The Way to College Podcast

Jose L. Saldivar
  • 5.0 (22)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

The Way to College Podcast examines the multiple roads we take to get to college and beyond. Guests share their individual stories of success, failure, and what they did to push forward to find success.

  1. Jun 12

    Building Skills with College Works Painting's Sean Phelps

    Sometimes the most important lessons we learn don't happen in a classroom. On this week's episode of The Way to College Podcast, my guest is Sean Phelps. Sean is the President of College Works Painting, and he offers some valuable advice for current college students. Sean shares how growing up with hardworking parents, taking on jobs at a young age, and seeking out opportunities early helped shape his college and career path. Today, he helps college students build real-world skills by teaching them how to run their own painting business, from sales and customer service to hiring, budgeting, leadership, and problem-solving. This conversation is a must-listen for students and parents who want young people to understand one simple truth: don’t wait until graduation to start building experience. If you’re a student trying to figure out your next step, or a parent wondering how to help your child prepare for life after college, this episode offers practical advice, honest reflection, and a powerful reminder that work experience can build confidence, direction, and opportunity. Listen now and share this episode with a student who needs to hear it. Sean's Links:www.collegeworks.com - for internships or summer jobs with college works https://www.kaceai.tools/ - for students wanting career help using ai tools (built by sean) www.seanpatrickphelps.com - to sign up for Sean's newsletter www.linkedin.com/in/sean-phelps-2754782 - for Sean's LinkedIn

    40 min

  2. May 21

    Building Skills and Building Dreams with Galveston College's, James Love

    Everybody talks about college.Not enough people talk about skills. In this episode of The Way to College Podcast, I sit down with Mr. James Love, welding program director at Galveston College, and his story is exactly what students need to hear right now. James didn’t follow a perfect path. He made mistakes. He hit a roadblock. His original dream of working in pharmacy got shut down. But instead of letting that moment define him, he found another lane. That lane was welding. And it changed everything. James went from learning in the field, working in shipyards, and building a career with his hands to now leading one of the fastest-growing welding pathways for students in Galveston. Today, he’s helping young people earn college credit, gain real skills, and step into careers that can change their lives. This episode is about more than welding. It’s about second chances.It’s about work ethic.It’s about not quitting when life redirects you.And it’s about recognizing that success does not have to look the same for everybody. Students, parents, educators, counselors, this one matters. Listen now to hear how James Love turned a setback into a pathway and how he’s helping students build futures they can be proud of. Check it out now, and if this episode resonates with you or you think others NEED to hear it, share it.

    32 min

  3. May 11

    The Career Jungle Gym with Kate Crane

    What if your career is not supposed to be a straight line? If you're a regular listener of The Way to College Podcast, then you know that one's career is rarely a straight line. This is never more true than on the latest episode. In this episode, Dr. Jose Saldivar talks with Kate Crane, founder of Direction Over Perfection, about why careers are more like jungle gyms than ladders. Kate shares her journey from studying art history and business at UT Austin to working in the New York art world, navigating a layoff during the 2008 recession, exploring restaurant work, earning an MBA, moving into management consulting, and eventually building a career across DoorDash, Flock Safety, OpenTable, and career coaching. Her story is a powerful reminder for students and young professionals: you do not need to make a perfect decision. You need to keep moving, stay curious, ask good questions, and learn from every experience. This conversation is especially valuable for students thinking about majors, careers, internships, networking, and life after college. Kate’s message is clear: you are the best advocate for your life and your career. Listen now for an honest, practical, and encouraging conversation about building a career with direction, confidence, and flexibility.

    1 hr

  4. Apr 30

    Supporting Neurodivergent Learners

    What happens when a student realizes they are not “bad” at a subject, they just learn differently? In this episode of The Way to College Podcast, Dr. Jose L. Saldivar speaks with Dr. Tara Williams, chemistry professor and founder of Innovative Collegiate Consultants, about her journey from struggling with math to earning a Ph.D. in chemistry and supporting neurodivergent students. Dr. Williams shares how one geometry lesson helped her understand the power of visual learning, why self-advocacy matters in college, and how students can use support services, accommodations, tutoring, and communication with professors to succeed. This conversation is a reminder that college success is not about doing everything alone. It is about learning how you learn, asking for help early, and finding the support that helps you move forward. To learn more about Dr. Williams' services, check out her website: https://innovativecollegiateconsultants.com/summer-programs-services/

    33 min

  5. Apr 22

    From Pre-Med to Corporate Strategist to Entrepreneur with Andrea Sotomayor

    What happens when the path you chose no longer fits? Andrea Sotomayor shares her journey from pre-med student to entrepreneur, strategist, and founder, with honest lessons on failure, resilience, and self-awareness. This episode is for students and professionals learning that success is rarely a straight line.

    51 min

  6. Apr 9

    What Students Need with Dr. Fred Fuentes

    Dr. Fred Fuentes joins The Way to College Podcast to share a powerful story of growth, resilience, and purpose. From being told he was not “college material” to serving in the military, earning multiple degrees, and dedicating his life to mentoring others, Dr. Fuentes reflects on what it means to take ownership of your journey. In this episode, we talk about first-generation experiences, mental health, mentorship, legacy, and the importance of believing in yourself even when the path is unclear. Tune in for an honest and inspiring conversation that will resonate with students, educators, counselors, and anyone navigating their own next step.

    55 min

  7. Mar 30

    Climbing Your Way Through the Trees, Literally, with Climbing Arborist, Kayla Mendez

    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

    42 min

  8. Mar 24

    Pivoting with Funeral Director, Arielle Caraveo

    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.

    55 min
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5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

The Way to College Podcast examines the multiple roads we take to get to college and beyond. Guests share their individual stories of success, failure, and what they did to push forward to find success.

Information

  • Creator
    Jose L. Saldivar
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    220
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jose L. Saldivar
  • Show Website
    The Way to College Podcast