The NSHSS Scholars Connect

NSHSS
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Listen to NSHSS Scholars Connect podcast episodes featuring student voices, expert insights, and tips on scholarships, leadership, and college success. "Inspiring students to stand out, step up, and take action."​

  1. Jun 23

    You Are More Than Your GPA with Fabian DeRozario (Part One)

    In part one of this two-part episode of the NSHSS Scholars Connect Podcast, we sit down with Fabian DeRozario, Executive Director of the NSHSS Foundation and global leadership facilitator, to explore the foundational skills that shape long-term success. Drawing from his experience working with nearly 220 organizations worldwide, Fabian challenges the traditional focus on GPA and accolades, highlighting the importance of communication, relationship-building, and critical thinking. He also addresses the pressure many high-achieving students face, offering practical insight on recognizing burnout and maintaining mental well-being. This conversation invites listeners to redefine success and begin building the interpersonal skills that matter far beyond the classroom. Learn more about the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) by visiting nshss.org.

    28 min

  2. Jun 9

    Inside the Scholarship Mindset: What Reviewers Look for with Scholarships360

    In this episode of the NSHSS Scholars Connect Podcast, we’re joined by Will Geiger, the Co-founder and CEO of Scholarships360, to uncover one of the most common questions students ask: What are scholarship reviewers really looking for?    Drawing from years of experience in admissions and scholarship selection, Will breaks down the application process, shares insider insight on how decisions are made, and offers clear, actionable advice to help students stand out in a competitive pool.    We’ll explore what makes a compelling essay, how to showcase impact even with limited experience, and the qualities that make scholarship committees take notice. This episode is a practical roadmap for students who want to build confidence in their applications and for parents and educators who want to support them more effectively.   Check out Scholarships360 at https://scholarships360.org/ Learn more about NSHSS scholarships at https://www.nshss.org/scholarships/

    21 min

  3. May 26

    If You’re Not Okay: What to Do Next with Skyland Trail

    In this episode, we talk with Piper Coffey, VP of Adolescent Clinical Services at Skyland Trail, for Mental Health Awareness Month, to talk about something many students experience but don’t always know how to navigate, what to do when you’re struggling, or when someone you care about is.    From high-pressure expectations to feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or not like yourself, we break down how to recognize when something’s off and what steps you can take next. We also talk about how to support a friend without taking on everything yourself, and when it’s time to involve a trusted adult or seek additional help.    This conversation is designed to be real, practical, and supportive. So whether you’re going through something right now or want to be there for someone else, you’ll leave with tools, clarity, and a reminder that you don’t have to figure it all out alone.    Resources:   Skyland Trail - https://skylandtrail.org  988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - https://988lifeline.org

    40 min

  4. May 12

    Turning Self-Doubt Into Confidence with Tanya M. Odom

    To kick off Mental Health Awareness Month, we sit down with Tanya M. Odom, an internationally recognized educator, thought leader, and coach, to explore one of the biggest challenges students face during college applications and early career steps: self-doubt. Drawing on her global work in mindfulness, inclusive leadership, and personal development, Tanya shares practical tools to help students recognize their strengths, manage comparison, build confidence, and approach opportunities with clarity and courage. This conversation is designed for students navigating applications, interviews, and big decisions, as well as the families and educators who support them.

    34 min

  5. Apr 28

    Scholars Spotlight: From Idea to Impact with EmpowerHer

    In this episode of the NSHSS Scholars Connect Podcast, we spotlight Mahdi Rahimi and Nahid Karimi, the founders of EmpowerHer, an initiative aimed at empowering Afghan women through education and mentorship. Both Nahid and Mahdi recount their personal experiences growing up in Afghanistan, facing the challenges posed by the Taliban regime, and their eventual escape to the United States. They discuss how their individual initiatives evolved into Empower Her, which now provides online workshops and mentorship opportunities for Afghan girls, allowing them to gain access to education and express their voices in a society that often silences them.  Our conversation dives into the journey from identifying a problem to building a mission-driven initiative, the challenges and breakthroughs that come with student leadership, and the role mentorship and partnerships play in sustaining impact. We also discuss what empowerment truly means for today’s students, how young people can lead with confidence and authenticity, and what it takes to turn inspiration into action.  This episode is designed for students eager to create change, parents supporting young leaders, and educators looking to foster meaningful student engagement. It’s a reminder that leadership doesn’t start after graduation; it starts now.    EmpowerHer Media Accounts:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/EmpowerHer-61574035957912/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_empowerher_org/  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/empowerher-org

    32 min

  6. Apr 14

    From Earth Day to Everyday Action with the Captain Planet Foundation

    In this episode of the NSHSS Scholars Connect Podcast, we sit down with Latoya Henry and Becca Bullen from the Captain Planet Foundation to explore how students can make a real impact on the environment, starting with simple, everyday actions.    The conversation breaks down approachable ways students can begin living more sustainably, even if they feel overwhelmed by the scale of environmental challenges. From debunking common environmental myths to highlighting everyday habits that have a bigger impact than people realize, this episode empowers listeners with practical, realistic steps they can take right now.    We also discuss how small changes can add up, why progress matters more than perfection, and what gives environmental leaders hope for the future. Finally, students will learn how they can get involved with the Captain Planet Foundation and become part of a growing movement dedicated to protecting the planet.    Whether you’re passionate about sustainability or just looking for a place to start, this episode will leave you feeling informed, inspired, and ready to take action because caring for the Earth isn’t just for one day; it’s for every day.    Learn more about the Captain Planet Foundation and how to get involved by visiting captainplanetfoundation.org.

    36 min

  7. Mar 24

    What Scholarship Reviewers Want You to Know with Alexis Anderson

    In this episode of NSHSS Scholars Connect, we sit down with Senior Administrator of Scholarships Alexis Anderson to offer students a clear and supportive guide to strengthening their scholarship applications. Alexis begins by giving a quick overview of the variety of scholarships available through NSHSS, designed to support scholars with interests in leadership, service, academics, the arts, STEM, and more. Alexis shares which types of experiences and accomplishments, both big and small, are worth highlighting and how students can present their strengths in a way that feels true to who they are. She offers insight into writing strong essays, avoiding common application mistakes, and identifying meaningful moments that reflect leadership, initiative, and personal growth.   Learn more about NSHSS scholarships here.

    35 min

  8. Mar 10

    Scholars Spotlight: Balancing Academics and Leadership with NSHSS Ambassadors

    What does it really take to balance academics, leadership, and life as a high-achieving student?    In this episode of the NSHSS Scholars Connect Podcast, we spotlight three outstanding NSHSS Student Ambassadors, Nainika Manthena, Adaliz Ramirez, and Blaise Bowers, for an honest, relatable conversation about juggling school, leadership roles, and personal well-being.  From managing demanding coursework and extracurricular commitments to navigating stress, expectations, and time management, our ambassadors share what has worked, what hasn’t, and what they’ve learned along the way. They open up about setting priorities, staying motivated, asking for help, and redefining balance during different seasons of their academic journeys.    Designed for students striving to do it all, as well as parents and educators supporting them, this episode offers real-world strategies, encouragement, and perspective from students who are living it right now.    Ambassador applications are open twice per year: Fall Applications open: August 15 Applications close: October 1   Spring Applications open: February 15 Applications close: April 1   Apply for the NSHSS Ambassador program here: https://www.nshss.org/membership/leadership-programs/ambassadors/

    27 min
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Listen to NSHSS Scholars Connect podcast episodes featuring student voices, expert insights, and tips on scholarships, leadership, and college success. "Inspiring students to stand out, step up, and take action."​

Information

  • Creator
    NSHSS
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The NSHSS Scholars Connect