In this special Christmas Eve podcast, and final episode of 2018, Tricia Miller, M.Ed, LPC, catches up with one of her former high school students in this motivating and light-hearted conversation between former counselor and student. Just finished with his first semester in college at the University of Houston, Malek Sarage, shares his wisdom in finding the right connections, persevering through obstacles in adolescence and pursuing opportunities related to his passion in fitness. Raised in a first-generation, Libyan household, Malek speaks on the influences of his family and culture in shaping his character.  In addition, the honest and open 18-year-old attributes a solid foundation in high school at Westchester Academy of International Studies (WAIS) in helping him with skills needed for a successful college transition.  Once a struggling and unmotivated student in middle school and high school, Malek openly shares his story and his path toward achieving academic success, building a healthy mindset and surrounding himself with positive influences.Malek finished with straight A’s in his first semester in college.  In addition to managing a full-time school load, Malek juggles work life, as well as volunteers at the Memorial Hermann Ironman Sports Institute in Houston, TX.