The Way to College Podcast

In this episode of The Way to College Podcast, Dr. Jose Saldivar sits down with Kayla Mendez, a climbing arborist and business owner based in San Antonio, Texas. Kayla shares how an unexpected entrepreneurship class during her final semester of college helped shift how she saw her future and opened her mind to building something of her own.Their conversation explores uncertainty, entrepreneurship, comparison, persistence, and the pressure young people feel to have everything figured out early. Kayla speaks honestly about choosing an unconventional path, building a business through setbacks, and learning to follow curiosity rather than other people’s expectations.This episode is a powerful reminder that success does not always follow a straight line — and that sometimes the most unexpected opportunities can shape your future in the biggest ways.In this episode, we discuss:Why you do not have to have your life figured out at 18How unexpected opportunities can lead to meaningful workThe realities of entrepreneurship and starting from scratchWhy curiosity, openness, and persistence matterWhat students can learn from unconventional career journeys

In this episode of The Way to College Podcast, Dr. Jose Saldivar sits down with licensed funeral director and embalmer Arielle Caraveo. We talk resilience, reinvention, and pivoting when life does not go according to plan. From academic probation at UT Austin to launching her own funeral home and founding a nonprofit inspired by her own traumatic birth experience, Arielle shares a story marked by courage, faith, and perseverance. Throughout the conversation, Arielle reflects on entrepreneurship, work-life balance, grief, motherhood, and the power of pivoting without losing sight of your purpose. This episode is for anyone navigating setbacks, chasing a dream, or trying to build a meaningful life despite unexpected challenges.

In the second part of my conversation with @KenMillerSpeaks is a practical masterclass on mentorship, boundaries, and life skills. In this episode, we talk about:Why mentorship matters (and what a real mentor actually does)The 4 life skills Ken believes college students should build:Self-audit/self-reflectionLearning how to ask for help and opportunitiesPublic speaking and confidenceLearning how to say no (boundaries = leadership)How overload and overcommitting can quietly derail your purposeKen’s guiding principle: “Seek truth… then do the next indicated correct thing.”If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next move, this episode will help you get clear and take the next step.🎧 Follow The Way to College Podcast for more honest conversations and practical tools for college, career, and life.

From foster care to the Ivy League to rebuilding after addiction and rock bottom. Ken Miller’s story is proof that your next chapter can be your best one. Ken and Dr. Jose Saldivar talk self-esteem, counseling, guilt vs. shame, Ken’s “4 buckets” growth framework, and why you should “not play in the gray.”🎧 Follow, listen, and share with someone who needs hope today.Content note: addiction, incarceration, suicide attempts. (U.S. support: 988)

In this week’s episode of The Way to College Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Hortencia Jimenez, a sociologist and tenured community college professor at Hartnell College. Dr. Jimenez is also a certified health coach + fitness instructor, and a creator who’s building a powerful platform around identity, healing, mental health, and body liberation.We talk about:redefining “education” beyond classroomshow sociology gave her language for understanding systems, power, and belongingnavigating academia as a parentchoosing family and community over prestige and having zero regretswhy protecting your mental health isn’t optionaland what it looks like to be unapologetic about who you areThis is a powerful episode, one that I'm sure will resonate with my listeners. If this episode hits home, share it with one other person and remember, our stories matter.Follow Dr. Hortencia Jimenez:🌐 www.hortenciajimenez.com📸 Instagram: @drhortenciajimenez🎵 TikTok: @drhortenciajimenez