What if there were more paths to success than just a four-year university degree? As we embark on this fascinating exploration into the decision-making process of choosing between a community college or a four-year university for your teen, we aim to debunk some of the myths you may have heard. The choice isn't simply black and white - each option has its own unique benefits and challenges that we will explore in depth to help you and your teen make the best choice for their future.

During our discussion, we highlight the often overlooked benefits of community colleges: financial savings, flexible structure, smaller class sizes, and a more personalized learning experience. But we also dive into the comprehensive experiences that a four-year university can offer, such as in-depth study, diverse extracurricular activities, and networking opportunities. We even tackle the tough conversations you need to have with your teen about their aspirations and career goals. This episode provides you with valuable insights and tips to navigate this crucial decision-making process. So let's embark on this journey together and explore the exciting world of college and career readiness.

Episodes mentioned: Anxiety, my personal experience + Conquering the chaos within 

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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
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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"

Are you one of the many parents navigating the tricky waters of the Common App? Fear not! Your guide on this journey, Sonia Cacique, is here to demystify this essential tool for your child's college application process. Packed with insights and specific tips for every grade level, this episode is designed to make the application process smoother and more successful. We'll journey through every section of the application, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and early preparation.

From personal information to academic history, extracurricular activities to essay prompts - we've got all bases covered. This isn't just about getting your application right; it's about fostering a journey of self-discovery and self-actualization for your child. Sonia Cacique will share strategies for allowing your child's unique personality and achievements to shine through their application, making it compelling for college admissions. Regardless of where your child is in the process, Sonia is here to help. Tune in, grab your coffee or tea, and get ready to navigate this exciting journey together.

Episodes Referenced:
Setting Up Your Best School Year: Cultivating Personal Growth, Embracing New Beginnings, and Successful Goal Setting (Back-to-School Special Edition)

The Common App: https://www.commonapp.org/ 

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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"

Meet Andy Garcia, whose journey started with dreams of becoming a doctor and metamorphosed into a love for advanced mathematics. The transition wasn't smooth, and he shares how he navigated the highs and lows with resilience and determination.

Andy's college experience, like many, was an emotional rollercoaster. From the elation of acceptance to the loneliness of the first week, he encountered daunting academic work, intense competition, and homesickness. But through these challenges, Andy found his community by joining student organizations and discovered the importance of having an open mind about different paths to success. He sheds light on the importance of preparing for life's stressors, and how physical activities, like running in Central Park, became his outlet for stress.

As we wrap up, we delve into the lessons learned from Andy's journey. He shares the importance of learning from mistakes and how being open and vulnerable can create a transformative college experience. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, community, and a positive mindset. So tune in and be inspired by Andy Garcia's journey through Columbia University.

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 wonder how the journey of a first-generation college student at Harvard looks like? Meet Kassandra Rodriguez, a determined Harvard student with ambitions of making it big in the field of surgery. Kassandra's inspiring journey, filled with hard choices and smart decisions, serves as an excellent guide for students and parents embarking on the challenging voyage of higher education.

Kassandra's academic journey was no less than an adventure, where she judiciously balanced academic rigor and extracurricular activities to stand out in the crowd. She didn't stop at that! She harnessed the power of several external programs like Matriculate, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, and Questbridge, that paved her way to Harvard. Kassandra’s story is a testament to the power of setting goals, taking small steps to achieve them, and utilizing resources effectively.

Kassandra’s experiences go beyond just academics. She stresses upon the importance of building connections and networking for a prosperous future. By sharing anecdotes from her life, she emphasizes the power of good communication skills and how mentors can play a substantial role in shaping your college journey. Wrapping up the episode with a call to action, we encourage you to remain focused and spread the word about the community. We welcome you to join us, as we soak in and learn from Kassandra's wisdom throughout this enlightening episode.

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"

¡Prepárate para una conversación apasionante e inspiradora con nuestra invitada, Cassandra, una estudiante de primer año en Harvard, cuya historia de superación va a encender tu espíritu! Si alguna vez te has preguntado cómo sería crecer en la frontera entre dos culturas, mudarse a un nuevo país y adaptarse a su sistema educativo, mientras te abres camino hasta una de las universidades más prestigiosas del mundo, ¡este episodio es para ti! 

Nos adentramos en los desafíos y las alegrías de la experiencia de Cassandra, desde su infancia en la frontera de México hasta su vida actual en Harvard. Escucharás cómo su familia, su comunidad y diversos programas de apoyo, como el Hispanic Scholarship Fund y la mentora de Johns Hopkins, jugaron un papel crucial en su trayectoria. Discutiremos cómo Cassandra logró equilibrar su vida académica, su trabajo y sus ambiciones a largo plazo, proporcionando valiosos consejos para otros estudiantes y sus familias en situaciones similares.

Finalmente, también hablamos sobre la importancia de compartir nuestras experiencias y aprendizajes para ayudar a otros. Desentrañamos la importancia de la mentoría y la búsqueda de recursos para alcanzar los objetivos académicos. ¡Te invitamos a unirte a nosotros en esta conversación llena de inspiración y consejos útiles, para ayudarte o ayudar a tus seres queridos a encontrar la universidad correcta y hacer posible lo imposible! ¡No te lo pierdas!

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 ready to make this school year your best one yet? Join me, Sonia Cacique, as I share my top tips for taking control of the year ahead, whether you're entering your first year of high school or stepping into your senior year. I’ll explain why every new school year holds immense potential for personal and academic growth, and how reflecting on past experiences can guide your future. I’ll also share why embracing new beginnings is a golden opportunity to redefine yourself and explore new passions.

But it doesn't stop at self-discovery. We'll delve into the powerful role of goal setting in achieving a successful year. I’ll guide you through breaking down your aspirations into actionable steps and how an accountability partner can keep you focused and motivated. So tune in, because this episode is packed with tools and strategies designed to help you navigate the exciting journey of high school and beyond. Together, we’ll make this school year a launchpad for your success. Let’s get started, shall we?

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"

Kellina is a deaf coach and advocate, a podcast speaker, a best selling author, and a passionate entrepreneur on a mission to help young adults with disabilities achieve their goals while also educating others about the deaf community.  What makes her story even more incredible is that Kellina is actually a hard of hearing person who lost 100% of her hearing at the young age of 4. 

Being hard of hearing hasn’t stopped her from pursuing her dreams including gaining her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from York University and post-graduate certificate in Mental Health and Addiction, becoming a life coach, and an Amazon best selling author with her first book, “Everyday I Am Just Deaf.” Join us in this incredible story of triumph, success and determination. This inspirational story will help us all learn about how to tap into resources that will help us overcome any challenge and teach us how to execute self advocacy!

Just as we explore:
-Advocating for your self, your needs and desires
-College resources for those with a disability
-How to lean on to others for support
-How to accomplish your dreams, goals, ambitions no matter what the obstacles you encounter
-Find proof through her experience of what is possible for you, too!

She will share with us:
-Her experience attending college and completing her degree in Psychology against all odds
-Becoming an Amazon best selling author with her book Everyday I am Just Deaf
-And so much more.

If you personally have a disability and want to be encouraged by someone who can understand you like no one else could, connect with Kellina: Instagram or you may visit her Website. Here is your community!

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"

Maximize Your Summer for College & Career Readiness before school starts! In this episode we will have insightful tips with specific examples on how to maximize the remainder of the summer especially for all of our high school students out there!

🌞 Make the most of your summer break! 🌟 It's not too late to enhance your college and career readiness.

Remember, there's still time to achieve greatness. Embrace the present moment and take action towards your goals. You've got this! 💪💫

Episodes mentioned #26 & #27

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"

Being a Physician Associate (Physician Assistant) can be a remarkable career. One that is unfortunate is underrepresented by minorities. This is your opportunity to hear first hand from a Latina who is making strides in this honorable field. Paola Gonzalez MPAS, PA-C is a bilingual clinical provider for over 19 years in Family Practice. She has spent the last 17 years of her career working at MD Anderson in Houston, TX. With her we will explore the career, her career journey and the many opportunities available within this career. Today we will explore:

• Career as a Physician Associate (formerly known as a Physician Assistant)
• Experience as an ESL student who came to the states at the age of nine
• How a single person (in this case her physics teacher) changed the trajectory of her life
• Changing ones plan when things get tough or doesn’t go as planned
• The role of a Physician Associate (PA)
• Collaborative work between PAs and Physician's forming a team
• History of PAs and the name change to Physician Associates
• What PA schools are looking for in applicants
• Career in Oncology as a PA and the many opportunities in various specialties
• Organizations to help support students interested in the career
• Scholarship opportunities
• The impact of bilingualism within our Latino community

Organizations mentioned
American Academy of Physician Assistants
PA for Latino Health
African Heritage PA Caucus
Asian American and Pacific Islander PA Caucus
Other Caucus for PA

About Paola Gonzalez MPAS, PA-C
Contact her
Fun Fact, Favorite Playlist: Mana & Carlos Vives

#PhysicianAssociate #PhysicianAssistant #PA #PAcareer #PAjourney #MinoritiesInMedicine #LatinainMedicine #BilingualProvi

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"

Let's look take a closer look at the services available to EVERYONE in college whether you are are a first year college student (or soon to be) or a graduate student! 

Dr. Severance (PhD) join us today, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our discussion. Her insights into advanced academics and her passion for empowering students will undoubtedly inspire and enlighten us all.

In this episode, Dr. Severance shares STEP-BY-STEP plans to navigate college and explore the abundant RESOURCES available to you. But before we dive in, here's a quick heads-up: we'll be discussing Gifted and Talented (GT) students and special populations, primarily in the beginning, as we delve into the background of these programs.

But wait! This episode is for EVERYONE, no matter your academic background. We've got VALUABLE information for all students, particularly when we discuss tips applicable to college life. If you're eager to jump straight into the college tips and advising, don't fret! Check our show notes for the exact timestamp to start listening from.

Topics we cover:

• Neurodiversity
• Gifted and Talented
• Special Services for All
• Free Services (already covered through your tuition)
• College Advising
• College Tips
• Diversity
• First GENS
• First Semester of College
• College Load during first semester
• Self Advocacy
• Tutoring for all
• Office Hours during College
• And so much more.

Join us on this empowering journey with Dr. Severance, and get ready to elevate your college experience! 🎓✨

Links reference on this episode: 

Neurodiversity and Gifted Education https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/going-beyond-intelligence/202107/neurodiversity-and-gifted-education
Book Recommendation: The Inequality Machine: How College Divides Us

Episodes referenced:

#33. Navigating Career Paths with Confidence + Open conversations with your parents https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/college-career-ready/id1640305533

#16. Home away from home, new traditions and homesickness with Kaycia Ellingsen https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcas

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"