Paths in Progress

Mya was a first generation college student who credits her high school guidance counselor and a workplace mentor with encouraging her to seek a college degree to reach her full potential.  She originally decided to major in Public Policy to later attend law school, but she found herself drawn to working on a college campus and making an impact on student lives in higher education.  Mya explains the benefits of college coaching and how we can help students be successful in their first year of college and beyond.  This episode will benefit not only students, but she also shares fantastic advice and resources for parents and those who work in higher education.  

David began college wanting to be an opera singer, but aggressive cancer treatment forced him to find a new dream.  In this episode, David explains the fascinating worlds of political consulting, marketing consulting, and big data. If you have any interest in working in politics or running for office, you will gain valuable insight listening to this conversation. Students in any field can learn from David about building relationships, establishing your professional reputation, the value of hard work, and how to find a new, rewarding path when your initial dream is no longer possible.  

Teenage Kelly wanted to be a Broadway star or an elementary school teacher, but then she fell in love with her medical mission work in the Dominican Republic.  That experience led her to live and serve there for two years, followed by the completion of her Bachelors degree in Spanish after she returned home to the states.  A few years of battling her own medical issues while enrolled in medical school eventually led her to nursing school. Kelly feels she is truly where she is meant to be, educating and helping new moms and their babies.  If you are interested in working abroad or entering the medical field, you should listen to this episode. 

This episode features a married couple who have had similar changes in their educational and career paths.  Jonathan earned two degrees in Piano performance and taught Piano privately until he realized that he really wanted to go back to school and become a doctor.  Sarah earned her degree in Flute Performance, always knowing she probably wanted to teach, and went on to (very successfully) teach Math, which eventually led her to realize she wanted to become an Engineer.  Completely changing career and educational paths can be scary, but Sarah & Jonathan have encouraged and supported each other through these challenging decisions.  

Kristin is one to be open to opportunities and try new things, which is evident in her story for this episode!  Kristin attended undergrad in New Orleans where she studied Business and Mandarin Chinese, while also committing as a cadet in ROTC on a significant scholarship. After college, she became an Army officer, where one of her assignments had her stationed in Korea. As a dentist, she now works primarily with children and tells us about her interest and experience working in public health.  Despite not knowing what career she wanted to pursue while in high school and early college, Kristin’s path has been exciting and successful!  

Tara has experienced many twists and turns along her path as a musician to her career as a freelance Opera Stage Director.  Join us for this fun conversation about her undergrad and graduate degrees in vocal performance, the freelance life, her financial planning workshop, moving across the country a few times, managing time between gigs, and the needlepoint canvas shop she launched on Etsy during the pandemic!  Her Financial Planning ebook is available at www.tarafaircloth.com and her Etsy shop is One Part Whimsy. 

Even if school is “not your thing”, it doesn’t mean that there isn’t a college program out there to suit your strengths and interests!  Jake talks about his academic journey and how the kid who struggled in math landed his first job at NASA--literally witnessing history!  He explains how this career path can be successfully pursued through salaried positions or freelancing, including the importance of networking.  

Adam knew from a young age that he wanted to be a firefighter, but he didn’t realize how many other opportunities existed within this field!  Adam talks with me about his journey, and also outlines the education that is required to begin as a firefighter and be promoted throughout your career.  Additionally, he tells us about the work schedule and life experience of a firefighter, as well as what it’s like to own and operate a Fire Investigation business.  

From the time he was a little boy, Mike was obsessed with all things car, truck, and construction vehicles.  He carried that interest all the way to college, where he found the perfect program to learn about the automotive industry, earn his Bachelors degree, and be prepared to work in a variety of positions across these industries.   If you are interested in working with cars, trucks, construction, and farm equipment, this is the episode for you! 

Emily was an award winning journalist before she even graduated from college, where she completed three majors in four years.  Emily soaked up her experiences at her college newspaper, her study abroad to Spain, and her internships, all of which she used throughout her career.  She has launched a magazine, lived in Cabo, started her own freelance business (more than once!), and is now writing for executives of Fortune 500 companies.   Join us for the thoughtful wisdom she has to share from her journey.