The Way to College Podcast

In this episode of The Way to College Podcast, Dr. Jose Saldivar sits down with Mya Andersen, independent academic life coach and founder of The Student Empowered, to break down the hidden curriculum of college, or the stuff students aren’t explicitly taught, but are still expected to master.
Mya has spent 20+ years working on campuses and saw the same pattern again and again: support is often passive, and schools intervene only when there’s a crisis. But when the conversation starts at crisis-level, the focus becomes the problem, not the student.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Why being “college capable” isn’t the same as being “college ready.”

How to use office hours like a doctor’s appointment (and build real relationships with professors)

Why college is a big-ticket purchase… and what it looks like to protect your ROI

When students should start using career services (hint: earlier than most people think)

For parents: share the real version of your college experience

If you’re a student, parent, educator, or advisor who’s ever thought, “Why didn’t anyone tell me this?” this one’s for you.
🎧 Listen now, then share this episode with one student (or one parent) who needs to hear this conversation.
And if you're interested in learning more about The Student Empowered and Mya's services, you can find her here:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myaandersen1928/
Website: https://thestudentempowered.com/
Instagram: @the_student_empowered

This week on The Way to College Podcast, I’m joined by Jeannie Salinas, founder of Book-E Bus, the Rio Grande Valley’s first mobile bookstore.
Jeannie’s story is a masterclass in pivoting with purpose: from earning her business degree at The University of Texas-Pan American, working in retail, helping run her family’s insurance business, and eventually turning a lifelong love of books into a full-on community experience on wheels.
In this episode, we talk about:

How she turned a side hustle into a real business

The mindset shift from “I’m stuck” to “I’m building”

Why experience + community matter

Mentorship, budgeting, and learning the “hidden rules” of college and careers

What it takes to bet on yourself without losing yourself

If you’re a student, parent, educator, or entrepreneur—this one will light a fire.
The Book-E bus will be in Weslaco on February 28th. Follow the Book-E bus on Instagram: @thebookebus

This episode is the reminder you didn’t know you needed.
Dr. Jose L. Saldivar sits down with Behdad Jamshidi, a former engineer who became a marketing connector, helping businesses avoid costly mistakes by pairing them with the right marketing partners. He’s spoken with 1,100+ agencies/experts, and what he learned applies way beyond marketing: your career grows at the speed of your relationships.
If you’re a student, early-career professional, or someone trying to pivot… this one’s for you.
✅ In this episode, we talk about:
Why the people skills you ignore become the skills that pay you

How Behdad moved up—not by being the “smartest,” but by being the most effective communicator

The simple way to find mentors (without being awkward)

What to do when you feel stuck: action creates clarity

The truth about fear: it doesn’t disappear—you get stronger

🔥 Quick challenge after you listen:
Message one person you respect today and ask: “What’s one move you’d make if you were me?”
Then actually do it.
🎧 Hit play, and if one moment resonates—share this episode with a friend who needs that push.
Connect with Behdad:
CJAM Marketing Connector: https://cjammarketing.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/behdadjamshidi/
https://www.facebook.com/beeee.jam
https://www.instagram.com/behdadjamshidi_/
https://www.instagram.com/themarketingconnector_/

Who shapes what Texas students learn? Dr. Jose Saldivar talks with Thomas Ray Garcia, an educator and candidate for the Texas State Board of Education (District 2), about curriculum, textbooks, graduation requirements, charter approvals, and what families are truly concerned about right now: literacy, safety, and the attention economy.

In this episode of The Way to College Podcast, Dr. Jose Saldivar sits down with Jillian Reilly (joining us from Cape Town, South Africa) to talk about the invisible “success script” so many students feel pressured to follow — and how to rewrite it with courage, clarity, and action.
We unpack:
Why the “linear life” is a myth (and what to do instead)

How to stop outsourcing your choices to approval from others

The difference between support, resources… and permission

A practical way to take your next step even when you’re unsure

Jillian is the author of “The 10 Permissions,” and her message is simple: get out into the real world, and let it teach you.
🎧 Listen now, then share this episode with one student (or parent) who needs a reset.
Learn more: https://tenpermissions.com/