Episode 197 – Finding Confidence and Building Mental Fitness with Iuri Melo
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.
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Daniel Santos: Breaking Down the College Admissions Journey on The Way to College Podcast
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
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Sitting Down with First-Gen Trailblazer La'Tonya "LT" Rease Miles
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
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Justin Reyes on Purpose, Persistence, and Paying It Forward on The Way to College Podcast
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
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Pamela Maldonado: How a Poker Hobby Turned into an ESPN Career
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.
The Way to College Podcast examines the multiple roads we take to get to college and beyond. Guests share their individual stories of success, failure, and what they did to push forward to find success.
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