Are you ready to cut through the haze of confusion that often surrounds the question of HOW TO PAY FOR COLLEGE? Join us in a conversation with renowned higher education expert, Abisola Ude, aka the College Funding Queen. She has been featured on ABC News, Fox News, CNBC, and so many other news outlets and today she is here to share her tips and tricks with the College & Career Ready Community!

A passionate advocate for educational equity, unravels common misconceptions about this journey, emphasizing the importance of starting your financial aid process early and making smart choices in your college selection.

Listen to this episode and get ahead of the game.  Be one of the first to listen and empower yourself. We talked about topics that many aren't openly speaking about. Join us!

Ways to connect with the College Funding Queen:
Instagram
TikTok
Website

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DiscoverU Career and Leadership Empowerment is designed for women and moms just like you—navigating the challenges of career, family, and personal growth. Whether you’re re-entering the workforce, craving more purpose in your career, stepping into leadership, or simply ready to reclaim your time and energy, DiscoverU provides the tools, coaching, and support to help you rise with confidence. Visit www.CollegeCareerReady.org

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Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join

Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE

"Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"

Part 2 [Listen to Part 1 of this episode]: Have you ever wrestled with the ambition of following your career path only to face countless rejections and hit endless roadblocks? Meet YY (as her baseball family likes to call her), a woman who walked that path, but pressed on relentlessly toward her dream job with the Seattle Mariners. In our conversation, Yvette continues to unveil her journey of persistence, from continuous applications, internships, to bagging a rewarding opportunity with the Rainiers and the Mariners Taxi Squad during the pandemic.

We shift gears to an emotional milestone in Yvette's life - that nerve-racking three-hour interview with the Mariners, and the joyous news of her appointment that arrived just before her 30th birthday. As Yvette savoured the sweet taste of VICTORY with her incredibly supportive family, life threw a curveball - with an unexpected diagnosis. Hear how this love for the MARINERS not only brought her family closer during this tough time, but also ignited in her a desire to give back to others.

Join us as we explore the power of chasing passions with Yvette. This isn't just another success story, but a TESTAMENT to the importance of creating your own opportunities, nurturing meaningful connections, and the unyielding courage to keep propelling towards your dreams. Tune in to this empowering narrative of RESILIANCE, FAMILY SUPPORT, and the relentless pursuit of DREAMS, and be inspired to chart your own unique journey.

Connect with YY:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yvetteyza/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvetteyza/

Send us a text

DiscoverU Career and Leadership Empowerment is designed for women and moms just like you—navigating the challenges of career, family, and personal growth. Whether you’re re-entering the workforce, craving more purpose in your career, stepping into leadership, or simply ready to reclaim your time and energy, DiscoverU provides the tools, coaching, and support to help you rise with confidence. Visit www.CollegeCareerReady.org

Connect with Sonia Cacique
LinkedIn
Instagram

Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join

Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE

"Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"

Ever dreamed of turning your passion into a career? Join us on a fascinating journey with Yvette Yzaguirre, a Senior Activation Specialist with the Seattle Mariners. Yvette, a first-gen college grad, turned her love for baseball into a thrilling adventure, right from the Spokane Indians to the Seattle Mariners. We explore how her heart for baseball and the sense of community it fosters, propelled her into the sports industry. Tune in to discover how preparation, adrenaline, and a dash of nerve assist in acing conversations with high-profile individuals.

Yvette recounts her trajectory from being just another baseball fan to an integral part of the industry. Hear about her time as a promotions intern with the Spokane Indians, and the crucial role networking played in her career. Yvette also gives us a peek into the exciting world of hosting teams like the Tacoma Rainers, Tacoma Defiance, and OL Reign, and the nuances of transitioning fields from baseball to soccer. Don't miss out on this inspiring story of a woman who turned her passion into her profession and is now living her dream with the Seattle Mariners.

Connect with YY:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yvetteyza/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvetteyza/

Send us a text

DiscoverU Career and Leadership Empowerment is designed for women and moms just like you—navigating the challenges of career, family, and personal growth. Whether you’re re-entering the workforce, craving more purpose in your career, stepping into leadership, or simply ready to reclaim your time and energy, DiscoverU provides the tools, coaching, and support to help you rise with confidence. Visit www.CollegeCareerReady.org

Connect with Sonia Cacique
LinkedIn
Instagram

Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join

Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE

"Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"

Are you a student interested in learning more about Biomedical or Cancer Research? Are you a parent wanting to help your child one day pursue medical school?

Here is a great opportunity available for HIGH SCHOOL, UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS and even EDUCATORS. This is an invaluable experience especially for students and educators alike especially for underrepresented groups interested in pursuing careers in biomedical and cancer-related research. She brings her unique experiences and insights into her current role at the HUNTSMAN CANCER RESEARCH, where she champions diversity in biomedical and cancer research. 

Elizabeth Morales, a first-generation student who achieved the seemingly impossible coming from humble beginnings, overcoming all hurdles to graduate from the University of Utah is now an advocate for first-generation students. She is the Programs Manager for PathMaker at The Huntsman Cancer Institute. She is currently working on enhancing the diversity pool to this amazing one-of-a-kind program.

 We navigate through the application process for a two-year cancer research program that invites students throughout our country to apply! With travel, food and lodging included, this is a one-of-a-kind opportunity. She also shares the importance of internships.

The conversation takes an interesting turn as we delve into the importance of diversity in job applications. Learn how students from under-represented communities can beat the odds through self-advocacy, perseverance, and a learning mindset.

About our guest:
Elizabeth Morales
Linked In

About the PathMaker Programs at Huntsman Cancer Research
Applications open up in January, but visit the page today so you can start learning about the program and be ready to apply when application opens!

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DiscoverU Career and Leadership Empowerment is designed for women and moms just like you—navigating the challenges of career, family, and personal growth. Whether you’re re-entering the workforce, craving more purpose in your career, stepping into leadership, or simply ready to reclaim your time and energy, DiscoverU provides the tools, coaching, and support to help you rise with confidence. Visit www.CollegeCareerReady.org

Connect with Sonia Cacique
LinkedIn
Instagram

Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join

Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE

"Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"

Today our journey to helping our teen be College & Career Ready takes a detour into the often-misunderstood world of teen depression. This episode is in honor of October 5th National Depression Screening Day. Our teens overall mental well-being and mental health takes precedence to helping them in their college and career readiness. Having personally experienced depression, I'm opening up this important dialogue to help parents and educators navigate these rough waters. We'll be looking at alarming statistics, exploring the definition and causes of teen depression, and most importantly, identifying the telltale signs that require intervention.

In this timely discussion, we'll be breaking down reliable screening tools and methods, and discussing the significant role of mental health professionals and school-based programs in combating this global crisis. Our aim is to arm you with the knowledge and resources to facilitate early detection, intervention, and create a supportive environment for our teens. Step into this critical conversation and equip yourself to make a difference in your teens life.

Episode to #7: A Conversation on Children's Mental Health with Licensed Psychologist - Dr. Gushanas

Here are some of the resources Dr. G shared with us on that episode:
Child Mind Institute: My favorite mental health resource for parents and youth: childmind.org (has articles in Spanish too)
Galveston County Suicide Prevention Coalition- open to anyone to be a member: https://galvestoncountyspc.wixsite.com/gcspc & on Twitter: @gcspctx
- There are a ton of good resources listed there on the "Get Help" page, but my favorite for parents is: Parent Guide to Suicide
For Texas: TCHATT telehealth services- Statewide initiative as part of the Texas Child Mental Healthcare Consortium. Available through most public schools already, or coming soon if not yet: find out more TCHATT - Texas School Mental Health (schoolmentalhealthtx.org)

Send us a text

DiscoverU Career and Leadership Empowerment is designed for women and moms just like you—navigating the challenges of career, family, and personal growth. Whether you’re re-entering the workforce, craving more purpose in your career, stepping into leadership, or simply ready to reclaim your time and energy, DiscoverU provides the tools, coaching, and support to help you rise with confidence. Visit www.CollegeCareerReady.org

Connect with Sonia Cacique
LinkedIn
Instagram

Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join

Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE

"Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"

Ep. 47 Have you ever felt the weight of the world on your shoulders, grappling with the anxiety of deciding your life path while navigating the pressures of high school? Our guest, Nicole, a junior computational engineering major at UT Austin, went through just that, but with a twist. She had a steadfast determination not to follow her parents' engineering footsteps. Yet, a summer camp and a chance encounter with the field, her love for computational engineering emerged. 

Journey with us as we discuss Nicole's college experience and her strategies for networking and standing out at career fairs and expos. We also delve into her exciting internship journey at Oxy, an oil, and gas company in Houston. From the recruitment process to applying theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, Nicole shares it all. She also emphasizes the importance of asking questions and seeking help, a strategy she used to overcome her physics class challenges. 

Nicole doesn't stop at sharing her journey; she also offers invaluable advice for exploring careers, applying for scholarships, and deciding on a university. This episode is not only informative but also truly inspiring. Get ready to be motivated and perhaps find answers to some questions you've been grappling with!

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DiscoverU Career and Leadership Empowerment is designed for women and moms just like you—navigating the challenges of career, family, and personal growth. Whether you’re re-entering the workforce, craving more purpose in your career, stepping into leadership, or simply ready to reclaim your time and energy, DiscoverU provides the tools, coaching, and support to help you rise with confidence. Visit www.CollegeCareerReady.org

Connect with Sonia Cacique
LinkedIn
Instagram

Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join

Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE

"Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"

Picture this: Your teen has just told you their college plans have changed. Your heart drops. But what if I told you, these setbacks are actually stepping stones, not failures? In this episode, your host Sonia Cacique unravels how to navigate through the choppy seas of change, especially when it comes to our teens and their college and career plans.

Sonia dives deep into how to help your teen develop a growth mindset, the power of resilience, and how to set realistic goals. She stresses the importance of maintaining open lines of communication, validating your teen's feelings, and guiding them in analyzing the situation to find the root cause of their setbacks. We also explore why we're so afraid of change and how societal pressures might be influencing your teen's anxieties. You’ll walk away with actionable strategies to help your teen bounce back stronger than ever before. Plus, a special gift awaits - a two-week pack of ready-to-send motivational text messages for your teen that will soon be released. So get ready to shift gears and face change with a renewed sense of optimism!

Article referenced in the episode from the Child Mind Institute

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DiscoverU Career and Leadership Empowerment is designed for women and moms just like you—navigating the challenges of career, family, and personal growth. Whether you’re re-entering the workforce, craving more purpose in your career, stepping into leadership, or simply ready to reclaim your time and energy, DiscoverU provides the tools, coaching, and support to help you rise with confidence. Visit www.CollegeCareerReady.org

Connect with Sonia Cacique
LinkedIn
Instagram

Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join

Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE

"Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"

Get ready to learn more about the SAT and ACT with our guest, Shahar Link, owner and CEO of Mindspire Tutoring and Test Prep. Shahar, with his 18 years of teaching and tutoring experience, breaks down the key differences and similarities between these two standardized tests. You'll discover the ins and outs of the new digital SAT, and why taking a few practice tests might be the magic solution to decide which one suits you best.

But the conversation doesn't stop there! We dive into the world of test preparation, highlighting the significant role it plays in a student's success story. Shahar provides terrific advice on how students can maximize their scores, influence their college journey positively, and potentially snag some scholarships along the way. We also shed light on the accommodations available for students, the predictability of these exams, and how parents can gain valuable insights into their child's performance. So, gear up for an enlightening ride with us and Shahar Link.

Our College & Career Ready listeners will get a 10% DISCOUNT on all packages if they mention our show, so head over to www.Mindspire.com and get access to this special discount!

Send us a text

DiscoverU Career and Leadership Empowerment is designed for women and moms just like you—navigating the challenges of career, family, and personal growth. Whether you’re re-entering the workforce, craving more purpose in your career, stepping into leadership, or simply ready to reclaim your time and energy, DiscoverU provides the tools, coaching, and support to help you rise with confidence. Visit www.CollegeCareerReady.org

Connect with Sonia Cacique
LinkedIn
Instagram

Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join

Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE

"Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"

Are you prepared to demystify the world of college information sessions? Strategize with us as we decode what these sessions are, how to track them down, and proven techniques to optimize the experience. We're gearing up to supply you and your teen with all the tools you need to confidently navigate the path to higher education. So subscribe, review, and share this podcast to keep it alive!

Arm yourself with valuable tips to get the maximum benefits from these sessions, starting as early as 9th grade. This episode is more than just about attending info sessions; it's about being proactive, prepared, and poised to seize these opportunities as stepping stones towards robust academic foundations and meaningful extracurricular engagement. We also offer invaluable advice on sharpening your approach, preparing questions about majors, admission requirements, and scholarships, and a comprehensive guide to the Common App, your ultimate tool for college applications. Buckle up for an enlightening journey to becoming college and career-ready!

Episodes referenced in today's episode:

Websites mentioned:
College Board: https://www.collegeboard.org/
CAPPEX: https://www.cappex.com/

Send us a text

DiscoverU Career and Leadership Empowerment is designed for women and moms just like you—navigating the challenges of career, family, and personal growth. Whether you’re re-entering the workforce, craving more purpose in your career, stepping into leadership, or simply ready to reclaim your time and energy, DiscoverU provides the tools, coaching, and support to help you rise with confidence. Visit www.CollegeCareerReady.org

Connect with Sonia Cacique
LinkedIn
Instagram

Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join

Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE

"Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"

Have you ever wondered about the myriad of career opportunities within the field of Biomedical Engineering? If so, join us for an enlightening chat with our return guest, Andy Garcia. His insightful exploration into the diverse routes available to biomedical engineers may just spark your curiosity. Andy lays out the roadmap for those with a passion for math and science, excellent communication skills, and a keen interest in understanding the human body, as he discusses everything from medical school to niche fields like biomedical engineering for space exploration.

Andy's personal story is one that emphasizes the power of perseverance and the willingness to explore various paths. He shares his strategic approach to his job search, applying early and widely to internships, fellowships, and job roles. His determination landed him a role at NASA just before his graduation, proving that a dedicated approach can open doors to incredible opportunities. But his journey doesn't end there - Andy takes us through his pivot from a career in engineering to his newfound passion for education, and his daring leap into the political arena by running for his local school board.

Lastly, Andy offers some pearls of wisdom on the invaluable lessons that come from embracing failure. He candidly shares his experiences with setbacks and how they have been integral to his personal growth. Andy's story is a testament to the idea that failure is not a dead end, but rather a stepping stone to self-discovery and learning. His experiences shine a light on the importance of resilience, adaptability, and continual learning in the pursuit of one's passion. So, if you're interested in Biomedical Engineering or simply seeking inspiration from an individual's journey through life, this is one conversation you won't want to miss.

Episodes mentioned:
Journey through Columbia University: Transition, Resilience and Success with Andy Garcia

Helpful websites if interested in this career:
A Career as a Bioengineer or Biomedical Engineer
Best Jobs U.S. News Biomedical Engineer

Send us a text

DiscoverU Career and Leadership Empowerment is designed for women and moms just like you—navigating the challenges of career, family, and personal growth. Whether you’re re-entering the workforce, craving more purpose in your career, stepping into leadership, or simply ready to reclaim your time and energy, DiscoverU provides the tools, coaching, and support to help you rise with confidence. Visit www.CollegeCareerReady.org

Connect with Sonia Cacique
LinkedIn
Instagram

Join our College and Career Connections Club for free at www.CollegeCareerReady.org/join

Learn about our Career Connections Course: www.CollegeCareerReady.org/COURSE

"Stay well, be present, and enjoy the journey"