motivation #GrowthMindset #FollowYourPassion #LevelUp🎧 Tune in now!

How do you stand out in a competitive world? Kelley Francis, Executive Director of the High Tech Foundation, shares her inspiring journey from a determined high school student to a leader in tech education. In this episode, we talk about the power of boldness, the impact of mentorship, and why stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to your biggest breakthroughs.Tag a friend who needs to hear this! ⬇️ #WayToCollegePodcast #Mentorship #CareerSuccess #BoldMoves #TechEducation

🎙️ From Stand-Up to Standout: The Journey of Jacob James GarciaWhat happens when a stand-up comedian discovers his true stage isn’t just comedy clubs, but classrooms and conferences?This week on The Way to College Podcast, I sit down with Jacob James Garcia, a comedian-turned-motivational speaker and children’s author. Jacob shares his incredible journey—how 23 years in stand-up prepared him for a career inspiring students, educators, and professionals with humor, perspective, and heartfelt storytelling.We talk about resilience, finding purpose in unexpected places, and why embracing life’s detours can lead to the most fulfilling destinations. Whether you're chasing a dream, navigating career shifts, or simply in need of a good laugh, this episode is for you!Check it out now and don't forget to share the episode with one other person. #podcast #journey #MotivationalSpeaker #Inspiration #MindsetMatters #DreamBigWorkHard #BeYourOwnBoss #Comedian #StandUpComedy #ComedyLife #LaughOutLoud #Humor #Hopecore #PositiveVibes #GrowthMindset #Resilience #OvercomingObstacles