Paths in Progress

Early in his life, Elliot was positively influenced by his Art teacher, who challenged his way of thinking that led him to an interest in architecture and space.  After focusing on architecture in his schooling, study abroad in Belgium, undergraduate degree, early career years, and Masters degree at MIT, Elliot realized that he wanted to take on projects with a unique approach, utilizing his experience. Join us for this conversation about how Elliot’s path organically led him to the work he does today with his company, brightspot, and how a degree in Architecture can teach you valuable skills to use across a variety of fields.  

You can find his book, How to Get the Most out of College, his podcast of the same name, and other resources at www.elliotfelix.com. 

Growing up in a French immersion program in Louisiana, Maggie knew she wanted to pursue her love of language and culture in her collegiate studies and career path–but how do you do that?  Growing up with a single mom, Maggie knew she needed to work hard to earn scholarships for college, and also find ways to fund her desire to study abroad.  Little did she know, she would one day become a Study Abroad Advisor, then Director, and now be a Director of Global Engagement at a major university.  Join us for this conversation about Maggie’s journey to find a rewarding career path that utilizes everything in her background to help students experience the life changing decision to study abroad.  This episode includes tips and advice for students interested in a collegiate study abroad experience.    

Professor Noe Marmolejo is a Master Teacher and storyteller who has impacted thousands of students over the course of his teaching career.  Noe describes how his path was shaped by his Latino roots and childhood in a small Texas town with parents who both worked in education. Additionally, Noe was heavily influenced by the guidance and mentorship of the men in his community after his father passed away. Throughout his teaching career, Noe has continued to perform professionally as a trumpet player, often intentionally alongside his former students.  Join us for this conversation about education, teaching philosophy, musicianship, discipline, mentorship, and the importance of continuous learning and reflection as an educator.  

There are numerous opportunities for student employment on college campuses, which can be a convenient and valuable experience while in college.  Little did Greg know, that experience would influence much of his career path through today.  Listen to Greg’s story about why he moved from studying Computer Science to Psychology, how he chose his graduate course of study, and why he is now working with college students during the day and as a therapist at night.  There were a lot of experiences along his path, including working with veterans, children in the foster care system, and as a bereavement counselor that contribute to his work today. Greg will also tell you why you should visit your campus Career Services office and how they can help you take the next step on your path.  Utilize this important campus resource!  

Growing up in a household where both of her parents were police officers, Lauren developed a deep desire to serve and make a positive impact on her community.  She naturally progressed to pursue a Criminal Justice degree and a career with the Houston Police Department.  Lauren shares her story and describes the process one experiences as they apply, train in the Police Academy, work, and promote through the organization. Lauren shares how she and her husband, also a police officer, are able to raise a family and support each other’s career.  If you have an interest in becoming a police officer or serving your community in some capacity, listen to Lauren’s story! 

If you are interested in pursuing a career with the Houston Police Department, please go to www.hpdcareer.com. 

From a young age, Hina knew she enjoyed working with children and somehow wanted to incorporate that into her career–as long as she wasn’t a pediatrician like her mother!  Hina went through most of her college career without pursuing pre-med, so she was able to have experiences outside of the traditional pre-med track that still significantly contributed to her future path.  As a new resident of NYC on 9/11, Hina’s plans changed when she fell in love with the city and decided to stay.  Join us for this conversation about her experience through college, medical school, residency, and fellowship, as well as the important work happening in the field of Adolescent Medicine.  In the last few years, Hina has emerged as a public voice for the field and has learned how a career in medicine can unexpectedly look much different than a traditional path.

You can follow Hina and learn from the important information she posts at @teenhealthdoc on Instagram and at www.drhinatalib.com.

From a young age, Ross was exposed to visual art and encouraged to create with a variety of mediums. This early exposure to art, in addition to his enjoyment of childhood experiences building forts and igloos in the snow, influenced his developing interest in architecture.  Ross explains the vast field of architecture and the many ways students can study and pursue this field, while also explaining some misconceptions people have about what skills they must have to become an architect.  From his journey through his childhood and teenage years, undergraduate studies, internships, and a graduate program, Ross describes his path and the advice he has for students who wish to pursue architecture.  You will likely think about architecture in a new way, once you listen to this enlightening conversation! 

Steph knew she wanted to have a career in the music industry, but she never knew she would end up where she is today! Join us for this conversation about how Steph’s interests and jobs took her through music journalism, record label promotion, tour management, and eventually landed her where she never expected:  tax preparation, and all of the complicated pieces that artists have with that, from money management to copyright to song credits to studio session fees and more.  This knowledge and ability to advise artists led to her music management, educating students through her classes, and clients through her coaching.  Steph is a great example of someone who does incredibly important work in the artist ecosystem, without actually being the artist herself.  

You can learn more from Steph on her podcast, When Songs Mean Business, here:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/when-songs-mean-business/id1592996723 

Both of Andrea’s parents were geologists, so Andrea definitely did NOT want to be a geologist….until she realized how much she loved her geology classes!  After loading up on science courses in her first two years at a community college, Andrea transferred to a four year institution where she majored in Geology, double minored in Geography and Oceanography (which is what she wanted to pursue in her career), with a certificate in remote sensing GIS technology.  Little did she know that her first job out of college would set the course for the next 20+ years of her career in Disaster Science, including her Masters degree in Disaster Science.  If you have ever wondered about the people working tirelessly to predict disasters, report data about disasters, respond to disasters on the ground, and later rebuild back better after disasters–don’t miss this conversation!  

That love for Oceanography never left Andrea, as evidenced in her recently published first novel, Beneath the Deep, available here:  https://www.andreachatman.com/ 

Kelly began her college journey majoring in Journalism, then Graphic Design, and then her love of Literature guided her to finish a degree in English with Teaching Certification.  For a period of time, she describes her path like being inside a pinball machine (can you relate?). Kelly tells us the story of how she was serendipitously led to law school, and eventually to her dream job with The Conservation Fund.  She spent 10 years in Washington, DC during an exciting time in environmental policy, working as a lobbyist (the good kind!) to help secure and preserve public lands.  Kelly tells us about a number of projects she has worked on, and how we can look around to learn how our national park lands and our local public parks are formed and protected.  Whether you are interested in law school, becoming a lobbyist, or have a passion for parks and land conservation, don’t miss this enlightening conversation about Kellys' meaningful work.