Parents: Is Your Teen College Ready? (Shellee Howard)

Shellee and Tami discuss: - Importance of building confidence - Teenagers need to exercise their minds, practice focusing, be a good team mate - Be aware of how you speak to yourself, flip everything into a positive - Parents should model positive self talk, body language, how we carry ourselves and more! Tami Matheny is the owner of Refuse2LoseCoaching, LLC, author, speaker, and a member of the Jon Gordon Team. As a mental game coach, she assists people in all walks of life (not just athletes) with improved confidence, focus, motivation, mental toughness, leadership, teamwork, etc. Tami has a passion for helping others build a foundation of confidence and overcoming adversity. She has seen first-hand how confidence is key to success in any area in life. Connect with Tami: Website: www.r2lc.com Instagram: @Refuse2LoseCoaching Facebook groups: Parents and the Mental Game, The Confident Athlete, This is Good Email: tami@r2lc.com Connect with Shellee: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

In this episode, Shellee and Matt discuss:

• The best time for families to start planning financially for college
• The power of having college finances conversations with your teen 
• Understanding college ROI
• The book "Empty Nest Full Pockets" by Matt

 

Key Takeaways: 

• The sooner you begin the college application process and educate yourself, the better your investment accounts are likely to grow during those years which can help you pay for your child's college and graduate debt-free.
• Knowledge is power. Making smart financial decisions when looking for colleges begins with a clear understanding of the net cost of college and how financial aid works, and this can be achieved by having the college money talk with your teen.
• A college education is a huge investment regardless of your financial situation, so try a pre-approval plan to determine whether your family's investment in a degree or a college may yield a return on investment.
• Many parents are so focused on getting their children ready that they forget that they still have a life to live here. Make sure that you balance being involved in your children's lives with helping them become more independent, confident, and goal-oriented by preparing them financially, especially for paying for a part-time job and all the adulting stuff they have not done yet financially.

 

“We can figure out the money, we can figure out how to get things to work financially. We might have to make some tough decisions, but it can be done. There's no reason to just throw up your hands and let them go to a school that's going to bankrupt the whole family - it's a time to really dig in and engage. You don't have to necessarily be the leader of the process, but you need to be a mentor and be part of it.”  —  Matt Meline

 

 

About Matt Meline: Matt is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of PrairieFire and husband to the Operations Manager, Lisa Meline.

Matt founded PrairieFire in 2019 on the belief that financial planning and unbiased advice can only come from an independent, conflict-free team. Matt has dedicated his career to being a trusted resource, coach, and partner for clients and friends, securing proactively defending his clients' interests every day as his daily goal.

In the midst of a period of transition in his life, Matt completed a unique program designed to rediscover core values and shift the planning focus from just the money to the life of the clients. This is the way he aims to improve both returns on investments and returns on life. With a specialty in helping families prepare for children leaving the nest, building an exciting empty nest lifestyle, and making the most of retirement, PFW excels at helping families achieve their financial goals in the second half of their lives.

Matt loves the community of Des Moines. He attended Lincoln High School on Des Moines' south side after moving here from Omaha during his high school years. Following his graduation from the University of Northern Iowa, he worked primarily as a senior manager for various banking organizations throughout the Midwest. In the mid-1990s, he decided to leave the security of that job and pursue a full-time career as a financial planner.

As parents of four children who are currently living their dream lives in Chicago, Denver, Rhode Island, and Ames, Iowa, Matt, along with his wife Lisa, knows a lot about the teen years and college preparation for kids.

 

 

Connect with Matt Meline:

Website: https://www.prairiefirewealth.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmelinepfw/

 

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelica Rayco.

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

In this episode, Shellee and Tyler discuss:

• Tyler's college realization about artificial intelligence
• The truths about AI
• AI learning programs 
• Advantages of mastering artificial intelligence

 

Key Takeaways:

• Artificial intelligence is the type of information that students of all ages should have access to, considering how fast it is growing and how it is employed in a variety of disciplines.
• Artificial intelligence (AI) is widely used in all fields, and is not as difficult to understand or grasp as many people believe. They can delve into it with a little effort and even simply an introduction program.
• Veritas AI offers programs for students to learn AI, whether they have no prior knowledge of computer science, or already have a predetermined desire in some form and have some basic computer science skills.
• Learning AI will help you advance in your career, give you a better understanding of the modern digital era we live in, and your ability to contribute to the world in general.

 

"Whether or not we like it, AI is definitely embedded in the future of this world, and no student is incapable of learning this toolkit." —  Tyler Moulton

  
 

About Tyler Moulton: Tyler graduated from Harvard University in 2020 where he studied Applied Mathematics with a focus field of Astronomy and a secondary in Planetary Sciences. He is passionate about education, mentorship, and research in the fields of machine learning and astronomy.

He is now a program manager at Veritas AI, a company dedicated to helping students in mastering AI algorithms and developing independent problem-solving skills, and helping them in completing an independent AI-based passion project.

 

Connect with Tyler Moulton:

Website: https://www.veritasai.com/

Email: tylermoultonh20@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-moulton-a77b9716b

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tyler_moulton0/?hl=en

 

Connect with Shellee Howard:

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelica Rayco.

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Dr. Paul Jenkins: Live On Purpose

Shellee and Paul Discuss:

How do we support teenagers that struggle with positivity? As parents we get so concerned and we want to help them. The best thing we can do is to show them how to apply positivity in daily life. They see what you’re doing, not what you’re saying. Listen for tips on parenting with positivity.

Dr. Paul is a speaker who knows the science of positivity and your brain, and presents it in an engaging and fun way. He presents powerful psychological principles that make an immediate difference in your personal, family, and professional life. It's like having an owner's manual for

your brain - one you can actually read, understand and apply.

Connect with Paul:

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pathologicalpositivity

Instagram: @drpauljenkins

Website: www.drpauljenkins.com

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

In this insightful episode, Shellee Howard welcomes Professor Lindsey Cormack to discuss the importance of raising informed and engaged citizens. As a political science professor at Stevens Institute of Technology and author of the book *How to Raise a Citizen*, Lindsey shares her experiences and research on how parents can foster civic responsibility in their children. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including education, the role of social media, and practical steps for parents to prepare their children for active citizenship.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

1. Importance of Civic Education:

  - Lindsey emphasizes the need for parents to step in where schools may fall short in providing comprehensive civic education. She highlights that most U.S. students receive limited education on government, often only in their senior year, which may not be sufficient for understanding and participating in the political system.

 

2. Raising Engaged Citizens:

  - Lindsey’s book, *How to Raise a Citizen*, is aimed at parents, caregivers, and educators who want to equip their children with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate and influence the political system. The book also addresses the mental health and college admission benefits of being an informed and engaged citizen.

 

3. Starting the Conversation at Home:

  - Lindsey suggests that parents initiate political discussions with their children by asking open-ended questions like, “What have you heard about this?” This approach helps avoid confrontations and encourages a healthy exchange of ideas, especially when dealing with information from social media platforms like TikTok.

 

4. Social Media and Political Content:

  - The conversation highlights the challenge of dealing with political content on social media. Lindsey recommends that parents engage with their children by asking them to share what they’re seeing online and discussing it together, fostering critical thinking and a better understanding of different perspectives.

 

5. Preparing for College and Beyond:

  - Parents are encouraged to help their children register to vote, understand the different levels of government, and read the U.S. Constitution to better prepare them for active citizenship and the college experience. These steps can also ease the transition to college by fostering socialization and involvement in community activities.

 

6. Practical Tips for Parents:

  - Lindsey provides actionable advice for parents, such as helping their teens register to vote early, encouraging them to participate in local politics, and facilitating conversations about political processes. These efforts help build the skills needed for college success and lifelong civic engagement.

 

Closing Thoughts:

Shellee and Lindsey conclude the episode by encouraging parents to take an active role in their children’s civic education. By fostering an understanding of government and politics early on, parents can help their children become informed, engaged citizens who are well-prepared for college and beyond.

 

 

About Lindsey: Lindsey Cormack is an associate professor of Political Science and Director of the Diplomacy Lab at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. She earned her PhD in Government from New York University and is raising a daughter on the Upper East Side. She currently serves as the Secretary for Community Board 8 in Manhattan. She created and maintains the digital database of all official Congress-to-constituent e-newsletters in the DCInbox Project. Her research has been published in Political Behavior, Congress & the Presidency, Legislative Studies Quarterly, Political Science Research and Methods, American Politics Research, Politics & Policy, Politics Groups & Identities, Politics & Gender, The Journal of Gender Studies, Energy Economics, The Legislative Scholar as well as in popular outlets including the New York Times, The Washington Post, FiveThirtyEight, ProPublica, Roll Call, The New York Post, The Conversation, NBC News, the LSE USCentre, The Hill, and more.

Connect with Lindsey:

 

Website

 

Facebook

 

LinkedIn

 

Connect with Shellee:

 

Website

 

YouTube

 

Instagram

 

Facebook Group

 

LinkedIn

 

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com  

 

 

Shellee and Annaline Dinkelmann discuss: What can high school students do now to help pay for their college tuition and expenses? Why is knowing how to plan and manage a budget important? What kinds of investments are best for high school students? What can high school students do to help stand out on their college applications? What can high school students achieve by attending Teach Me Wall Street summer boot-camps? I am the founder, CEO and head instructor of Teach Me Wall Street. Over the past 15 years, I’ve shared my knowledge and passion for finance with thousands of students in workshops, at conferences, on tours, and in my virtual classroom. I’ve successfully translated and navigated the world of finance for students in programs offered through my top-rated Wall Street walking tour / education company WALL STREET WALKS, and since 2020, have been teaching students to be “money smart” online in my unique TEACH ME WALL STREET boot-camps. Prior to becoming an educator and entrepreneur, I spent 10 years working in the Banking and Compliance departments of Morgan Stanley and worked 2 years independently as a day trader. My programs have been featured on CNN International and in The Daily Telegraph, Newsday and USA Today. Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com Connect with Annaline: Website: https://www.teachmewallstreet.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teachmewallstreet LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annalinedinkelmann/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachmewallstreet/

In this episode, Shellee and Jackie discuss:

• The different ages and stages of conversation
• Bridging the communication gap between parents and kids
• Why social skills matter for your teen
• The power of asking permission
• Giving your child more freedom to make decisions

 

Key Takeaways: 

• Asking the right questions is the key to a good conversation. Those questions might differ based on the age group, but the purpose is the same: to get your child to say more than no or yes - asking the right kinds of questions will give you the information that you may be seeking as a parent.
• You need to show your children that you care about what they're doing, and how they feel, no matter how young or old they are. When speaking with them, be attentive, stop what you are doing for a moment, and maintain eye contact as much as possible.
• It is often thought that academics are the only thing that will prepare our kids for the next phase, but without social confidence and without social skills, especially those that can help them stand up for what they believe, they won't be able to know where they belong.
• Ask your child's permission before giving them advice or telling them about an experience that might be helpful for them or showing them some of your mistakes. You shouldn't push or force them to listen to what you have to say if they say no or don't want to hear what you have to say.
• Children need to be given the opportunity to make their own decisions or to say yes or no. You don't have to give them total freedom, but you can help them to see how the consequences can come about in that regard and help to build some trust and confidence in them.

 

“It's the conversations that ensue, that help them realize ‘someone cares about what I think’, ‘someone cares about my feelings’, and ‘someone cares about my motivations’ and ‘what I like to do and what I don't’. And kids, when they learn how to do that effectively, it really gives them a sense of self-empowerment, to be able to take charge in those uncomfortable social situations that we all find ourselves in.”  —  Jackie Bailey

 

About Jackie Bailey:  Jackie is the curator of the SPEAK FEED LEAD Public Speaking Studio in Redmond, WA. and the founder of THE SPEAK FEED LEAD PROJECT nonprofit. Their mission is to transform all individuals to speak with power, feed others in word and deed, and lead with positive influence.

Aside from that, she founded Emerald City Consulting, which helps teams communicate better and develop more leaders. In 2014, Jackie wrote and published SELF-Centered Leadership: Becoming Influential, Intentional and Exceptional, a book that can help you hoist your sails and embark on an odyssey of exceptional leadership. Jackie won an Excellence in Education award from Toastmasters International in 2012, was a Semi-Finalist in the World Championship of Public Speaking in 2015, and placed in the world's top 98 speakers.

 

 

Connect with Jackie Bailey:

Website: https://jackiebailey360.com/

 

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelica Rayco.

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

About Dr. Tarver:  

He is the creator of a plethora of resources over at TarverAcademy.com, has written 4 books (The Baller Teacher Playbook and 3 others that are meh), hosts multiple podcasts, has his superintendent certification, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Harding University.

 

Connect with Dr. Tarver:

 

Website: TarverAcademy.com

 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylertarver13/

 

Connect with Shellee:

 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

 

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/wa3QV3StEQNHZz9a/

 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

About Leah:  

 

Leah Rae Getts, and her husband, Todd, are the owners of DigitalTrailblazer.com and specialize in helping experts, coaches, consultants, and entrepreneurs to create, launch, sell, and scale profitable online courses and coaching programs. They started their online business in 2016 with no experience - Leah a previous nurse, and Todd, a band teacher.  Despite their lack of business & marketing experience, they were able to build a full-time income online and retired from their jobs in 2017 to be home with their children.   They created their first online course in 2018 and quickly scaled their course sales to multiple 6 figures a month within only 6 months.  They are now award-winning marketers and sought-after speakers, having been recognized for their success in the industry by multiple organizations, and featured on stage, in podcasts, as well as in various interviews, and articles.  Her expertise ranges from creating an irresistible offer, to funnel design and creation, to paid and organic traffic strategies, to content creation, lead generation, copywriting, appointment setting & closing, managing a sales team, and more.  Leah is used to doing lots of fun, engaging live video & story telling with their audience so she’ll be a fun guest for your audience :)   And on top of all of the 'normal' stuff, we are faith-based, family-oriented people, who look to help those who can make a positive impact in the world, do it bigger & better, so we can positively impact millions of lives, by just focusing on our thousands. 

 

Connect with Leah:

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leahraegetts

 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahraegetts/

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitaltrailblazer/

 

Website: www.digitaltrailblazer.com

 

Connect with Shellee:

 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

 

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com 

🎙️ Guest Introduction: Ashton Tate

 

Ashton Tate, based in Franklin, Tennessee, partners with schools to promote health education.

He lost 120 pounds in high school, overcoming pre-diabetes and low self-esteem.

 

🏋️ Journey to Health

 

Initially wanted to be a SWAT officer; discovered his passion for health later.

Experienced struggles with weight and unhealthy eating while playing sports.

Developed a personal approach to health, focusing on maintenance and lifestyle changes.

 

💡 Health Education Focus

 

Recognizes a gap in health education for youth; sees it as a neglected subject in schools.

Aims to equip the next generation with knowledge about health to combat obesity and related diseases.

 

📚 Teaching Framework: FORM Method

 

Functional Fitness: Encourages regular movement and exercise tailored to individual preferences.

Optimal Nourishment: Teaches the importance of nutrition as both fuel and enjoyment, emphasizing balance.

Rest and Recovery: Advocates for preventative routines for mental and physical health to avoid burnout.

Multiply Maintenance: Focuses on setting health goals that align with personal life aspirations and routines.

 

👨‍👩‍👧 Parenting Tips

 

Parents often benefit from additional voices supporting health education; external validation helps kids engage.

Encourages parents to explain the importance of health practices rather than just mandating them.

 

📱 Resources for Parents

 

Offers a platform through their website (formeducation.org) with resources for families and educators.

Email support available for personalized questions and guidance at hello@glorytogloryfitness.com.

 

🏆 Impact on Students

 

Feedback from parents highlights that engaging content helps kids connect with health topics.

Promotes a holistic approach that can adapt to different children's needs and interests.

 

🌱 Community Engagement

 

Works with various educational institutions, including public, charter, and faith-based schools.

Encourages collaboration between parents and schools to improve health education in curricula.

 

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website

YouTube

Instagram

LinkedIn

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

Connect with Ashton Tate:

Website

Facebook

LinkedIn
 

Kim Girard: Transition Your Student to College With Ease

Shellee and Kim Discuss:

Kim is a College Success Coach.

It’s important when you get to college that you do it right so you find your passion and what you really want to do in your life.

You go into college more confident and successful when you work in high school to find our passions and values.

Join a club in college that you are interested in, it really helps find people who have similar interests.

Having a college success coach can help the transition for your student.

Kim is a College Success Coach who helps students get the most out of their college experience and become amazing humans.  The students who work with her discover their passions, stay on track academically, have better relationships, engage socially on campus, and graduate doing something they love.

Connect with Kim:

Email: Kim@kimgirard.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KimGirardCoaching

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-girard-36122a7/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachkimgirard/

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Shellee and Ann discuss:

• Ask yourself: What does it mean to live your best life? Then build a plan to make it a reality
• A great college experience is possible at any price point
• The importance of looking at your budget for college when your kids are in middle school so you can plan accordingly
• Every student is eligible for scholarships and it's the parents job to help them find them

About Ann:

Ann Garcia, aka The College Financial Lady, has helped thousands of families save millions of dollars on college. A fee-only Certified Financial Planner and managing partner of Independent Progressive Advisors, Ann specializes in helping families balance the desire to support their children’s dreams with the reality of funding their own lives. Her book How to Pay for College is available from bookstores everywhere; its companion online course is available now and has an affiliate option for podcast hosts.

Early in Ann’s career as a financial advisor, she heard the same two questions again and again from her clients. One group asked, “How can we possibly afford to save for college and retirement?” Another group asked, “How can I save for retirement when I’m paying so much on my student loans every month?” In working with families– including her own– to plan for college, Ann has learned that a good college plan is equal parts good parenting and good financial planning.

Ann has been featured in the New York Times, US News & World Report, CNN Money and countless other media. Ann and her husband, Bob, live in Portland, OR. Their twins will graduate debt-free from college next year. 

Connect with Ann:

Website: www.howtopayforcollege.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collegefinanciallady

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-garcia-cfp/

Instagram: @collegefinanciallady

 

Connect with Shellee: 

Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ 

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com 

Gini Beran from CLEP shares insights on how the College Level Examination Program helps students earn college credit through exams, making college more accessible and affordable.

 

 Highlights

- 🎓 CLEP allows students to earn college credit through exams.

- 💡 There are 34 subjects available for examination.

- ⏳ CLEP can accelerate students' college education timelines.

- 🏫 Nearly 3,000 colleges accept CLEP scores for credit.

- 🌍 Homeschoolers and non-traditional students benefit significantly from CLEP.

- 📚 Resources like Modern States provide free online courses for CLEP preparation.

- 📈 Participation in CLEP is growing among high school students.

 

 Key Insights

- 🔍 **Accessibility**: CLEP exams provide a flexible opportunity for students to validate their knowledge and earn college credit, especially beneficial for high schoolers and homeschoolers.  

- 💰 Cost Savings: By taking CLEP exams, students can save on tuition costs, allowing them to focus on advanced courses instead of prerequisites.

- 📊 Growing Recognition: More colleges are beginning to recognize CLEP credits, making it a valuable option for students looking to enhance their college applications.

- 📖 Resource Availability: With resources like Modern States, students can prepare effectively for CLEP exams without financial barriers to access study materials.

- 🏆 Confidence Building: Successfully passing a CLEP exam can boost a student's confidence in their readiness for college-level coursework.

- 🎯 Diverse Learning Paths: CLEP caters to various learning styles, allowing students to self-study in subjects not offered at their schools, promoting individualized education.

- 🔗 Research Importance: Students must research their prospective colleges' policies regarding CLEP credits to ensure they maximize their efforts in earning college credits.

 

About Gini: Gini Beran is the Director of Outreach and Account Management for the College-Level Examination

(CLEP) Program who partners with education professionals to impact student success through CLEP.

Prior to joining College Board, Gini was a member of the faculty in the Minnesota State College and

University system, where she worked as a counselor providing academic, career and personal counseling

to a diverse student body at Minnesota’s largest technical college. Gini earned her Master’s degree in

Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, and a Juris Doctor degree from William Mitchell

College of Law in St. Paul, MN.

 

Connect with Gini:

 

Email

 

Connect with Shellee:

 

Website

 

YouTube

 

Instagram

 

Facebook Group

 

LinkedIn

 

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com  

 

 

In this episode, Shellee and Emily discuss:

• The best time to plan for college
• Where to put your money for your future needs
• Preparing the FASFA and CSS profile
• Having financial planning conversations with your child with the help of professionals

 

Key Takeaways: 

• Start to save before you have a child. Thinking about and setting goals together, and understanding what type of support and contribution would be made to your future children and their college is easier to do at that time.
• There are numerous options if you want your child to be able to attend college debt-free - you can either save all your money beforehand, you can invest it in accounts that the FAFSA doesn't look at, or you can invest it in things that make sense to you.
• Planning your financial future and setting both short- and long-term goals is the best way to prepare your FASFA and CSS profiles in advance.
• Don't let financial obligations for your child's college get in the way of your financial goals. Ensure that your child understands how his or her college choice will impact their career options, the income they can expect from their career, and the length of time they will be required to work for free.
• Engage in financial planning conversations with the help of professionals who can objectively zoom out and share figures about return on investment and any other area of financial planning.

 

“It's good to have those conversations and have that goal setting occur first. And the more organized that you are going into that process, the easier those types of profiles become because you have a clear understanding of your balance sheet as it stands today, and how the college education process fits into your overall life plans and life goals.”  —  Emily Rassam

 

About Emily Rassam:  Emily works as a Senior Financial Planner for Archer Investment Management, a 100% digital and virtual firm that serves clients nationwide.

She has a genuine passion for assisting clients in making sense of their financial lives and developing clear plans to achieve their objectives. Prior to joining Archer Investment Management, she worked for 14 years at investment firms in New York and North Carolina, where she worked with families, executives, and institutional retirement clients.

Emily is currently a mentor and run leader for Tri It for Life, an organization that encourages women of all ages and athletic abilities to train for their first triathlon. She also serves on the board of YMCA Emerging Leaders in Charlotte, as a foster home for ABC Basset Hound Rescue, and as a Regional Leader and Carolinas Chapter Chair for WIPN (WE Inspire, Promote, Network) wipn.org, a women's leadership and networking group for women in the retirement industry.

She is a Certified Digital Asset Advisor, Certified Financial PlannerTM, Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist, Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst, and National Social Security Advisor.

 

 

Connect with Emily Rassam:

Website: https://archerim.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyjcasey/  

 

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelica Rayco.

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Shellee and Phyllis discuss: - How to help your teens find who they are and what they're strengths are - The importance of allowing teens to explore different activities to find their strengths - Making sure your teens know they can talk to you and how to get the conversation started About Phyllis: Phyllis L. Fagell, LCPC is a nationally board certified counselor at a school in Maryland, a psychotherapist who works with children and teens in private practice, and an author and journalist. She is the author of "MIDDLE SCHOOL MATTERS, The 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond – and How Parents Can Help," and "MIDDLE SCHOOL SUPERPOWERS, Raising Resilient Tweens in Turbulent Times." Phyllis is a frequent contributor to The Washington Post and freelances for publications such as Psychology Today, CNN, Working Mother, U.S. News & World Report and Your Teen. Her ideas have been shared in outlets including The New York Times, The Atlantic, The New Yorker, Edutopia, Mindshift, The Chicago Tribune, and NPR. She has three children and lives with her husband in Bethesda, Maryland. Connect with Phyllis: Website- www.Phyllisfagell.com Instagram- @pfagell Connect with Shellee: Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

As an actor, Drew's credits include regional theatre across the country, Off-Broadway, national tours, cruise ships & more. He is a member of the professional union for actors, Actor's Equity Association. As a teacher, Drew loves helping students & their families like you boost their confidence in their college auditions, giving them the keys to elevate your performances & maximize your admissions. His students have gone on to: Pace, Boston Conservatory, Baldwin Wallace, University of the Arts, Wagner, NYU Tisch, Hartt school of Music, Ithaca, Syracuse, and many many others. His hobbies range from deep-dish pizza to thin-crust and everything in between. He's also an incurable Angels baseball fan. Connect with Drew: Website- http://collegeauditionpros.com Facebook- http://facebook.com/collauditionpro Connect with Shellee: Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Shellee and Jesse discuss: - Find something you wake up excited about - Using your platform to make a difference in others lives - Parents your job is to prepare them for their future by allowing them to fail and learn About Jesse: Jesse LeBeau is one of today’s most highly sought-after youth motivational speakers and teen coaches. His unlikely underdog story has inspired over one million teenager through his live speaking events, best-selling books and programs for teens and parents. He is one of the world’s premiere basketball trick artists which allowed him to dribble his way onto the Hollywood big screen and star in commercials for Kobe Bryant, be in a movie with Kevin Durant and he even spent a day being hand fed cheeseburgers by supermodel Heidi Klum. Jesse is regularly featured on TV, film, and international tours. Jesse’s new reality series ‘The LeBeau Show’ allows viewers the chance to follow him around the country and see firsthand the major impact he is having on youth, particularly teens who are struggling. Connect with Jesse: Website: www.TheAttitudeAdvantage.com/welcome Facebook Profile Link- https://www.facebook.com/JesseLeBeauPage LinkedIn Profile Link- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-lebeau-243b4636/ Instagram Handle- @JesseLeBeau Connect with Shellee: Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

About Gila:  

 

Gila is an entreprenuer, author, speaker and dog trainer who is passionate about empowering people to unleash their potential, lead with impact, and master their mindset.

 

Connect with Gila:

 

Website: TheBoloProject.org

 

Email: gila@dogisgood.com

 

Facebook: facebook.com/dogisgood

 

Connect with Shellee:

 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

 

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com  

 

 

Joe tutors and coaches students privately on the skills of test preparation for their AP history exams. This group was founded on the principles of helping student-athletes pursue their dreams and achieve amazing results in their courses and exams. Additionally, they know the awesome parents standing behind their student-athletes also want to unlock the secrets of achieving high results on the AP history exam in the most efficient and effective way. Connect with Joe: Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/masteringaphistory LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-sebestyen-ed-d-b1341845/ Connect with Shellee: Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Brooke Romney is a writer, speaker and leader of an online community who helps moms of teens and tweens create meaningful, healthy and enjoyable relationships with their children through practical application, education and community. Her goal is for every family to feel confident and connected. The mother of four boys ages tween to adult, Brooke knows parenting perfection isn’t real and takes an honest and hopeful approach with her audience. Her best-selling book 52 Modern Manners for Today’s Teens (Volumes 1 & 2) provides weekly tips to help parents and teens navigate the complexities of today’s world. The follow-up, 52 Modern Manners for Kids, will feature tips for kids and tweens aged four to 12 and is set to release this August. Brooke's work has been featured in The Washington Post, Scary Mommy and Forbes. Connect with Brooke: Website: brookeromney.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/brookeromneywrites/ Connect with Shellee: Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Matt Crevin, Founded Talk Shop  to support today’s students to communicate clearly and confidently, regardless of the situation or setting.   Matt combines his real-world business background with two F 500 companies, his vast experience in the sports industry, along with his personal parenting journey into engaging and collaborative workshops.   With his years of interpersonal communications experience that started as a PR intern with the SF 49ers in 1991, Matt maintains his role (30 years and counting) as the PA announcer for all home games.  Talk Shop programs empower and motivate students to communicate effectively at home, in school and to ultimately become college and career ready! Connect with Matt: Facebook- www.facebook.com/TalkShopUSA Instagram- talkshopusa LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattcrevin/ Connect with Shellee: Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

In this episode, Shellee and Travis discuss: 

• What is and why GravyStack?
• Learning the basics of getting ready for college
• Learning about money in a clear and structured way

 

Key Takeaways: 

• It’s not impossible for parents and kids to have fun while learning how to achieve financial independence in college with the right platform.
• It is never too late or too early to begin learning how to be financially literate for college. Begin with the fundamentals: understand the value of a dollar. 
• Parents will no longer have to worry about how to financially prepare their children for adulthood. New technology has made it easier to learn about money - there are now apps that give a clear roadmap on how to earn, save, spend, and share.

 

“You don't need to wait till college to find out what you're passionate about or what you love to do. And we really promote that on the platform as well, because your parents will start to see patterns, and that's one of our goals is for kids to try a lot of different things. And then, once they figure out what they do love, it can lead to something.” —  Travis Adams

   

 

About Travis Adams: Travis is a father of three boys and a girl. He is the Founder of GravyStack, which helps parents raise kids and teens with the skills, mindsets, and resources to build financial freedom.

 

Connect with Travis Adams:

Website: https://gravystack.com/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/travis-adams-56b02615

Twitter: https://twitter.com/T_Earl

 

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelica Rayco.

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

About Jeff:

 

Jeff Heggie is an Entrepreneur, Author and Success Coach with a passion for helping others achieve their biggest dreams. Jeff helps athletes to reach their full potential by mastering the mental game and constantly competing with a high level of confidence. He also teaches people to become optimal performing entrepreneurs and reach their 10X goals. He starts with a focus on mindset. Getting to the next level always begins with the right mindset. Jeff enjoys using his extensive experience in the banking industry, over twenty years as an entrepreneur, plus his training and experience as a coach to help his clients break through the mental and physical barriers that hold them back. Jeff and his wife, Tamara, both grew up in Southern Alberta but now make Arizona home. Family and sports have always been important to him. He loves spending time coaching or watching his kids. He’s a former professional rodeo cowboy and has over twenty years’ experience coaching basketball.

 

Connect with Jeff:

 

Website

 

Facebook

 

Connect with Shellee:

 

Website

 

YouTube

 

Instagram

 

Facebook Group

 

LinkedIn

 

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com  

 

 

In this episode, Shellee and Katie discuss: - Katie helps students think for themselves and watch the way they think and say - Students do not learn real life problem solving in school so they struggle when entering the real world - Katie works with teachers to help prepare their students to think critically and creatively - Let your student take safe risks out of their comfort zone so they can learn and grow About Katie: Katie Trowbridge has over two decades of experience as a teacher and mentor. Throughout her career, Katie has focused on helping her clients, and students find their best selves. In addition, Katie uses creativity to teach social-emotional learning, creative problem-solving, communication skills, team building, and personal well-being. Currently, President and CEO of Curiosity 2 CREATE and co-founder of the Creative Thinking Network, Katie travels around the nation helping educators infuse creative and critical thinking into their curriculum. Her love for learning and research started at Luther North High School in the heart of Chicago and carried over as she earned a B.A. in English from Southern Illinois University. Years later, Katie wanted to focus on making a difference in the lives of teens and furthered her education by receiving a Master’s in Teaching and a Master’s in Education Administration. She is constantly researching the importance of embracing creativity and a new way of implementing strategies to assist individuals in finding their best selves. She is pursuing her ED.D at Northeastern University in Boston. Katie’s passion for these areas allowed her to start non-profit organizations, assist school districts in writing SEL curriculum, design programs for adults and students to encourage collaboration and communication, and mentor new teachers to find their voice. As a result, Katie has won several Teacher of Excellence and Outstanding Educator awards. As a mom in a blended family, Katie works hard to bring an energetic, joyful, and creative spirit to her children and grandchildren. She finds time to embrace creativity through crocheting, painting, writing, and reading fiction. Connect with Katie: Website- www.curiosity2create.org Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/katie.schmidt.trowbridge LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-trowbridge/ Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/curiosity_2_create/ Connect with Shellee: Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Shellee and Michelle discuss: - Our world is full of trauma and a lot of people don't know how to talk about it - Keep the door of communication open with your kids - We are not designed to handle stress alone, you need someone to talk to or lean on - Signs of trauma/stress to look for in loved ones and yourself -and more! About Michelle: "I have been a group facilitator in various capacities for the last 30 years; in schools, after school mental Health programs, Group homes, offering trainings on job sites and in my private therapy and transformational coaching practices. My current work focuses on trauma-informed coaching, Consulting and training, and helping to create the next generation of trauma-informed leaders. My passions are psychology, trauma-informed care, spirituality, storytelling, performance, communication, embodiment, improvisation and play and supporting our youth. My work supports building a bridge between the power of the mind and the wisdom of the body. I believe the mind is a powerful tool to support us and implementing wisdom that our body collects and shares with us when we take the time to listen. Our world has become so disconnected from our bodies and feelings and learning to not only manage, but to lean into discomfort, is a necessary skill for navigating our world. Learning to stay present, in our bodies, feeling what we feel, creates a dance between the mind and the body The fosters awareness, insight, regulation, self-compassion and authentic expression" Connect with Michelle: Website- www.michellemaree.com Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/michelle.hardemanguptilllmft LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-maree-hardeman-guptill Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/neurosomatransformations Connect with Shellee: Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

In this episode, Shellee and Annie discuss: 

• Staying in conversation is key.
• The beauty of travel conversations
• Finding a scholarship

 

Key Takeaways: 

• There's nothing that can't be accomplished when parenting teenagers, you just need to keep in constant communication with them, keep tabs on them, and respect their time as well as their concerns and plans.
• College is best chosen when you talk to your teen about it from an early age. Visit colleges and take them on tours - it's an opportunity to talk to them as a family about your experiences or what you would like to experience in college.
• Find out what information you need by talking to college counselors or by logging into high school portals. Increasing your search options will always increase your chances of finding a scholarship.

 

“If you do nothing else, just start having conversations with your kids. I think we don't give teens enough credit for what they already are thinking about and we don’t listen enough… so put your ears open and put your phone down – that's really truly how you're gonna get your kids out the door successfully. ” —  Melanie Studer

   

About Melanie Studer: Melanie is a wife, a mom, an educator, a speaker, and a parenting mentor. Her blog Parenting High Schoolers shares advice and ideas encouraging common sense to prepare teens for college and/or the real world. 

 

Connect with Melanie:

Website: https://parentinghighschoolers.com/

YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/Parentinghighschoolers

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/parentinghighschoolers/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/studermel

Instagram: https://instagram.com/parentinghighschoolers?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yayamama/

 

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelica Rayco.

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

About Hilary: Hilary Truong, a mother-daughter relationship expert and former therapist for teen girls, is a leading voice on keeping mothers and daughters in relationship through the teen years. She is on a mission to rewrite the narrative for mothers and teen daughters and shares her passion by speaking at schools and associations for girls and women, coaching mothers of girls and hosting immersive retreats for mothers and daughters. Connect with Hilary: Free Gift 3 Steps to Connect with Your Daughter : https://www.hilarymae.com/nurture-your-bond Website- https://www.hilarymae.com Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/hilarymaeco LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/hilarymaeco Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/hilarymaeco Connect with Shellee: Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Sensei came to the U.S. in 1992 and settled in Oregon. With her love of the Abacus and a passion for working with children and teaching, she founded the Japanese Abacus Math School, JAMS, in 2001. There’s no greater sense of accomplishment than seeing a student’s face light up with confidence when they discover their mental calculation abilities and succeed with their class work. Connect with Sensei: Website: https://jamsportland.com/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/miwako.sakabayashi Instagram: @miwakosensei LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/senseimiwako/ Connect with Shellee: Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

In this episode, Shellee and Genesis discuss: 

• The struggle of being a single mom
• Baby steps matter.
• Letting go of what’s holding you back
• Genesis’ important advice for mothers who homeschool their children
• Establishing your personal values and mission statement
• Working towards what you want

 

Key Takeaways: 

• As a mother, creating quality moments is your most important goal, and prioritizing, delegating, and blocking time each day are the keys to making sure that you always have a quality moment where needed.
• Taking small, subtle steps can make a huge difference. Decide what you need to say "no" to and what you need to say "yes" to, and then work on those incremental steps.
• Let go of your limiting beliefs, blocks, and setbacks to take action on anything you want to do. Success comes from letting go of what's holding us back.
• Give your 100%, but give yourself grace for everything you do. Take a break from everything that stimulates the mind, and allow it to reset.
• If you want to be on track with your goals, ask yourself "Am I doing the right thing right now" or "Am I on track with where I want to go?". The best way to start is to start simple and build up from there. This will allow you to change direction if you need to and will make your goal more achievable.
• Unless you take steps to go forward, you're going to stay in the unknown, so be intentional and willing to take action.

 

“We can get into places where we feel like we're stuck or not able to move forward, but when we are immersing ourselves in whatever season that is, we can truly be present.” —  Genesis Hey Krick

    

About Genesis Hey Krick: Genesis is a Keynote Speaker, Author, and a Certified Business and Life Coach. She is the Founder and CEO of Dream, Ignite, Build Inc., helping organizations thrive by creating customized strategic plans for business growth. She helps her clients develop clear goals and strategic plans through her sessions, which enhances the overall working environment for employees to thrive. She is also the Founder of Crazy Mom TV. 

 

 

Connect with Genesis:

Website: https://genesisspeaks.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/genesisspeaks/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/genesishey

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genesisheykrick/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genesisheykrick/

 

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelica Rayco.

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Brandon has dealt with ADHD since childhood. He is now a special education teacher and school psychologist. And now is the owner of Untapped Learning. Untapped's mission is to help students with executive function challenges—specifically ADHD and dyslexia. Shellee and Brandon discuss: -How to recognize ADHD in your child - How to help your student who has ADHD - Tapping into their strengths - Sleep, exercise, clear routines and structure around academics will help so much - and so much more. Connect with Brandon: Website: https://untappedlearning.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-slade-781b91b4/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/untappedlearning/ Connect with Shellee: Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

About Leah: "I am a self-help author, speaker, triathlete and performance coach living on Long Island. I’m firm believer in the infinite potential residing in every one of us, and I’ve dedicated my life to helping others realize it. My unique system is a version of triangle theory: one wall of the triangle is health and family, one is career, and the third encompasses all of one’s ultimate dreams and goals. Leah is a high school counselor"

 

Connect with Leah:

 

Website: www.leahjantzen.com

 

Facebook Profile Link- www.facebook.com/leahjantzen

 

LinkedIn Profile Link- www.linkedin.com/leahjantzen

 

Instagram Handle- @leahjantzen

 

Connect with Shellee:

 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

 

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com 

Aly Pain and Shellee Howard discusse her journey from personal struggles with ADHD to empowering parents of teens, focusing on connection and understanding during pivotal years.

 

Highlights

🎓 Aly Pain’s background includes overcoming personal challenges, including ADHD and family issues.

💬 She emphasizes the need for parents to adapt their approach as children transition into teenagers.

🔄 The importance of asking open-ended questions rather than providing direct advice to teens.

🚀 Parents must recognize that college isn’t the only path to success and that many careers don’t require a degree.

📅 Setting boundaries and discussing expectations for older teens considering careers or further education.

🤝 Encouragement for parents to support their teens’ interests while maintaining structure and accountability.

🌍 Pain believes that by improving family relationships, parents can help change the world.

Key Insights

🔍 Understanding Teen Development: Parents must recognize that teens undergo significant brain changes, impacting their behavior and decision-making. This shift requires a different parenting approach focused on autonomy and emotional connection.

📖 Revising Generational Stories: Many parents hold outdated beliefs about education and success; encouraging exploration beyond traditional paths can alleviate pressure on teens and foster their individuality.

🌱 Promoting Independence: Allowing teens to explore careers or interests, such as social media influencing, requires careful negotiation of boundaries and responsibilities to foster independence while providing guidance.

💡 Effective Communication: Parents should focus on curiosity-driven questions that invite teens to express their thoughts and feelings, rather than imposing expectations, to build mutual respect and understanding.

🔄 Flexibility in Planning: If a teen shows disengagement with school, parents should evaluate their readiness for college and consider alternative paths or postponement rather than forcing a traditional route.

⚖️ Balancing Support and Accountability: Establishing a framework for accountability while supporting a teen’s ambitions allows for a healthy balance that fosters both independence and responsibility.

💖 Parenting with Compassion: Acknowledging the challenges of parenting teens and extending grace to both parents and teens during this transition can enhance relationships and reduce conflict.

 

About Aly: Growing up, Aly was the smart, fun girl on the outside and a frantic, anxious mess on the inside. She spent years healing the pain of dysfunctional family relationships, including eating disorders and a suicide attempt, to break the cycle raising her own sons.   In 2006, Aly became a Certified Life Coach and Certified Relationship Systems Coach - one of only 70 people in Canada to hold both designations.   Aly's passion is empowering parents to build healthy, respectful relationships with their teens without giving up or giving in. She's been featured in the New York Post, ABC Nightly News and the Rachael Ray Show.

Connect with Aly:

 

Website

 

Facebook

 

Instagram

 

Connect with Shellee:

 

Website

 

YouTube

 

Instagram

 

Facebook Group

 

LinkedIn

 

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com  

 

 

In this episode, Shellee and Phephe discuss: 

• The truth about choosing a creative career path
• Choosing what path to take in college
• Moving into college dorms
• Turning creativity into a business

 

Key Takeaways: 

• Being creative is more than just a hobby. Make that creativity a career and you can build your life around it and have a successful life.
• More exposure and research into your passion will help you in selecting the best college course that fits your personality.
• Do not be afraid to live in a dorm during your college years; you will meet many new people, expand your network of acquaintances and create memories that will last a lifetime. Living in a dorm is also a welcome transition to adulthood.
• Your creativity could be turned into a profitable craft. It's simply a matter of strategizing your use of social media for an online portfolio if you want to thrive and stand out from the competition.

 

"I think creativity and imagination are so important. It's a leader in how we innovate, and even with technology it starts with creativity, and what you can build and what we see our future in." —  Phephe Rose

   

About Phephe Rose: Phephe Rose is a multidisciplinary designer, entrepreneur, and artist who earned her bachelor's degree in Architecture at University of South California (USC). 

She has spent nearly a decade developing her own personal brand as an artist and founded Brush Up Your Brand and Brush Up Your Space. She is also the founder of Phephe Rose Studio, a creative design studio where she guides entrepreneurs and influencers on how to gain visibility and credibility in their industry.

Her mission is to inspire creativity in our next generation.

 

Connect with Phephe Rose: 

Websites: https://www.phepherose.com/

https://brushupyourspace.com/

https://brushupyourbrand.com/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/phepherose

Facebook: http://facebook.com/phepherose

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/phepherose

Twitter: http://twitter.com/phepherose

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDI5xEKy4tx6eaZ5mzDwqQw

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@phepherose

 

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelica Rayco.

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

In this episode, Shellee and Jenny discuss:

• The importance of having a coach for your teenagers
• A parent-teen coach's approach to parenting
• The age at which Jenny begins working with students

 

Key Takeaways: 

• Having a coach supporting your teenager is not punishment, it's an advantage. Parents do not want to wait until things get out of control, so why not give them the advantage of helping them with their mindsets, emotions, habits, and things like that?
• Coaching sessions are not intended to take over parental responsibilities; coaches work in alliance with parents and teens. Using an effective coaching approach requires the coach, teenager, and parents to all be on the same page or have the same mindset.
• Parents and teens can start having coaching sessions in their teenage years, or a little bit earlier. It will depend on the teen's maturity and whether both the teen and their parents are ready to take the information, do the work, and be open to change.

 

“There's no manual with parenting. And also with teenagers, it can be an up and down process.”  —  Jenny Beckford

 

About Jenny Beckford: Jenny is a parent and teen coach practitioner. As the Founder of Greater Elevation, she helps teens transform their mindset and supports parents to connect with their teens. 

 

 

Connect with Jenny Beckford:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenny.beckford (Personal)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/positiveparentsandteens/ (Group)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenbeckford1/ (Personal)

https://www.instagram.com/greaterelevation/ (Company)

 

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelica Rayco.

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

In this episode, Shellee and Annie discuss: 

• What parents and students should know about college accommodation for students with disabilities
• Student's and parent's guide to the college transition
• Finding the best fit school for your child 

 

Key Takeaways: 

• Prior to submitting an application and prior to committing to a college, parents, and students with health conditions should determine what accommodations they might require, and what questions they should ask the disability services providers at each college.
• You can't always expect your child to be able to adjust to college, especially if you have a strong bond with each other. However, it is important to start gradually, allowing them to handle some responsibilities without your constant presence, so they will not struggle too much when they start college.
• For a child with physical disabilities and health conditions, finding and utilizing some resources will help you find schools that are physically accessible to your child, and talking to the Disability Support Office prior to applying is the best way to make sure you get the best fit school for your child.

 

“If students were getting better transition support services, if their families were getting more information prior to just the end of the senior year about what they should be doing, we might be in a better situation where you might actually see students with disabilities having higher graduation rates and success rates in the future.” —  Annie Tulkin

   

About Annie Tulkin: Annie is the Founder and Director of Accessible College and an author and public speaker. She is an expert in college transition for students with physical disabilities and health conditions. She assisted undergraduate, graduate, and medical school students with physical disabilities and health conditions with the college accommodations process for over 5 years; provided one-on-one consultations to students experiencing academic challenges; coordinated tutoring services for undergraduate students; scheduled and taught study skills workshops, and worked collaboratively with Residential Living to assist students with physical disabilities and health conditions.

 

Connect with Annie:

Website: https://accessiblecollege.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/accessiblecollege/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AcssCollege

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accessiblecollege/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessible-college-llc

Email: info@accessiblecollege.com

 

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelica Rayco.

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

🎭 Background of Will Dennis

 

12th-grade teacher at a private all-girls school.

Owner of an improv company, Unscripted Productions, focusing on applied improvisation.

 

🤔 Journey into Teaching and Improv

 

Initially uncertain about career path; influenced by strong educators and theater participation in high school.

Transitioned from professional acting to teaching after discovering love for teaching through improv classes.

 

🌱 Improv in Education

 

Improv creates a safe space for all students, promoting social-emotional learning and growth mindset.

Focuses on accepting mistakes as opportunities for growth, fostering a supportive classroom environment.

 

🔑 Key Philosophy: Yes, and...

 

The phrase "Yes, and..." emphasizes radical acceptance and contribution, vital for effective communication with teenagers.

Encourages parents to validate their child's feelings while contributing positively to discussions.

 

🎉 Classroom Activities

 

Start with trust-building exercises to ease students into improv.

Use games like Epic Rock, Paper, Scissors to foster teamwork and support.

Incorporate content review through fun improv activities that celebrate learning through mistakes.

 

💡 Advice for Parents

 

Engage teenagers using the Yes, and... mindset to enhance communication and understanding.

Explore creative thinking exercises together to validate their ideas and feelings.

 

🛠️ Improv's Impact on Students

 

Helps students manage pressure and anxiety by recognizing that imperfection is acceptable.

Allows students to take risks and build confidence in a supportive environment.

 

📬 Contact Information

 

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website

YouTube

Instagram

LinkedIn

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

Connect with Will Dennis:

Website

Facebook

LinkedIn
 

Email: will@unscriptedproductions.com

Robert Farrington discusses financial literacy for families, emphasizing strategies to navigate college funding and avoid student loan debt.

 

Highlights

🎓 Importance of financial literacy: Teaching kids about money early is crucial for their future.

💡 Experiences matter: Work and volunteer opportunities help teens learn about their interests and skills.

📉 Understanding ROI: Families should evaluate the return on investment for college choices.

💰 529 plans: Start saving early for college through specialized savings plans.

🤝 Family involvement: Encourage relatives to contribute to education savings rather than material gifts.

🚫 Avoiding debt: Discuss the significance of managing student loans and making informed financial decisions.

🌍 Diverse career paths: Expose teens to various professions to help them find their passion and potential earnings.

Key Insights

📊 Financial education is vital: Early financial education can empower children to make informed decisions about their future and avoid debt traps.

🌱 Volunteer work builds character: Engaging in community service can help teens discover their passions while giving back, leading to valuable skills and experiences.

🔍 Analyze career options: Understanding the financial implications of different careers can guide students toward paths that align with their interests and financial realities.

💸 Start saving early: Utilizing vehicles like 529 plans can significantly ease the burden of college costs later on.

🎁 Rethink gifting: Encouraging family members to contribute to education funds instead of giving material gifts can foster a culture of savings.

📉 The importance of ROI: Parents should help their children assess the potential return on investment for their college choices to avoid excessive debt.

🚀 Explore diverse paths: Encouraging students to consider various career options can help them find fulfilling work without the pressure of high student loans.

 

Connect with Robert:

 

Website

 

Facebook

 

Connect with Shellee:

 

Website

 

YouTube

 

Instagram

 

Facebook Group

 

LinkedIn

 

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com  

 

 

About Brett:

Brett worked in College Admissions for about 10 years (Manhattan College, Columbia University, Wake Forest University) prior to joining Pioneer Academics. He has presented at IACAC, IECA, Ivy+ and NYSACAC conferences and has also served on a NACAC Ad Hoc committee. 

Connect with Brett: 

 

Website

 

Instagram

 

Connect with Shellee:

 

Website

 

YouTube

 

Instagram

 

Facebook Group

 

LinkedIn

 

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com  

 

 

🎓 Cynthia Coufal's Background

 

31 years in education: Special education teacher for 6 years and school counselor for 25 years.

Transitioned to teen coaching to work directly with teens and college students facing anxiety.

 

🏫 College Ready Program Overview

 

Founded by Shellee Howard after her son received seven full-ride offers from prestigious schools, including Harvard.

Focuses on helping families navigate the college admissions process, with an emphasis on financial planning and academic preparation.

 

🤔 Difference Between Coaching and Therapy

 

Coaching helps teens identify future goals and creates a plan to overcome current challenges.

Therapy tends to focus on past issues and underlying problems; coaching is about moving forward.

 

😟 Identifying Anxiety in Teens

 

Everyone experiences anxiety, especially during life transitions (e.g., starting college).

Indicators of significant anxiety include avoidance of activities and disruptions in daily functioning.

 

📚 Addressing Test Anxiety

 

Normalizing anxiety is essential; preparing through practice tests and visualization can help reduce fear.

Techniques such as grounding and deep breathing are effective in managing anxiety during tests.

 

📱 Impact of Technology on Youth Anxiety

 

Rise of smartphones has correlated with increased anxiety in teens; boundaries around technology are crucial.

Encourages parents to model positive behavior regarding technology use.

 

🌟 Unique Aspects of Cynthia's Coaching Program

 

Utilizes the UMAP assessment to identify teens' strengths, values, and interests.

Focus on aligning personal values with life goals to manage anxiety effectively.

 

🏆 Future Planning and College Preparation

 

Strong emphasis on core values and developing a passion project to direct focus away from anxiety.

Early planning is recommended, starting in middle school, to prepare for high school and college readiness.

 

💰 Financial Navigation for College

 

Discusses financial planning and the importance of understanding FAFSA requirements.

Shares that strategic financial negotiation can lead to significant scholarships and debt-free college options.

 

🙌 Encouragement for Parents

 

Trust in their child’s ability to navigate challenges; most kids eventually find their path.

Emphasizes the importance of building a supportive community around students.

 

📞 Connecting with Teens

 

Offers a free initial consultation to help establish rapport with teens resistant to seeking help.

Stresses the importance of having a neutral voice for teens to discuss their concerns outside of parental influence.

 

Connect with Cythnia:

Website

Facebook

LinkedIn

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website

YouTube

Instagram

LinkedIn

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

Parents, discover how UC Scout can aid your teen’s college readiness by providing essential courses and resources.

 

Highlights

📚 UC Scout offers online A-G approved courses for college readiness.

🌍 Accessible to students in California and beyond, including international students.

🎓 A-G requirements are critical for UC admission; missing them can prevent application eligibility.

🔍 Parents can check course alignment with UC requirements through their child’s school counselor.

💻 Online courses are asynchronous, allowing flexible scheduling for students.

💡 UC Scout provides free curriculum to public schools in California.

🆓 Non-credit tutoring courses are available to prevent failing grades, at no cost for California public school students.

Key Insights

 

🎓 Understanding A-G Requirements: Parents must familiarize themselves with the A-G course framework to ensure their teens meet college admission standards. Missing even one requirement can hinder eligibility for prestigious UC schools.

 

🏫 School Counselor Collaboration: Engaging with school counselors is essential for aligning high school courses with college goals. Proactive communication can help avert potential pitfalls in students’ academic paths.

 

🌐 Resource Accessibility: UC Scout’s online platform opens doors for students lacking access to specific courses at their schools, leveling the playing field for college preparation.

 

🏆 Importance of Extracurriculars: While academic performance is crucial, a well-rounded application that includes extracurricular activities can enhance a student’s chances of admission, especially in competitive environments.

 

⏳ Flexibility in Learning: The asynchronous nature of UC Scout courses allows students to learn at their own pace, accommodating various schedules and commitments, particularly for those involved in sports or work.

 

📈 Preventative Measures: UC Scout offers non-credit courses as a safety net for struggling students. These resources can help reinforce learning without the pressure of grades, aiding retention and understanding.

 

💬 Continuous Learning for Educators: The free professional development courses for teachers through UC Scout emphasize the importance of effective online teaching methods, benefiting student learning experiences overall.

Connect with Adra:

Website

 

Facebook

 

Connect with Shellee:

 

Website

 

YouTube

 

Instagram

 

Facebook Group

 

LinkedIn

 

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com  

 

 

Shellee and Dr. Karyn Koven discuss: -Importance of high school students getting real world experience to stand out to colleges. - Student's should find ways to differentiate their interests and capitalize on them - Dr. Karyn believes people should learn as many languages as they can and her company Language Bird offers lessons that are taught by connecting students to fascinating people from around the world. Students have flexibility in their schedule and can earn high school and middle school credits from anywhere in the world. About Dr. Karyn Koven: LanguageBird was founded in 2015 by Dr. Karyn Koven under the premise of delivering top quality world language courses to high school students in preparation for college. In her experience as a high school administrator, counselor, and teacher, Dr. Koven found that options for world language were too limited and often did not go beyond two years of study. Without active conversation components, online language courses and software fail to fully supplement in person learning. Dr. Koven’s creation of LanguageBird marries the flexibility of online learning to individualized instruction, poising learners to achieve their goals with ease. After earning her undergraduate degrees in English and Journalism from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, Dr. Koven began her teaching career in Southern California. As an English teacher, she assisted students in crafting their college essays and helped them to navigate college admissions. She went on to earn her doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from UCLA to pursue a path in college admissions counseling. Prior to LanguageBird, Dr. Koven co-founded HighTech Los Angeles, a charter school designed to deliver rigorous college preparatory coursework to students. There, she developed curriculums compliant with the state of California, the University of California, and California State University to ensure all students were eligible for admittance to 4-year colleges. To equip students for life beyond the classroom, Dr. Koven partnered with dozens of local businesses and non-profits to provide HighTech students with valuable internships. Dr. Koven is an educator at heart and believes in centering curriculum around students’ needs. Her approach of project-based learning involves students more directly in their coursework, fosters creative thinking, and allows students to incorporate their interests into their learning. Dr. Koven developed LanguageBird to enrich students’ lives both in and out of the classroom and hopes students come away from their courses inspired to be lifelong learners. Koven is a member of the Female Founders Collective and the Women’s Presidents Organization. LanguageBird was named as one of fastest growing companies in the U.S. by Inc. Magazine in 2022 and #16 in Education. Dr. Koven’s method of leadership empowers her employees to recognize their strengths and encouraging growth. LanguageBird instructors continue professional growth in peer-to-peer mentorship and workshops on best teaching practices. With LanguageBird, Dr. Koven has cultivated a community of learners who are able to master speaking a new language with confidence after engaging in self-paced courses in language and cultural discovery. Instructors teaching their native language incorporate their culture into lessons, creating a more engaging experience and expanding students’ horizons. As CEO, Dr. Koven directs a team of globally minded professionals committed to delivering an exceptionally well-rounded language experience to students. Connect with Dr. Koven: Website: www.languagebird.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/LanguageBird/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/languagebird Instagram: www.instagram.com/languagebird/ Connect with Shellee: Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

🎓 Early College Preparation 

Mia started with College Ready in eighth grade. At the time, she felt confused about planning for college so early, but now recognizes the value of getting ahead. 

💰 Financial Considerations Myrna emphasized the importance of investing in Mia's education early to avoid stress and high costs later. She viewed the program as a way to save money in the long run. 

🌱 Personal Growth and Leadership Mia initially struggled with leadership roles but gradually found her confidence. She participated in clubs, community service, and even founded her own club during high school. 

🌍 Community Service Impact Mia’s community service began with small projects, such as donating art supplies in Mexico. It evolved into a more impactful trip to the Philippines, where she conducted a volleyball and ukulele camp for local children. 

📚 High School Experience Mia described her senior year as the best, filled with leadership roles and memorable experiences. She learned that challenges, such as receiving a C grade, helped her grow. 

🔍 College Decision Process Mia applied to several colleges but found San Diego State University (SDSU) to be the best fit, balancing academics and a vibrant social life. She highlighted the supportive environment and opportunities for networking. 

💼 Future Aspirations Mia is considering a career in law enforcement and local government, inspired by her internship experience. She plans to apply for various law enforcement agencies after graduation. 

✨ Supportive Environment Both Mia and Myrna praised College Ready for its personalized approach, emphasizing the importance of emotional support and encouragement throughout the college preparation journey. 

🌟 Key Takeaway for Students Mia encourages students to trust the process and pursue what makes them happy, while also keeping their options open for the future. 

🤝 Advice for Parents Myrna advises parents to be emotionally supportive and involved in their children's education, focusing on their well-being rather than just academic achievements.

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website

YouTube

Instagram

LinkedIn

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

Shellee and Meghan discuss: - The importance of the college essay - Why are students intimidated by writing their college essay - Seniors need to be independent and feel confident in being vulnerable in their essays About Meghan: Meghan Waldron Sheriff is a secondary school educator and teacher leader in Hanover County, VA. She has taught English and Journalism in the public and private sectors since 2000. Sheriff is a graduate of Radford University where she earned degrees in English and Spanish. In 2004, she graduated from Trinity University with a Masters in the Art of Teaching. Sheriff received her administration and supervision certification from James Madison University in 2022, and she is set to graduate with a Doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2024 from Virginia Commonwealth University. Connect with Meghan: Website: https://www.smartsolutionsva.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rvawrites/ Connect with Shellee: Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Jeannie Baldomero discusses her experience mentoring moms of teen girls, focusing on building communication and understanding in mother-daughter relationships. 

Highlights: - 

🌞 Jeannie lives in sunny San Diego and has been married for 24 years. 

- 🎙️ She hosts the podcast "Raising Her Confidently," specializing in mentoring moms of teenage girls. 

- 📚 Jeannie transitioned from being an educator to helping moms understand their daughters during adolescence. 

- 👩‍👧 She emphasizes the importance of community and communication in nurturing relationships. 

- 💬 Jeannie provides tools for mothers to connect with their daughters and navigate hormonal changes. 

- 🛠️ She offers a workshop to help parents improve communication with their teens. 

- 🌟 Jeannie believes in balancing authority and relationship in parenting for healthy development. Key Insights 

- 🌱 Personal Experience Shapes Mentorship: Jeannie's own struggles as a teen inform her passion for helping moms navigate the complexities of raising daughters. This empathetic approach allows her to connect deeply with clients, fostering understanding and growth. 

- 🤝 Community is Crucial: Jeannie highlights the importance of having a support system for mothers. This community helps share experiences and tools for better parenting, alleviating feelings of isolation. 

- 💡 Open Communication: Effective dialogue between mothers and daughters is essential. Jeannie provides frameworks that encourage honest conversations, which can lead to stronger relationships and better understanding. 

- ⚖️ Balance Between Authority and Relationship: Finding the right mix of discipline and friendship is vital. Jeannie teaches parents to adapt their roles as children grow, ensuring respect while fostering independence. 

- 🌈 Understanding Developmental Changes: Jeannie emphasizes the hormonal shifts during adolescence that affect behavior. Knowledge of these changes helps moms respond with empathy rather than frustration. 

- 🎯 Focus on Individuality: Jeannie advocates for recognizing and supporting each daughter’s unique identity. This approach fosters confidence and self-worth, helping daughters embrace who they are. 

- 📅 Continuous Learning: Jeannie encourages ongoing education through workshops and resources, enabling parents to stay informed and adapt their strategies for the evolving challenges of parenting teens.

Connect with Jeannie:

 

Website

 

Connect with Shellee:

 

Website

 

YouTube

 

Instagram

 

Facebook Group

 

LinkedIn

 

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com  

 

 

🔍 Understanding Learning Styles

 

Different students have unique learning styles; assessments help tailor lesson plans accordingly.

Strategies should be diversified to engage various learners effectively.

 

🧠 Mindset Matters

 

A student's mindset significantly impacts their performance; strategies include mindset training and breathing exercises.

Test anxiety can often lead to performance drops, necessitating mental preparation alongside content review.

 

📅 When to Start Test Prep

 

Latest Recommended Start: Begin prep as soon as a student finishes Algebra 2 to reinforce earlier material.

Early Exposure: Encouraging verbal skills development can start as early as elementary school.

 

📈 Holistic Approach to Test Prep

 

Focus on both content mastery and test-taking strategies to ensure a comprehensive understanding.

Regular diagnostics help identify knowledge gaps and areas needing reinforcement.

 

💰 Importance of Standardized Tests

 

Despite a trend towards test-optional admissions, high scores can significantly enhance scholarship opportunities.

Many colleges still consider test scores for merit-based scholarships, making preparation beneficial.

 

🔄 Addressing Performance Fluctuations

 

Students may experience performance drops despite prior success; this is often a mental issue rather than a lack of knowledge.

Continuous support and mindset training can help maintain performance consistency.

 

🎯 Key Takeaway for Parents

 

Encourage Open Possibilities: Avoid setting limits on what students can achieve; with time and the right support, remarkable progress is possible.

 

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website

YouTube

Instagram

LinkedIn

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

Connect with Nara Legrand:

Website

Facebook

LinkedIn
 

Email: nara@legrandprep.com

🎓 Early Career Conversations

 

Start discussing careers with teens as early as 4th to 6th grade to explore their interests and problem-solving skills.

 

👨‍👦‍👦 Parental Involvement

 

Encourage parents to be curious about their child’s aspirations: “What do you want to do? Why that?” This helps in guiding them towards career paths.

 

💼 Importance of Real-World Experience

 

Teens should gain real-world experience through jobs or volunteer work. This helps them understand their likes and dislikes, building confidence in their career choices.

 

🚀 Sampling Careers

 

Promote “sampling” various jobs, even informal ones like tutoring or working at a pizza place, to expose teens to different environments and responsibilities.

 

🧑‍🎓 Resume vs. Experience

 

A resume with a 4.0 GPA is valuable, but employers increasingly value life experiences and problem-solving abilities over grades alone.

 

📈 Career Preparation and College

 

In addition to academics, students should engage in extracurriculars, internships, and community service to build a well-rounded application for both college and future jobs.

 

👥 Networking and Exposure

 

College is not just about the degree; it's also about networking and exposure. Engaging with peers and professors can open doors for future employment.

 

⚖️ Student Athlete Benefits

 

Being a student athlete can enhance job prospects. However, students must learn to articulate how their athletic experiences translate to skills valuable in the workplace.

 

📚 Book Recommendation

 

Colby Goodman’s book, “Start Now and 49 Other Things You Need to Do to Be Employed by Graduation,” provides actionable steps for students to prepare for their careers.

 

🌍 Real-World Skills Over Classroom Focus

 

Emphasize the importance of skills learned outside the classroom. Employers look for problem solvers rather than just job doers.

 

🔗 Engagement with Career Coaches

 

Working with a career coach can help students clarify their goals, enhance their resumes, and prepare for interviews to secure jobs post-graduation.

 

💬 Final Thoughts for Parents

 

Encourage ongoing conversations about careers, framing them as exploratory rather than pressure-filled, to cultivate a positive outlook on their child's future.

 

 

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website

YouTube

Instagram

LinkedIn

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

Connect with Nara Legrand:

Website

Facebook

LinkedIn
 

Email: nara@legrandprep.com

In this episode, Shellee and Alex discuss: 

• The story behind “The College Tour” series
• The power of knowing your “why”
• Going on a college tour
• What Alex and his team look for in student interviews for their show

 

Key Takeaways: 

• Finding the best college school is extremely challenging, but if we could get a free inside look at what it's really like to be a student at a particular college or university, we would be able to make a much more informed decision about which college is best for us.
• To figure out what major they should take, students should start with a bigger picture of who they are, what they want to accomplish, and where they want to go. Choosing the best school always begins with knowing your "why".
• Nothing can beat the experience of stepping foot on campus or having a full ride to a university that is one of your top choices and seeing all the features that the institution has to offer.
• Students who find a show beneficial will appreciate it more, so long as it revolves around real students telling real stories. 

 

"There's a way to get higher education…that is going to set you up for success, and it's just finding the right fit for where you are in your journey." —  Alex Boylan

   

About Alex Boylan: Alex Boylan is known worldwide for his award-winning TV production and hosting ability. After winning The Amazing Race at 23 years old, he's been blessed to have an amazing career both in front and behind the camera.​

Above all else, he is an adventurer, traveller, and storyteller.  He's filmed in every state in America and over 60 countries around the world.

Alex’s passion for producing won him an Emmy nomination for his work on The Steve Harvey Show, two Webby Awards for Best Web Show on Around The World For Free, and an ADRIAN Award for his work on DreamJobbing.  

Currently, Alex is the Executive Producer and Host of The College Tour TV Series.

 

 

Connect with Alex Boylan:

Website: https://www.thecollegetour.com/ (Company)

                        https://www.alexboylan.com/ (Personal)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderboylan/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boylanalex/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexander.boylan

Email: alex@alexboylan.com

 

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelica Rayco.

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Shellee and Michael discuss: - The struggle a lot of parents deal with when their teenagers are addicted to digital screens and video games - As a parent who dealt with this in his own kid, created a summer program for teenagers where they reset. It is a month long program where they have group therapy, individual therapy, teach them how to cook, do their laundry, go to the beach and have a lot of fun but they are detoxed from screens and learn what life is like once they leave home. - The 8 signs your teen have screen addiction About Michael: Michael Jacobus is an internationally renowned Camp Director and youth development specialist. With a passion for empowering young minds, he founded Reset Summer Camp to combat the challenges of screen addiction after witnessing its impact on his own family. As a parent who once dealt with a gaming-addicted child, Michael’s journey makes him a relatable advocate. Reset Summer Camp offers an immersive clinical program on a university campus, blending a summer camp atmosphere with therapy to help participants detox and develop vital life skills. Michael and his dedicated team are on a mission to create a healthier, more balanced future for our youth. Connect with Michael: Website- https://www.resetsummercamp.com Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/resetsummercamp LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/reset-summer-camp Instagram: @resetsummer Connect with Shellee: Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Shellee Howard and Bara Sapir discuss strategies for helping teens overcome test anxiety and improve their performance with a focus on customized approaches. 

Highlights - 

🎓 College readiness is not just about academics; mindset matters too.  

🧠 Mindfulness techniques can help students perform better on tests. 

- 📈 Customization of test prep is crucial for addressing individual student needs. 

- ⏰ Speed reading can save time and enhance comprehension during exams. 

- 🧘‍♂️ Hypnosis has proven effective for students struggling with anxiety. 

- 🔍 Diagnostic tests help identify specific challenges for each student. 

- 💪 Parents play a vital role in supporting their child's success. 

Key Insights 

- 🎯 Customized Learning: Each student has unique strengths and weaknesses that require tailored approaches, enhancing their overall performance on tests. Customization allows for efficient learning and skill development. 

- 🌀 Mindset Matters: Addressing the psychological aspects of test-taking, such as anxiety and confidence, is essential for students to perform at their best. Mindset training equips students with lifelong skills. 

- 📚 Speed Reading Benefits: Improving reading speed can lead to better time management during tests, allowing students to grasp questions more effectively and alleviating pressure. 

- 🌱 Holistic Approach: Incorporating various techniques, including mindfulness and neuro-linguistic programming, helps students tackle both content mastery and mental barriers simultaneously. 

- 🔍 Diagnostic Assessments: Conducting thorough diagnostics allows educators to pinpoint specific areas of difficulty, ensuring that each student receives the most relevant support. 

- 🎉 Parental Involvement: Parents are crucial in guiding and supporting their teens through the college readiness process, reinforcing the importance of agency and self-advocacy. 

- 🌟 Lifelong Skills: Techniques learned during test prep, such as speed reading and anxiety management, can be beneficial beyond academics, impacting future career opportunities and personal growth.

 

Connect with Bara:

 

Website

 

Facebook

 

Connect with Shellee:

 

Website

 

YouTube

 

Instagram

 

Facebook Group

 

LinkedIn

 

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com  

 

 

Connect with Shellee:

 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

 

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com  

 

Abour Dr. Robert Malkin:

 

Dr. Robert Malkin is a Professor of the Practice of Biomedical Engineering and Global Health, Emeritus at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. He is also the Academic Director of the International Research Institute of North Carolina. Dr. Malkin received his MS and PhD in Electrical Engineering from Duke University in 1993. Prior to attending graduate school, Dr. Malkin taught English in Thailand, worked at EM Microelectronics in Switzerland designing integrated circuits, worked for Cordis Corporation designing pacemakers and worked for Sarns Incorporated designing heart lung machines. Dr. Malkin served as an expert advisor to the World Health Organization’s Advisory Group on Healthcare Technology, Advisory Group on Innovative Technologies and on the World Health Organization’s subcommittee on medical equipment donations. Dr Malkin received the BS degree in Electrical Engineering from The University of Michigan in 1984. Currently, he serves as the Founder and Academic Director of IRI-NC wherein they provide STEM remote research opportunities to students around the world with the goal of empowering young minds that can potentially advance human knowledge.

 

Connect with Dr. Robert Malkin:

 

Email: alliah.rebancos@iri-nc.org

 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramalkin/

Loral Langemeier the Millionaire maker is an advocate and educator of financial literacy and teaches people how to be a millionaire. She has been making myriads of millionaires since 2001. She has five books in the New York Times and is about to launch her sixth book. This new book tackles being a millionaire and family.

 

In this episode, Shellee and Loral discuss:

• The significance of financial literacy to be college-ready.
• Creating the right strategy to make children a millionaire.
• Allowing children to stand on their own feet
• The importance of the type and quality of mindset that you are tolerating.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Financial literacy will help you send your child to college. College is costly, the financial state of the family will determine the readiness of children to enter college.
• It's not that difficult to be a millionaire. It's not that difficult but it is very strategic. You just have to be knowledgeable.
• Children must learn to be independent and shape their future. It is more saddening to have them doing nothing rather than seeing them go far for the sake of future and dreams.
• The mind is the most influential thing in someone's life. Thus,  the kind of mindset you tolerate can determine your life and what you do in response to things that will come your way.

 

"People use many excuses. In adulting,  you're raising the next generation of leaders. This isn't about them being your friend and your buddy and needing them to stay with you 'cause you're a single parent. No,  you cut that umbilical cord. You let them go there and be strong."  — Loral Langemeier

 

About Loral Langenmeier: Loral Langemeier is a money expert, sought-after speaker, entrepreneurial thought leader, and Five Time New York Times best-selling author who is on a relentless mission to change the conversation about money and empower people around the world to become millionaires.

 

Connect with Loral Langemeier:

Website: https://www.lorallangemeier.com

Email: www.lorallangemeier.com

Book: https://makeyourkidsmillionaires.com/collegeready

Facebook: 

https://m.facebook.com/TheMillionaireMakerBook/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/askloral?t=tG-3iBbFsm2IzEv1t8vVIw&s=09

Instagram: https://instagram.com/askloral?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

 

Connect with Shellee Howard:

Free copy of Shellee’s best selling book: “How to send your student to college without

losing your mind or your money!” https://freebook.collegereadyplan.com/

Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Shellee and Valerie discuss the importance of estate planning and how it effects your family and children. About Valerie: Valerie Pasion is an attorney with the Asset Protection and Elder Law Center and specializes in Estate Planning. She currently lives in Orange County with her husband Roland. Together they have four rambunctious children ages 6, 10, 12 and 13. Valerie graduated Summa Cum Laude from UCI in 2005 and In 2009, she received her JD from the UCLA School of Law…Go Bruins. On her free time she loves to explore exotic food and outdoor adventure with her family and friends. Connect with Valerie: Website: https://www.assetprotectioncenter.com/valerie-l-pasion.html Connect with Shellee: Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

In this episode, Shellee and Alan discuss: 

• Taking advantage of social media
• Presenting yourself online to get into college
• Perfecting your LinkedIn profile

 

Key Takeaways: 

• Social media can be extremely beneficial during the college admissions process. Take advantage of its benefits, and present yourself online while exercising discretion with your social media accounts.
• Colleges are now looking at students' online profiles when considering admissions applications, and Linkedin is an excellent supplement or complement to their college application because it allows them to delve deeper into presenting themselves.
• Turn your LinkedIn profile into a portfolio that includes samples of your work and promotes good aspects of you, your activities, and your interests. This adds dimension to your application and may help you in getting scholarships.

 

"Do not fear social media, learn about it, and there is probably not one high school student who could not benefit from getting on LinkedIn." —  Alan Katzman

   

About Alan Katzman: Alan is a pioneer in developing and advocating techniques to teach students how to use social media. He is the founder and CEO of Social Assurity, a leading social media educator and pragmatic strategist which helps teams build a compelling and reflective digital presence as a game-changing tool for creating academic and career success. A sought-after speaker for high school students, parents, and educational professionals frequently participating in education-related events nationwide. Elon has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, ABC News, NPR, USA Today Forbes, and Business Insider.

Alan made his foray into social media education with the launch of a socialist charity in 2013 and has licensed its social media courseware to thousands of students nationwide. Before forming Social Assurity, he served as an executive legal counsel for several startups and fortune 500 technology companies, where he managed the law compliance and administrative functions.

Alan received his BA from the University of Albany and his JD from Albany Law School.

 

Connect with Alan Katzman:

Websites: socialassurity.university  (Company Website)

                        socialassurity.university/blog  (Blog)

                        socialassurity.work/  (Company Website)

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alan-katzman

Email: alan@socialassurity.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SocialAssurity

 

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelica Rayco.

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Nellie and Shellee discuss: - Love and Lead your teenager so they are ready when it is time for them to leave for college. - The second half of their childhood, you are partnering with them and building their life with them, not for them. - When you drop them off at college, you don't want to worry if they can handle it. You prepare them in the years leading up to college so you can be happy and excited for them. - They need a foundation of self worth, self confidence and self esteem before you send them to college. Or they chase their worth in any place they can. - Teenagers have a need to be seen, heard, loved, belong and have a purpose. - Every child is different and you may have to parent them each differently. About Nellie: Nellie is a Christian Family Life & Leadership Coach who focuses on helping parents and their teen daughters go from HOPING they are doing all the “right things”, feeling lost and just surviving teen life to KNOWING they are doing the right things for their unique child and getting her set on a solid path to establishing her personal authority, owning her responsibilities and living in her joy so that she has a firm foundation to build the rest of her life on where she trusts herself, stays aligned in her values and trades chasing worth for standing in her confidence every day in order to face anything and become the leader of her own life. She is a wife and mom to 4 teen daughters, author, speaker, podcaster, retired homeschooling parent and adventure chaser. She has a degree in biology and psychology, years of leadership training and a diverse behavior background from humpback whales in the South Pacific to teens and parents in homes across the world. She believes in a life of intention, making dreams and goals realities and knows that the best way to change the world is through one living room at a time! Connect with Nellie: Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/the6570project LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nellieharden Instagram: www.instagram.com/nellieharden/ Connect with Shellee: Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Sandra Chane is currently a High School Senior who has accepted to attend UCLA in the Fall of 2022! (Pre-med/Bio).  Sandra started with College Ready at the end of her Freshman year.  She got into 10 or of 12 colleges she applied to!  Sandra shares what it takes to have a successful college application season.

In this episode, Shellee and Interview discuss:

• Three things about yourself 
• Anticipating their concerns 
• Asking genuine questions 
• Backing up your claims 

Key Takeaways:

• Think about three things that you want the interviewer to know about you by the end of the interview. Think about your core values, accomplishments, gifts and talents. 
• Anticipate what would be the interviewer’s concern and answer it before it even becomes a concern. 
• Ask a genuine question, don’t worry about whether they’ll be able to answer it or not - what’s important is that you’re showing an interest in that area. Also, read the school newspaper and discuss or ask about  some issues or hot topics from there. 
• When letting them know who you are, back up your claims with some proof. Instead of saying you’re patient, say “my friends/siblings would say that I’m patient” or you could tell an instance where you showed that value. 

"If you do not share, they will not know." —  Shellee Howard

 

Connect with Shellee Howard:

Free copy of Shellee’s best selling book, “How to send your student to college without losing your mind or your money!”  https://freebook.collegereadyplan.com/

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

In this episode, Shellee and Sharael discuss:

• The pressure of getting into outstanding colleges 
• Not knowing where to start in getting into college
• Having a strong college application resume
• Supporting your child’s decision

 

Key Takeaways:

• Matching their hobbies or activities to what they think an outstanding college is seeking is already a lot of pressure on kids, that is why parents should also take a breath and consider what their child really wants. 
• Work with people who are knowledgeable in getting your child college ready and who have concrete plans that you could follow step by step. Someone they could go to for advice and who gives them a clear and easy plan to navigate the admissions process.
• Having a strong college application resume can boost your chances of getting accepted into your preferred college or university.
• Let your child grow on his/her own. You may have doubts and concerns about their preferences but at the end of the day, the choice is still up to them and your respect and support on their decision creates a big impact in their life. 

 

 

“Just follow your heart. I know it sounds cliche, but you know, doing what you are passionate about…I think as a parent, it really is important also to do what you love, and be an inspiration for your children and showing them that you can be successful, and you can be a great parent.” – Sharael Kolberg

 

 

About Sharael Kolberg: Sharael earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of Hawaii. She has been passionate about travel and writing for more than 20 years and loves to entertain, educate and inspire people to see the world through writing for various outlets, and exploring different places that bring a new sense of wonder to herself and others who read her writing. 

Her work has been published in various magazines, newspapers, and websites, including Outside magazine, Sunset magazine, Forbes Travel Guide, Orbits, Travelocity and many more. She is also the founder of the travel blog FamilyTravelChannel.com.

She is a breast cancer survivor, has done several events and fundraisers for Susan G. Komen, and continues to advocate for breast cancer awareness.

She and her daughter have been part of the College Ready Plan and is sharing her story of preparing her child for college.

 

Connect with Sharael Kolberg:

Website: www.sharael.com

Email: sharaelkolberg@gmail.com

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/familytravelchannel

Twitter: www.twitter.com/sharaelkolberg

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharael

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/familytravelchannel/

 

 

Connect with Shellee Howard:

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

 

Grace Jones was the first 8th grade student Shellee took into the College Ready Plan.  She proved once again that having a plan, stand out strategy and starting early equals success in all three critical areas:  Academic fit, Social fit and Financial fit.  Grace got into every college she applied to and is enjoying a full ride scholarship at Vanderbilt University!  She won the Coca Cola Scholarship and had a perfect application season.  She got to choose where she wanted to attend college on her terms.  You will not want to miss her story and advice for younger students.

  

In this episode, Shellee and Grace discuss:

• What college is the best fit? 
• Focus on your passion 
• Choosing a roommate 
• Getting an internship 

 

Key Takeaways:

• When choosing a school for college, do your research. Talk to the people on the campus, write down the pros and cons of enrolling there, and visualize where you’d be in four years if you enroll at this school. 
• Don’t pressure yourself to have a concrete and exact idea of what you want to do after school, instead, focus on what you are passionate about and immerse yourself in opportunities that allow you to experience more of it. 
• Don’t be afraid of getting a roommate, it will really enhance your college experience if you choose the right one. There are many ways to figure out which roommate would be the best for you, it’s always good to get to know a person before choosing them. 
• It’s not normal for you to get a scholarship or internship handed over to you. It takes a lot of hard work, a lot of writing and emailing and following up in order to get what you need. 

 

"[Getting an internship] I emailed a bunch of professors - there was no set formula, I basically just drafted an email and went through UCI’s directory of professors and tagged everyone that was doing research that looked interesting and then personalized the email to each one. Probably sent at least 70 or 80 emails and ended up hearing back from two or three of them, which I thought was amazing at the time, I was like ‘wow, I’m getting all these opportunities from just emailing’. " —  Grace Jones

 

About Grace Jones: She is currently a freshman of Vanderbilt University and a part of their Ingram Scholars Program which is a service related program that provides full tuition support. 

 

Connect with Grace Jones:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-a-jones/

 

Connect with Shellee Howard:

Free copy of Shellee’s best selling book, “How to send your student to college without losing your mind or your money!”  https://freebook.collegereadyplan.com/

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

In this episode, Shellee and Beejel discuss:

• Early financial education for your kids
• Money fundamentals are the key to learning resilience
• Getting your child through college without being in debt
• Getting your kids interested in money basics and applying them

 

Key Takeaways: 

• It is important that we look beyond our control to get ahead and give our children and teens the support they need to succeed. Since younger kids are more accepting of parenting suggestions, introducing the subject of money to them at an early age is a great way to ensure that by the time they are teenagers, they are much more intelligent and money-savvy than even most adults.
• Through a solid understanding of money, children can be resilient and pivot to find something else if, later in life, they don't succeed in their chosen fields.
• There are so many resources out there to make money online and offline that doesn't rob your child of learning about money. Simply taking advantage of these resources will allow them to develop a much better relationship with money for future success.
• Your children should understand that if they want the best things in life, they will need to work hard to earn them. By opening the door to adult conversations in a light-hearted way that doesn’t feel intimidating or offensive, you will be able to get them interested in learning how money works.

 

“It isn't just about the tactical aspect of wealth building. It's about the beliefs, relationships, habits, and routines we have about money, and a lot of them are formed in our younger years, not in our adulthood – it gets formed even as young as four or five years old. ”  —  Beejel Parmar

 

 

About Beejel Parmar:  Beejel is the COO of  FUNancial Freedom, helping kids & teens make and manage money, and has 12+ yrs providing Virtual Assistant & Outsourcing Services. 

He helps and advises entrepreneurs and business owners on how to be more efficient (best use of time), and with aligned planning and productivity through a group coaching program and outsourcing, especially with their follow-up process.

His deep depth of experience comes from over a decade of experience growing a business from 100-500 virtual assistants, conducting over 3000 one-on-one consulting sessions, and speaking and training entrepreneurs all over the world.

 

 

Connect with Beejel Parmar:

Website: https://funancialfreedom.com/ | https://fu | https://10thingsaboutmoney.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ibeejal

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyjcasey/  https://linkedin.com/in/beejel108/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ibeejal 

 

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelica Rayco.

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Shellee Howard interviews Arlayna Alcock about preparing teens for studying abroad and the benefits of international experiences.

 

Highlights

- 🌍 Arlayna Alcock is a college career coach and helps students with study abroad opportunities.

- ✈️ Studying abroad enhances adaptability, resilience, and confidence in students.

- 📚 Opportunities for international experiences vary from short internships to full degree programs.

- 💸 Costs for studying abroad can range from $3,000 to $10,000, making it manageable for diligent students.

- 🗺️ Parents should research destinations and communicate effectively with their children while abroad.

- 👩‍🎓 Women are more likely to study abroad, often due to their inclination towards languages and humanities.

- 📞 Arlayna offers one-on-one support for families considering international experiences for their teens.

 

Key Insights

- 🌟 International experiences foster personal growth, allowing students to become more adaptable and self-sufficient. This transformative journey builds confidence and prepares them for future challenges.

- 🎓 Study abroad opportunities enhance students' resumes, making them more competitive in job markets by providing unique experiences that can lead to career clarity and global connections.

- 🌐 A well-planned gap year can be beneficial for students uncertain about their future, offering them valuable life experiences instead of procrastination.

- 🤝 Communication is key for parents and students. Establishing a strong support system and emergency plans can alleviate parental concerns and support the student’s independence.

- 🏆 Scholarships and funding options exist, making international education more accessible. Families should explore financial assistance programs to ease the burden.

- 🏖️ Short-term programs can serve as a "test" for students who may not be ready for long-term commitments, helping them discover their interests and comfort levels.

- 📞 Personalized coaching can guide families through the complexities of planning an international experience, ensuring a tailored approach that fits individual needs and goals.

Connect with Arlayna:

Website

LinkedIn

Email: arlayna7156@gmail.com

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website

YouTube

Instagram

LinkedIn

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Shellee and Patty discuss: - Getting comfortable with your finances - The importance of teaching our kids how to manage their money - "Master Your Money Before it Masters You" - and a lot more! About Patty: "After spending a combined 20 years as a Financial Advisor and Mortgage Advisor, and having countless conversations with women, I decided to pursue my dream of Financial Coaching for Women. I'm a teacher at heart and I love to educate and empower women with money smarts! Understanding that money can be an overwhelming topic for many, I'm audaciously passionate about creating financial confidence when it comes to your well-being. This has been the catalyst to follow my passion of empowering and educating women in their financial journey. I am a Certified Executive Coach, Certified Life Coach, hold a Real Estate Brokers license and published author of four books." Connect with Patty: Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pattihandy LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattihandy/ Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/patti.handy/ Connect with Shellee: Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Shellee and Joie discuss: - Insight for Life: A course Joie teaches teens that is helping so many families - Emotional intelligence is a skill that is so important to learn as a teen - If you don't know how to navigate challenges it will effect you for life Joie runs a business in Life coaching, called Anchor The Joy. She is also certified as a CIJ Clarity Catalyst trainer which is a Stanford University based course that has 3 modules: Adults, Kids and Teens, and Corporations. The kids and teens module is called CIJ Insight for Life and they focus on emotional intelligence and mindfulness to help them foster and develop the powerful potential within them. This helps them build confidence so when coming across challenges like peer pressure or bullying, they can navigate through them with ease. Connect with Joie: Email- anchorthejoy@gmail.com Instagram- www.instagram.com/anchorthejoy Facebook- www.facebook.com/joielacourse Connect with Shellee: Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

In this episode, Shellee and Moira discuss:

• The best time for students to start thinking about college
• What students consider when choosing colleges
• How to pick your college list
• Knowing your resources as a parent

 

Key Takeaways: 

• Make sure your child is involved in the college planning process. There is so much to learn just by watching and supporting them.
• The college search is often an independent choice for students, but as parents, you need to guide them in choosing which colleges to apply to, choosing the best school for them, and knowing whether their choice is right. 
• Picking a college list begins with looking at local schools. Allow your child to explore the new environment and become familiar with it - putting them in the driver's seat will create a completely different outcome.
• Know your resources. Bringing all of this to their doorstep will allow them to feel more confident and apparent.

 

“We want a wide range of diverse students from all different aspects of campus life, so that they could share their stories in a way that will resonate with somebody out there watching that video, reading that information on an interactive guide, or reading it in a particular social media piece that we put out.”  —  Moira McCullough

    

About Moira McCullough: After successfully raising a family and working as a technology consultant at PriceWaterhouseCoopers in NYC and London, Moira drew upon her wide-ranging experiences to create a comprehensive platform to help families and students have the best college experience, whether they are applying to, attending, or graduating from college. 

As an avid open water swimmer, Moira has competed in the Alcatraz Swim, Little Red LightHouse NYC Swim (10km), Swim Around the Sound (Bermuda), Statue of Liberty Sharkfest Swim, Swim Across the Sound Relay Event (25 km from NY-CT), and an independent swim from Cape Cod to Martha’s Vineyard. 

Moira earned her M.B.A. from Columbia Business School and a B.A. from Fairfield University. In the course of raising three children, Moira was an active volunteer for Newark Academy (Executive Board Member, Treasurer, and Athletic Liaison), Parent Liaison for The Island School, Tutor for KIPP, and a New Jersey Certified Swimming Official. 

College Scoops is dedicated to delivering best in class, authentic student-generated content about life on campus and the surrounding area. Our focus is on the “social fit,” and this allows us to give unique perspectives—not from college admissions departments, but from current college students to answer the question, “What’s it like to attend this college?” College Scoops is the only resource of its kind, sourced by students, for students.

 

Connect with Moira McCullough:

Website: https://collegescoops.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moiramccullough/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collegescoopsguide

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegescoops/

Email: moira@collegescoops.com

 

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelica Rayco.

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

In this episode, Shellee and Tevan discuss: 

• Overcoming struggles and paying it forward
• Financial literacy in schools
• Consulting financial professionals

 

Key Takeaways: 

• Your difficulties will force you to learn in order to grow as a person. Use your success to pay it forward. Be the change you want to see the world. 
• Financial literacy should be taught in schools to equip students with knowledge and skills to manage money effectively, carry out long term financial goals, resulting in a successful financial future.
• Take advantage of the digital age. Take online financial literacy courses and/or consult with financial professionals to learn both basic and advanced financial strategies that will help you transform your personal and financial life.

 

"You learn when you have your own experiences." —  Tevan Asaturi

   

About Tevan Asaturi: Tevan is a personal and business finance consultant, and is the founder of Asaturi Elite Financial Consulting with a mission to challenge growth mindset of individuals, help them create a clean and clear vision and execute a financial strategies to be able to exceed their financial goals.

After earning his MBA from the University of California, he decided to transition into management consulting and provided financial consult to top Fortune clients across various industries. 

Growing up in a poor and distressed environment, he took it up to himself to learn about budgeting and money, and pay it forward to many people in terms of financial convenience.

 

Connect with Tevan Asaturi:

Website: https://asaturi.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asaturistrategy/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asaturistrategy/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asaturistrategy

 

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelica Rayco.

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Shellee and Shahar discuss the importance of taking the SAT/ACT and even though it is optional, it is important to do well on them to help your chances of getting into a good school.

About Shahar:

Mindspire was founded by Shahar Link, who has been teaching in high schools and tutoring standardized tests for over 18 years. Shahar earned a Masters degree in History from Stanford University, writing his thesis on the history of IQ testing. Ever since, he has been determined to help students succeed on standardized tests and in high school.

 

Connect with Shahar:

Website- https://www.Mindspire.com

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/mindspireprep

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/mindspire-tutoring-&-test-prep/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mindspiretest?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

 

Connect with Shellee:

Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/  

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Welcome Episode

  

Your teen is in middle school or high school, and college is on the horizon! Do you know where to begin? It can be overwhelming! Which college will be a good fit? Can you afford it? What is my teen passionate about? This can be an exciting time, but a stressful one! College admission is at an all time high in both competitiveness and cost. How do you navigate this? Your host Shellee Howard with College Ready has helped countless families in the college admissions process while saving them thousands of dollars in tuition! In her podcast, she sits down with new and past clients to share their experiences with College Ready, along with financial advisors and other experts who understand the importance of financial awareness when it comes to graduating from college debt free. Last year, College Ready Seniors earned over $10.7 million dollars in scholarships. The information you hear on this show is priceless, you really can’t afford to not tune in!

 

 

Connect with Shellee Howard:

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

In this episode, Shellee and Sidra discuss:

• The fear around homeschooling and how it works
• Finding a community in your area to support homeschooling
• Parents must find a routine that works for them and their child

 

Key Takeaways: 

• You can offer your child many learning opportunities compared to other school options by homeschooling them. However, educational freedom comes with added responsibilities, so it is important to find out whether your state is supportive of homeschooling by looking at its laws and its policies.
• Some states offer the possibility of still partnering with the schools and still being involved in things like music, arts, or sports, where homeschoolers can still be involved in the school system, not just academic education. The key is to find resources in your community that will support you and help your child prepare for adulthood while making the transition to homeschooling work.
• Homeschooling is a major lifestyle change, so finding the routine that works really well for both you as a parent and your child, as well as curriculum and resources that also match their learning style, is vital before making an informed decision on whether or not to homeschool them.

 

“It really is doable (homeschooling) because you don't have to do everything. You don't have to be the teacher, you're really more of a curator, as the homeschool parent where you're finding resources for them.”  —  Sidra Morris

  

About Sidra Morris: Sidra has spent years as a co-founder of Knox Academy witnessing children's enthusiasm for learning and confidence in their abilities blossom in the Knox Academy environment. This one-of-a-kind environment, along with the community of parent support, is her favorite aspect of being both a mother of students and a founder. Sidra co-founded Knox Learning, which focuses on how to create a Knox Academy learning environment at home and supports parents in the process, in addition to supporting Link Education League.

 

 

Connect with Sidra Morris:

Website: https://knoxacademyofmaking.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sidra-morris-6a9923ab/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sidra.morris

 

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelica Rayco.

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Naomi is the CEO of Teen Rockstar Entrepreneur and advocate for education, youth personal development and mental health. Shellee and Naomi discuss: - The importance of helping teenagers learn their passions and strengths - How to deal with challenges and failures in life in a productive way - How to create a plan of action for your teen to avoid getting overwhelmed This podcast encapsulates the essence of developing a strong mindset along with essential executive functioning skills such as self-regulation, resilience, and effective communication. It underscores the importance of these skills not only for academic pursuits but also for personal growth and success in life's various challenges. Connect with Shellee: Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com Connect with Naomi: Website: www.teenrockstarentrepreneur.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MsNaomiNye LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-nye-rockstarentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msnaominye/ Email: naomi@naominye.com

Caroline Sumners is the president & founder of Empower Academic Coaching, an individualized academic and coaching support program for middle & high schoolers that focuses on developing the whole student. A former middle & high school science & English teacher, Caroline was inspired to start her company when she saw how little time there was in the classroom setting to teach effective strategies for learning rather than just content. Caroline loves helping students take control of their academic goals, strengthen their executive function skills, and gain confidence by providing a space where they learn alternative solutions and strategies not typically taught in a school setting. Caroline & her team have now supported over 170 families through individual student coaching & parent trainings. Caroline lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her wife and 2 dogs. How to contact Caroline: Website: www.empoweracademiccoaching.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweracademiccoaching/ LinkedIn: https://www.facebook.com/empoweracademiccoaching/ Instagram: @empoweracademic Connect with Shellee: Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Traci Bakenhaster discusses helping parents guide teens in career readiness and exploring their interests effectively. 

Highlights 

🎓 Traci runs Adulting University, supporting homeschooled teens in life skills and career readiness. 

🔄 Many students change majors in college due to lack of career exploration. 

💡 Parents struggle to help teens identify their strengths and interests. 

🔍 Self-awareness is vital for teens to find suitable career paths. 

💰 Financial literacy is crucial for understanding the true cost of education. 

📅 Accountability teaches teens responsibility in their academic and career choices. 

🏅 Scholar athletes face unique challenges and need backup plans for their aspirations. 

Key Insights

 🎯 Career Exploration Framework: Traci emphasizes a structured approach to career exploration, involving self-awareness, goal setting, and research. This foundation helps teens make informed decisions about their futures. 

💬 Open Dialogue with Teens: Parents should engage in open-ended conversations to help teens articulate their interests and passions, fostering a supportive environment for exploration. 

📊 Financial Literacy Importance: Understanding the financial implications of career choices can guide teens towards sustainable paths, highlighting the need for financial education in schools. 

🔄 Learning from Failure: Allowing teens to experience failure and accountability can foster resilience, teaching them valuable life lessons necessary for adulthood. 

🏆 Diverse Skill Sets: Students with varied talents should focus on skill development rather than a narrow career path, enabling them to explore multiple opportunities and roles.

📅 Setting Personal Deadlines: Encouraging teens to set their own deadlines empowers them to take ownership of their responsibilities, building essential time management skills. 

🤝 Coaching vs. Counseling: Coaching focuses on future goals and actionable steps, providing a different support framework compared to counseling, which often addresses past challenges.

Connect with Traci:

Website

 

Facebook

 

LinkedIn

 

Connect with Shellee:

 

Website

 

YouTube

 

Instagram

 

Facebook Group

 

LinkedIn

 

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com  

 

 

In this episode, Shellee and Mary Kate discuss: 

• The importance of college essays in the admissions process
• Writing your college admissions essay
• The value of having a college essay editor

 

Key Takeaways: 

• There is no guarantee that you will get into a top-notch school just because you have a high GPA. There is more to the admissions office's decision than just your grades and extracurricular activities; they are looking for an essay that truly reflects who you are, and a great essay can help set you apart from the other applicants.
• Do not let your parents or anyone else get in the way of presenting yourself in your college admissions essay. Trust your own choices – nothing beats being able to tell your own story and what's truly important to you by using your own voice and values. Authenticity is key.
• There's nothing wrong with having another set of eyes look over your essays. If possible, hire a college essay editor to help you increase your chances of being accepted into your dream school. 

 

"Try to bulk up your conclusion or point yourself towards the future. Sometimes the endings can just be solid on their own" —  Mary Kate Hampton

   

About Mary Kate Hampton: Mary Kate’s Master's degrees are in Writing, Literature, Publishing, and English Education. After working in publishers in Boston and New York, she began a teaching career in New York City. Mary Kate moved back to the West Coast and started tutoring high school and college students. 

College essays soon became a favorite subject. As a mom of four, she settled in San Diego and started at College Ready. In addition to a passion for education, she’s the lead writer for a local magazine and a volunteer for Villanova University’s alumni recruitment network.

 

Connect with Mary Kate Hampton:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mary-kate-hampton-a213581

 

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelica Rayco.

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Scott Clyburn discusses his tutoring company, North Avenue Education, and shares insights on personalized test prep and supporting neurodiverse students. 

Highlights 

🎓 Scott Clyburn founded North Avenue Education in 2013, focusing on tutoring and test prep. 

🧠 He emphasizes the importance of understanding neurodiverse students and their unique learning needs. 

📚 The tutoring approach is customized, starting with goal setting and adapting strategies to individual students. 

📝 Success varies per student, from test score improvements to acceptance into specific colleges. 

🔍 Test optional policies are complex; understanding school requirements is crucial for students. 

⏰ Timing for tests depends on math completion and reading proficiency for optimal performance. 

💡 Effective test prep involves mastering test strategies, pacing, and content knowledge. Key Insights 

🌟 Personalization is key: Tailoring education to individual student needs fosters better engagement and success. 

🎯 Goal setting drives success: Involving students in defining their goals helps them take ownership of their learning journey.

 📊 Data-driven decisions: Baseline assessments allow tutors to recommend the best testing strategies based on performance.

 🏫 Understanding testing policies: Parents should be aware that “test optional” does not mean tests are irrelevant in admissions. 

🛠️ Test strategies matter: Familiarity with test design and strategies can significantly impact a student’s performance. 

🧩 Embrace neurodiversity: Recognizing and harnessing the strengths of neurodiverse students can unlock their full potential.

 🔗 Continuous support is vital: Open communication between parents, students, and tutors enhances the learning experience.

 

Connect with Scott:

Website

 

Facebook

 

LinkedIn

 

Connect with Shellee:

 

Website

 

YouTube

 

Instagram

 

Facebook Group

 

LinkedIn

 

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com  

 

 

Teege discusses college readiness, emphasizing student-centered admissions, financial aid opportunities, and the importance of exploring various college types.

 

Highlights

🎓 Teege has 18+ years in college admissions.

💰 Many private colleges offer significant scholarships.

🏫 Leading Colleges focuses on student-centered institutions.

🌍 Understanding financial fit is crucial for families.

💡 Early conversations about college costs help manage expectations.

🔍 Exploring diverse college types aids in finding the right fit.

🏆 Awards celebrate colleges committed to student success.

Key Insights

🎓 Understanding Admissions: Admissions counselors aim to support students, not just filter them out. Their goal is to find students who are the right fit, fostering an encouraging environment.

💰 Financial Aid Awareness: Families should explore the financial aid landscape early, as many smaller colleges can be more affordable than public universities, contrary to common belief.

🏫 Value of Leading Colleges: Leading Colleges highlights institutions that prioritize student experiences and outcomes, promoting lesser-known but impactful colleges to families and counselors.

🌍 Importance of Fit: Academic, social, and financial fits are essential in choosing a college. Families need to engage in open discussions to align expectations and preferences.

💡 Proactive Financial Discussions: Initiating conversations about college costs early helps students set realistic expectations and avoid financial strain when making their college choices.

🔍 Exploration is Key: Encouraging students to visit various types of colleges helps them understand their preferences and make informed decisions about their future.

🏆 Celebrating Excellence: Awards for colleges that excel in student-centered practices serve to elevate their visibility and encourage similar institutions to adopt effective recruitment and retention strategies.

About Teege: 

Long-time admissions professional, Teege recently published The Admissions Counselor Malaise about the staff morale crisis. He co-host The Admissions Directors Lunchcast and founded Leading Colleges - a consortium of student-centered colleges that you might not have heard of.

 

Connect with Teege:

Website

 

LinkedIn

 

Connect with Shellee:

 

Website

 

YouTube

 

Instagram

 

Facebook Group

 

LinkedIn

 

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com  

 

 

As a professional speaker, trainer, and author, Mr. Johnson, AKA “Coach Carlos,” is locally bred, but his work and research on culture and engagement have taken him national and international. “Coach Carlos” and his team of consultants have utilized his experience and research to successfully turn around three failing public schools and one private Christian academy. In addition, his training and strategies have helped to change school culture and increase parental engagement, student enrollment, and staff and student retention. In response to the national school-to-prison pipeline crisis for young men, he created the online Tier-2 PBIS behavior and leadership course for boys called Future Man Success Prep. Tune in to this episode where Shellee and Carlos dive into the importance of mental strength in our children. Connect with Carlos: Website- www.futuremanprep.com Facebook- www.facebook.com/coachcarlosjohnson Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/carlosjohnson8330/ Connect with Shellee: Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Sadok Cervantes is a thought leader in the world of student entrepreneurship and leadership.  He pairs students all over the nation with working entrepreneurs who help them create and launch a product.  Mentorship and teamwork is the key to his programs success.

In this episode, Shellee and Sadok discuss:

• Beyond campus preparation - how to prepare for life
• Why is grit important? 
• Learning entrepreneurship from experts 
• Teamwork makes the dream work  

Key Takeaways:

• Seek training that doesn’t only prepare you for in-campus challenges, but also for the real life outside of it. 
• Grit is so much more important to take into the real world than grades or academic achievements. Academic achievements may get you hired but grit will let you strive better in your job. 
• Entrepreneurship is a career path that requires a guided experience. Experiencing building and managing a business from experts who’ve been there is better than just studying it academically. 
• Teamwork really makes the dream work. In fact, without a team or without other people, it’s very unlikely that your business, or any other important project, will succeed. 

"No one in the history of the world has launched something important alone… to this point every student that has entered in that solo entrepreneurship model has dropped." —  Sadok Cervantes

About Sadok Cervantes: He is one of FastCompany's "Most Innovative People". He received the Best Mobile Innovation award during the Mobile World Congress in 2020. He has led Product teams for iconic brands such as Wikipedia, Lufthansa, Allianz, TripAdvisor, and The MIT Media Lab, increasing their success metrics and user satisfaction through user research, user testing, branding, visual design, prototyping, A/B testing, and coding. Sadok also serves as an Instructor, Mentor, and Career Coach at several schools like the Interaction Design Foundation, DesignLab, CareerFoundry, and Springboard, where he has helped hundreds of students to be successful in the tech industry. He has shared his experience, knowledge, and ideas in speaking events like TEDx and conferences in Australia, USA, Mexico, Austria, and online.

 

Connect with Sadok Cervantes:

Website: https://www.leangap.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadokx/

 

Connect with Shellee Howard:

Free copy of Shellee’s best selling book:  “How to send your student to college without losing your mind or your money!”  https://freebook.collegereadyplan.com/

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Aaron's work in the academic and business worlds have led him to understand how related our family dynamics are to business dynamics. He lives in Utah with his wife and four children. His book "The Family Flywheel" presents a proven process for building an unshakable foundation in your life. By combining three elements—strategy, structure and culture—you can learn how to create wealth, build better relationships, improve your health, learn more abilities and enjoy more freedom than ever before! Connect with Aaron: Website: https://thefamilyflywheel.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aaron.k.shelley LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronshelley/ Connect with Shellee: Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Lisa is a parent of a previous College Ready student and an entrepreneur for over 20 years helping companies grow to multimillion dollar businesses. She loves coaching mid-age women to be their best self. Lisa and Shellee discuss: - Life has so many different stages as a parent - Having a thriving career while being a present parent is hard but it is possible - As a parent, navigating your teens college prep journey is hard and she is so grateful she found College Ready - Listen to your kids and what makes them happy- let them run their own race - and more! To connect with Lisa: Instagram- @lisablaisdell Connect with Shellee: Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

🎓 Background on Katerina

 

School Context: Katerina attends Waukee Northwest High School in Iowa, which offers numerous AP classes and extracurriculars but is limited in resources compared to urban schools.

Early College Awareness: She learned about College Ready during her sophomore year, following her sister's experience.

 

📜 College Application Journey

 

Applications Submitted: Katerina applied to 14 colleges, including NYU Tisch, UCs, Georgetown, and others.

Acceptance into Dream School: She received acceptance from NYU Tisch, which she regarded as her dream school, alongside state schools Iowa and Iowa State.

 

🎭 Focus on the Arts

 

Passion for Acting: Katerina has always wanted to pursue acting and theater; she also plays musical instruments and participates in choir.

Dual Applications: She navigated both academic and performance applications, emphasizing the need for strong artistic and academic credentials.

 

🌟 Advice for Aspiring Arts Students

 

Get Involved: Katerina recommends being involved in various arts to gain experience and not spreading oneself too thin.

Summer Activities: Participating in projects like Empower Education helps build skills and community engagement.

 

🌍 Empower Education Initiative

 

Volunteer Work: Katerina is president of the Visual and Performing Arts Committee in this organization, helping children in Uganda and Oaxaca gain access to the arts.

Impact on Applications: She discussed her volunteer work during her auditions, showcasing her commitment to sharing art with underprivileged communities.

 

✅ Application Process Insights

 

Early Preparation: Katerina applied early decision to NYU, highlighting the importance of starting applications ahead of time to reduce stress.

Support from College Ready: Her consultant helped her stay organized, emphasizing the importance of a well-crafted personal statement and various resources.

 

📊 Academic Performance

 

GPA and Test Scores: Katerina reported a 4.2 GPA and an ACT score of 32, noting that strong academics are crucial for NYU.

 

🎤 Audition Experience

 

Choosing Monologues: She selected contrasting monologues that she enjoyed, emphasizing the importance of confidence and authenticity during performances.

 

🗺️ Future Aspirations

 

Career Goals: Katerina aims to act in film and television, also interested in writing and production.

Emotional Connection: She prefers making audiences cry, believing it creates a deeper emotional impact.

 

🌈 Final Thoughts for Students

 

Encouragement: Katerina advises younger students to start early, pursue their passions, and maintain a positive mindset throughout the application process.

 

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website

YouTube

Instagram

LinkedIn

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

As The Adulting Coach, Sara helps teens and young adults figure out for themselves who they want to be when they grow up so they can have the courage to suck at something new, confidently decide how they want to live their own life, and adult successfully. Young adults primarily need 3 things: 1. A judgment and pressure free space where they can share their fears and frustrations and think about what they really want. 2. Guidance to discover who they are, what matters to them and what really excites them at their core. 3. A supportive environment that provides them room to practice, test and implement their newfound skills. By having a neutral partner who has their back and helps them discover for themselves what they want, young adults develop the necessary skill and confidence to make decisions about their future. Connect with Sara: Website- https://saradeacon.com Facebook- https://facebook.com/saradeaconcoach LinkedIn- https://linkedin.com/in/saradeacon Instagram- https://instagram.com/saradeaconcoach Twitter- https://twitter.com/saradeaconcoach Connect with Shellee: Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

About Debra: Debra Beck, Author of the award winning book My Feet Aren’t Ugly, A Girl’s Guide to Loving herself from the inside out, is a devoted mentor for teenage girls and parents on issues facing teenagers and parents today. Debra discovered her life’s work: helping young girls learn to truly love themselves from the inside out. She is also a parent of two daughters and

understands the worries of parenting. She is devoted to guiding parents through these turbulent years to give them the tools they need to create a harmonious connection with their teens. She has created and facilitated her own workshops, mother/daughter retreats, girls groups, parenting groups and individual mentoring through Empowered Teens and Parents. Because she has experienced both being a tormented teen and a worried parent, she mentors through her heart with compassion.

 

Connect with Debra:

 

Website- www.EmpoweredTeensandParents.com

 

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/debra.beck.1806/

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sedonasoulretrieval/

 

Connect with Shellee:

 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

 

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com 

Shellee and Josh discuss: - Is the SAT/ACT really necessary? - Importance of AP classes - Setting your student up for success by knowing how much they can handle About Josh: As the leader behind Lemonade Education, an AP and academic tutoring company, Josh brings a wealth of experience in innovation and general management for education and technology businesses. Lemonade Education was founded on a simple belief that the quality of teaching, above all else, is instrumental in helping students achieve success. Josh's career includes leadership roles at Gannett/USA Today, ReachLocal, and Yahoo Inc. He has consistently led teams to business growth by providing new value to customers. His education background includes a B.S. in Business from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and an M.A. in Education from San Diego State University. Throughout his career, businesses under Josh’s leadership have earned recognition from industry leaders, including Google (winning their Innovation Award), AdExchanger, and Gartner. With a commitment to excellence, Josh Siegel continues to shape the future of education and technology, with the goal of positively impacting the lives of customers. Connect with Josh: - Website: https://www.lemonadeeducation.com/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lemonade.education/?view_public_for=105964284740363 - LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjoshsiegel/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lemonade.education Connect with Shellee: Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Shellee Howard hosts Jeanine Mouchawar, a parenting coach, to discuss strategies for effectively communicating with and supporting teenagers. 

- 👋 Introduction of Jeanine Mouchawar, parenting coach for parents of teens. 

- 📚 Lack of resources for parenting teens leads to frustration for parents. 

- 🎓 Jeanine's journey from quantitative economics to parenting coaching. 

- 🤝 Importance of connection over rules in parenting teenagers. 

- 📱 Technology's role in communication barriers and self-regulation. 

- 🧠 Coaching parents helps create a safe space for teens. 

- 🌐 Resources available through Jeanine's website and social media. 

Key Insights: 

- 🌟 Need for Parenting Resources: Many parents feel unprepared for the challenges of raising teens, highlighting a gap in accessible resources. This creates a demand for coaching services that address specific parenting concerns. 

- 💡 Connection is Key: Establishing and maintaining a strong connection with teens is crucial for effective communication, especially as they seek independence. Parents must adapt their approach to support this shift. 

- 🔄 Self-Regulation and Technology: Teaching teens to self-regulate their technology use can help them recognize when their devices negatively impact their well-being, fostering healthier habits. 

- 🎯 Proactive Parenting: Parents who seek coaching before issues arise are better equipped to navigate the complexities of teenage behavior and maintain open communication. 

- 🔄 Emotional Awareness: Understanding and addressing teens' emotions is essential. Parents should focus on empathy and support rather than control to foster resilience in their children. 

- 📞 Coaching for Parents: Coaching parents rather than teens directly can create a more effective and supportive environment, as parents learn to navigate their children's emotional landscapes. 

- 🌐 Access to Resources: Jeanine offers a wealth of resources through her website and social media, providing parents with tools and strategies to improve their parenting practices.

Connect with Jeanine:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website

YouTube

Instagram

LinkedIn

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

In this episode, Shellee and Jin Yun Chow discuss: 

• Having a mentor that helps you discover your potential
• How Polygence helps students discover what they want to do in college
• The truth about picking the right college for you

 

Key Takeaways: 

• The process of picking colleges and majors can be nerve-wracking, but you will get there, especially if someone pushes you to realize where your passion lies and how to make it to your advantage.
• Test the waters. As soon as you figure out your passions, create a project based on those passions - it can serve as a test drive for a possible college major or career.
• The college experience can be very similar at any college. Choosing the right mentors is the key, but it's also what you take in class, who you make as friends, and how you go the extra mile that really makes your college career as rewarding as you want it to be.

 

“You can develop into an awesome human being wherever you go, because it is what you make of the experience that matters much more than the type of stone that makes up the building that you're in.  —  Jin Yun Chow 

    

About Jin Yun Chow: Jin Yun Chow has a bachelor's degree from Princeton University and a PhD from Stanford University.

She is the Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Polygence, a team of academics and educators united in their passion to make research more widely accessible to all interested students and is committed to cultivating multi-faceted intelligence -- with mentors covering diverse disciplines across the humanities and STEM.

 

Connect with Jin Yun Chow:

Website: https://www.polygence.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/polygence/

Email: jin@polygence.org

 

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelica Rayco.

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

In this episode, Shellee and Jennifer discuss: 

• Jenn’s motivation for starting Beyond The States
• Making the decision to send your child to college in Europe
• Is college in Europe safe?
• The perk of studying in Europe

 

Key Takeaways: 

• College admissions in the US have been seen as a race to nowhere. Don't stress yourself and your child over a single college spot - other countries consider college admission a right rather than a privilege, so standards are not as strict as in the US.
• You might be surprised to find out how affordable college can be in Europe. It is just as affordable to go to college in Europe, even when travel is taken into account – often even cheaper than a college program in the US. 
• Selecting a country for study should take personal safety into account. Parents should not worry; Europe is generally regarded as a safe destination for international students.
• Students do not need a foreign language to begin or finish college in Europe, but they do have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a foreign language.
• Student living abroad at college gives them an edge in the job market because employers value international experiences, as well as the soft skills they acquire from it.

 

“Any decision, especially in this rapidly changing world, the options that our kids have for so many things are so different than we had. So we need to not limit them to just the options that we had, and explore what really is out there. The first step I would say is to embrace the fact that you're committing to exploring not to following through with anything.” —  Jennifer Viemont

   

 

About Jennifer Viemont: Jennifer is a native of Chicago, but lived in North Carolina for over a decade. She obtained her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Illinois, Chicago. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and is the Founder of Beyond the States, where they help students and parents learn about and navigate the English-taught degree programs offered in continental Europe, as well as work through the sometimes complicated process of applying to college, finalizing your paperwork and moving abroad.

 

Connect with Jennifer Viemont:

Website: https://beyondthestates.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jviemont

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jennifer-viemont-international-education

 

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelica Rayco.

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

In this episode, Shellee and Peg discuss: 

• What is College Aid Pro?
• The financial planning parents should do for college
• How to graduate debt-free

 

Key Takeaways: 

• Knowledge is power. Be an informed consumer by having a knowledgeable guide to help you and your child better understand which school is a good fit for them, whether it is a personal, academic, or financial fit.
• Talk to your teen about college costs and your expectations, making sure you're on the same page and communicating openly your expectations is a critical part of college planning.
• Parents shouldn't fall into the "we'll figure it out" trap. You must have a plan and talk to professionals if you don't want to spend your retirement savings on your child's college education.
• Most colleges discount their tuition, and it's just a matter of finding and taking advantage of those discounts that are unique to your child and family, based on your financial situation.

 

“You can find schools where your child will thrive, and you don't have to go broke doing it. It might not be a school that you've heard of right now but there are so many awesome schools out there in this country.” —  Peg Keough

 

 

About Peg Keough: Peg is a seasoned financial planner who helps families navigate the college financial planning process, including school selection, financial aid analysis, and strategies to pay for college without leveraging retirement. She joined College Aid Pro to continue this work and because of her huge passion for helping families and, more importantly, planning for the financial side of college. As the Director of Education, she works with both parents and students, as well as financial advisors that want to serve their clients in this area.

 

Connect with Peg Keough:

Website: https://collegeaidpro.com/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pegkeough

 

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelica Rayco.

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Shellee and Lorraine discuss: - Importance of helping high school students recognize the opportunities they have and develop leadership skills - Most teenagers do not see themselves as leaders - We need to let students with low self confidence know that everyone makes mistakes and they can be a leader - Teenagers need to understand that every decision they make effects them and others - and much more! About Lorraine: "I am a veteran educator of over 20 years, and the Owner of Peers not Fears, LLC. On my podcast, "Education Unimagined," I interview students about their experiences in education, and solicit advice about how we all could do better. My work focuses on understanding how and where our biases come into play, which can help us to develop strong communities through compassionate and collaborative leadership." Website- www.peers-not-fears.com Facebook- www.facebook.com/peersnotfears LinkedIn- www.linkedin.com/in/lorraine-connell-4962ab1b8/ Instagram- www.instagram.com/peersnotfears/ Twitter- https://twitter.com/LConnell20 Connect with Shellee: Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Scott Clyburn discusses his tutoring company, North Avenue Education, and shares insights on personalized test prep and supporting neurodiverse students. 

Highlights 

🎓 Scott Clyburn founded North Avenue Education in 2013, focusing on tutoring and test prep. 

🧠 He emphasizes the importance of understanding neurodiverse students and their unique learning needs. 

📚 The tutoring approach is customized, starting with goal setting and adapting strategies to individual students. 

📝 Success varies per student, from test score improvements to acceptance into specific colleges. 

🔍 Test optional policies are complex; understanding school requirements is crucial for students. 

⏰ Timing for tests depends on math completion and reading proficiency for optimal performance. 

💡 Effective test prep involves mastering test strategies, pacing, and content knowledge. Key Insights 

🌟 Personalization is key: Tailoring education to individual student needs fosters better engagement and success. 

🎯 Goal setting drives success: Involving students in defining their goals helps them take ownership of their learning journey.

 📊 Data-driven decisions: Baseline assessments allow tutors to recommend the best testing strategies based on performance.

 🏫 Understanding testing policies: Parents should be aware that “test optional” does not mean tests are irrelevant in admissions. 

🛠️ Test strategies matter: Familiarity with test design and strategies can significantly impact a student’s performance. 

🧩 Embrace neurodiversity: Recognizing and harnessing the strengths of neurodiverse students can unlock their full potential.

 🔗 Continuous support is vital: Open communication between parents, students, and tutors enhances the learning experience.

 

About David: 

Dr. David Samore has been a teacher and administrator of K-12 schools for 35 years in the

United States and Colombia, South America. David served as the Director of Global Leadership

and Innovation in Palm Beach County, Florida. As principal, Samore's dual language immersion

school was recognized twice as the School of the Year​ for North America by the Embassy of

Spain. Recently honored by King Felipe VI of Spain, David was awarded the Officer’s Cross of

the Order of Isabel la Católica for his decades-long commitment to bridging languages and

culture in schools. In 2015 he was named the Florida Principal of the Year by the National

Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and in 2008 was recognized as the Florida

Administrator of the Year by the Florida School Counselors Association (FSCA). As a classroom

teacher, Samore taught Spanish, French, German, geography, theater, photography and visual

arts.

Dr. Samore’s first book, Ecstatic Doom: The Adult’s Guide to Middle Schoolers, was published

in 2023 and his second book, True Leadership: The 10 Universal Laws, came out in 2024,

gaining Amazon’s #1 Best Seller status in the category of Business Ethics. He also contributed

to Transforming Secondary Education, Collier & Thomas’s most recent book on dual language

immersion. Samore has been a guest lecturer at Universidad Cardenal Cisneros in Madrid,

Spain and has contributed to Supervisión 21, Spain’s leading educational leadership magazine.

 

Connect with David:

Website

 

Facebook

 

Connect with Shellee:

 

Website

 

YouTube

 

Instagram

 

Facebook Group

 

LinkedIn

 

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com  

 

 

In this episode, Shellee and Jason discuss: 

• Figuring out how to afford college
• What is FAFSA and why is it important
• Things to know about college financing
• Interest rates 

 

Key Takeaways: 

• It is essential to figure out how to better finance your child's college education so that they are not burdened financially. Encourage them to take advantage of programs and opportunities that are available to them as soon as they become aware of them.
• The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is one of the most important documents for students to understand in order to receive college funding. Filing a FAFSA will speed up the process and show you what financial aid is available if you decide to enroll in college.
• You need to be smart on how you finance your child in college and help your child recognize that there is a debt that must be repaid with interest. 
• Your interest rate will be determined by how you repay your loans, which will be a small amount in comparison to the large loan that you are receiving. So it is more important to be involved in protecting your assets and aligning them for college than to be concerned about what interest rates will be in the coming years.

 

"Being smart certainly gives you an opportunity to do that 100% family contribution, and come out ahead of the game, and also have control over your financial destiny." —  Jason Henderson

   

About Jason Henderson: Jason has worked as Vice President, Head of Research and Development, Scientific Consultant, and Member of the Board of Directors for various chemical, technological and nutritional companies. 

He grew up with a clear understanding of the importance of having control over one's own financial situation, and the devastating effects of dependence on common market practices. This experience fostered a lifelong pursuit of financial independence.

Long before he became formally involved in financial education, however, Jason developed a love and talent for science. He graduated from BYU with a degree in Organic Chemistry, after which he was invited to attend Purdue University, where he earned his Ph.D. His research and thesis on nanotechnology were the geneses behind both remarkable growth and that subject in academics and industry, and of a new faculty for study of the subject of Purdue. He went on to do postdoctoral work with a Nobel Prize winner, Professor Robert H. Krebs, at the renowned California Institute of Technology.

 

Connect with Jason Henderson:

Email: jasonchem@gmail.com

Phone: 435-764-1451

 

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelica Rayco.

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

In this episode, Shellee and Andrea discuss: 

• Andrea’s passion for making a difference in young people’s lives
• The National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC)
• The truth about participating in summer enrichment programs

 

Key Takeaways: 

• Encourage your child to express their opinions and recognize their individuality. Young people today, more than ever, need to feel that they are important, that their voices and identities are valued. 
• Sign your child up for a summer enrichment program. This will give them ideas about what it's like to be in college, as well as the skills and potential needed to make those important college decisions and realize how they want to contribute their gifts to the world.
• Teens feel included and gain trust and confidence in themselves only when they are facilitated in small groups where they are well supervised and their individual potentials are recognized.
• No summer program, no matter how good it is, will get students into a highly selective university, but it will help them write more compelling essays and incorporate their experiences into who they are as individuals.

 

"I think the benefit of attending any summer enrichment program is it allows students wherever they are to come out of their comfort zone and to experience something new." —  Andrea Maldonado

   

About Andrea Maldonado: Andrea is the Director of International Admissions and Director of Educator Relations. She did her undergraduate studies at Colgate University. She served as a teaching fellow for America corpse in Texas. After receiving her doctorate degree in Anthropology from Brown University in 2014, she joined the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) full-time as the founder and director of international and overseas admissions. Here she has worked with hundreds of schools across the globe to promote life-changing leadership experiences at conferences, to outstanding middle and high school students. 

Dr. Dre was born in Mexico, raised in South Florida, and currently lives in Chicago. Regardless of where she is in the world, her mission is the same. She is driven to make a positive difference in the lives of young people helping them to discover and share who they are with others. 

 

Connect with Andrea Maldonado:

Website: www.nslcleaders.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nslcstudents/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nslcleaders/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-student-leadership-conference/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8_tgz4mWfIofuRuPCGiqRQ

Email: admissions@nslcleaders.org

 

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelica Rayco.

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Shellee and Eric discuss: - Financial literacy is not taught in school and young adults don't understand the concept of how much the cost of living is. - It is hard to teach kids the concept of earning and saving money. - Things you can do as a parent to help your child be prepared to manage money. - Do you go to a school you really want to go to or a school where you received a big scholarship? - If you sacrifice your own retirement to send your teen to college, you are not doing them any favors. - Understand your Return On Investment when choosing a college. "You can afford to do almost anything, but not everything in this life."- Eric Brotman Eric D. Brotman, CFP™, AEP, CPWA is a financial advisor, wealth manager, mentor, and host of the podcast Don’t Retire...Graduate! As CEO of BFG Financial Advisors, he has been advising his clients on investing, risk management, retirement, and financial planning for over 25 years. Eric believes that financial literacy is the key to well-being and is on a mission to help families and professionals achieve financial freedom. As part of his mission, he has served as an adjunct faculty member at Stevenson University, teaching the Certified Financial Planner curriculum to graduate students. In addition, he is serving on the Board of Trustees for the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System as an appointee of Governor Larry Hogan and he has testified before the Maryland Senate in favor of financial literacy education. Eric’s approachable and actionable financial advice has been featured on Baltimore WBAL’s 11 News Sunday Morning, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes.com, Yahoo! Finance, The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, Investment Advisor, Fidelity Investor’s Weekly, and numerous other publications. His podcast, Don’t Retire…Graduate!, is dedicated to inspiring individuals to advance into retirement seamlessly. Eric is the author of several books on personal finance, including Retire Wealthy: The Tools You Need to Help Build Lasting Wealth, Debt-Free for Life: The Tools You Need to Free Yourself from Debt, and Pay Less Taxes Now! Four Strategies to Help Reduce Your Income Taxes Legally, which can be downloaded for free at www.lowtaxbook.com. Eric is an avid traveler who calls Lutherville, Maryland home. He plans to “graduate” to living on the beach but hopes to never retire in the traditional sense. You can learn more about Eric at www.bfgfa.com or about the Don’t Retire…Graduate! podcast at www.brotmanmedia.com Connect with Eric: Facebook: www.facebook.com/Dont-Retire-Graduate-111328207099985/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/dontretiregraduate/ Website: https://brotmanmedia.com Connect with Shellee Howard: Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Shellee and David discuss crushing the idea of needing to take on thousands in college debt. About David Linton: David E. Linton is an author and economist. Mr. Linton is a former Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business, where he taught Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management. His first book, Foundations of Investment Management, has become a mainstay among aspiring professionals who want to bridge the gap between an academic understanding and the practical application of investment management strategies. Mr. Linton’s second book, Crushed, was researched and written after his tenure as a professor at USC. While wondering the beautiful campuses of USC, University of Chicago, UT Austin, and several others, Mr. Linton couldn’t help but wonder: why are college campuses so nice? Why is college so expensive? How am I possibly going to afford to send my three kids to college? Is a college degree even worth it? And how can I balance what’s in the best interest of my kids without mortgaging their (and my) future? If you want to know the answers to these questions – don’t do what Mr. Linton did, which is spend the next two years and ~2,000 hours researching the topic. Just read the book. It’s a better return on time. Connect with David: Website: www.davidelinton.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/david.e.linton LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/david-linton-cfa-a76266b/ Connect with Shellee: Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Sheila Carroll is a life and weight loss coach who believes a healthy life style is so important. Shellee and Sheila discuss: - There are so many families that deal with life style problems can can be treated with simple changes - Sheila bridges the "what" and "how" of life style changes that help people sustain it - Kids can't make these habit changes on their own because their brains are not fully developed, they need constant guidance - and much more! Connect with Sheila: Email- sheila@sheilacarrollmd.com Website- https://www.sheilacarrollmd.com/site/about Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/sheilacarrollmd LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-carroll-md-136241257/ Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/sheilacarrollmd/ Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

In this episode, Shellee and Momi discuss:

• Balancing studies and sports
• You can't force your child to do something they don't want to do
• Debt-free college strategies for your child
• Monitoring your child's college preparation time is crucial

 

Key Takeaways: 

• Getting into college is all about finding balance, and a child who is into sports finds it easy to transition into college because sports make him/her disciplined, self-motivated, and aware of how much time they have to get things done.
• Trying to enforce something on your child is not going to work because when their heart isn't in it, they don't have the passion. Let them learn new skills and make decisions on their own at times.
• In the event that you own a house, you will likely have a lot of equity, which you can use to help pay for college by taking out a cash-out refinance. And if you are 62 years of age or older, a reverse mortgage gives you the option of having your mortgage paid off or not at that point in time and giving your grandchild some money to go to college.
• Monitoring how much time your child spends studying is important, as well as getting ready for PSAT and PACT.

 

“My goal is always to make sure that it makes sense for you and your family and fits within your budget now and within your budget for your financial future because we still want to make sure that we're saving enough money for retirement, we still want to make sure that we are building equity in our home because again, real estate's a great wealth builder. So I always want to make sure that it fits into your financial future.”  —  Momi Pointer

 

About Momi Pointer: Momi is a Trusted Mortgage Advisor at Arbor Financial Group. She has lived in Orange County since 1997 and has been a sales professional her entire life and started in the mortgage industry upon moving to Orange County. She considers herself a multi-faceted individual who knows how to build relationships, connect businesses and accomplish goals. 

Momi has two daughters that are actually enrolled with College Ready. 

 

 

Connect with Momi Pointer:

Website: https://whymomi.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/momipointer/

Email: momi@arborfg.com

Phone: (714) 423-4129

 

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelica Rayco.

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

In this episode, Shellee and Ann discuss:

• The cornerstones of effective parenting
• The best time to start planning for college
• Disentangling yourself from your child
• Creating a safe space for your child to talk

 

Key Takeaways: 

• Keeping boundaries and leadership can be more effectively achieved through authoritative parenting styles - children need their parents to be leaders and be the grown-ups while also feeling connected and safe and being cared for.
• It's a lot to process what the college list looks like so make sure you are there to support your children. It’s never too late to get involved with your kids.
• Take the time to disentangle yourself from your children while they try to figure out how to deal with the challenges that they have and fix their brokenness. It is not your job as a parent to fix your kids.
• Kids find it hard to say no to adults or their parents, and if we don't do everything we can on our end to create a safe space for them to discuss, they will just keep saying yes when they don't feel the motivation or the drive that they're expressing.

    

About Ann Kaplan: Ann has 4 kids of her own and has lived the dream and difficulty of parenting through every childhood stage, from infancy through adolescence.

She is also a Love&Logic (TM) independent facilitator and a life coach. Anne has a unique holistic approach to parent work which includes emotional support, home management skills, and effective discipline.

 

 

Connect with Ann Kaplan:

Website: https://www.annkaplanparentcoach.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1312805702136863

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annkaplanparentcoaching/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMkqSjBQP9TdYgvLU_Jb9ag

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/annkaplanparentcoaching/_created/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-kaplan/

 

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelica Rayco.

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Shellee and Jeff discuss:

• No nonsense tips for getting kids ready for college,
• Jeff's experience with his three sons
•  Prepping your children and preparing them for life after in college

Jeff's Bio:

'I am the father of three boys and a well-known commentator in the world of American parenting. His most recent work, "Four Lessons from My Three Sons - How You Can Raise a Resilient Kid: Second Edition" details how he helped guide his sons through childhood and adolescence to the U.S. Naval Academy, Williams College, and West Point. Four Lessons spent four months on the top-20 Amazon’s Parenting Best Sellers list and was the subject of feature stories on National Public Radio and in dozens of parenting publications, including Parents Magazine, Fatherly, Young Teen Magazine, The Good Men Project, Fatherhood and Let Grow. Currently a senior public affairs executive in Washington D.C., Nelligan formerly worked for three Members of the U.S. Congress and served twice as a Presidential appointee. An Army Reserve veteran, he is a of Polynesian ancestry (Māori Indian, New Zealand) and a graduate of Williams College, Georgetown University Law School, and the French Army Brevet Commando School.'

 

Connect with Jeff:

Website- https://www.nelliganbooks.com

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/JeffNelliganBooks

LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-nelligan-8277654/

 

Connect with Shellee:

Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ 

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

Shellee and Kevin discuss: - College is increasingly getting more expensive, it's important to find ways to help aid the costs - How do you pay for school and set up your future retirement smartly? - Kevin wants to help families create wealth while educating them Kevin Roark is a leader in his field of comprehensive financial planning. His company focuses on 16 different areas including but not limited to: Cash flow Management Risk Management Tax Reduction Retirement Planning Estate Planning Annual Reviews College Funding Kevin's goal for all of his clients is to ensure their financial house is in order. Kevin specializes in business owners and families who are either are in the initial stage of the wealth building process or are approaching or already in retirement. Connect with Kevin: Website: https://www.kapeco.org/ Email: kevin@fgmci.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kevin-roark-81275865 Connect with Shellee: Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

In this episode, Shellee and Jay discuss: 

• Teenagers having no idea of what they want to do with their life
• The truth in having multiple skills or passions
• Doing something that guarantees a return on investment
• College preparation is not an age based thing.

 

Key Takeaways: 

• Advice like "follow your passion" will not help teenagers in determining their career path. Seek assistance from people with skills to walk alongside them and guide them through the process of finding a fulfilling career.
• There's nothing wrong with having multiple skills or interests, but you may end up not realizing your full potential. So, commit completely to one field and then build that up because there are other factors to consider when looking for a career that fits.
• Some things may be a good fit, but they are not a good choice. To avoid wasting time, money, and effort, it's critical to find a verifiable career fit before beginning the college process.
• College preparation is not an age based decision. It is your curiosity, desire, and drive to discover the verifiable career fit for you that will prepare you for college and help you thrive in the path you will take.

 

"You're wired for greatness, it's a matter of finding where and then stepping forward into it." —  Jay Dusold 

 

About Jay Dusold: Jay is the founder of MapInMe Teen Career guidance which helps teens to fulfill life work and full potential.  

Through a unique story-based design assessment developed over fifty years ago, he helps teens discover their innate wiring and then use that knowledge to accurately identify careers where they'll experience success, satisfaction, and motivation.

 

Connect with Jay Dusold:

Company Website: https://www.LifeAfter12th.com

Personal Website: https://www.facebook.com/jaydusoldcoaching/

Private Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LifeAfter12th/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaydusold

 

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelica Rayco.

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

In this episode, Shellee and Sherri discuss: 

• Scholarship myths
• What Imagine Scholarships do to protect students
• Making the most of opportunities
• A scholarship's expectations of the applicant

 

Key Takeaways: 

• No matter what your circumstances are, there are scholarships available for everyone, regardless of merit or need. Students and parents who are committed to the process are always able to find funding - the earlier they start, the more money they'll find.
• It is the right of students from all walks of life to receive an education without debt, and it is more likely to happen when scholarship providers do not sell or share students' personal information with third parties.
• There’s something for everyone, regardless of their academic standing. Those who are willing to seek out these opportunities will have an exciting future ahead of them.
• Many scholarships are essay-based, but there are still quite a few that give students the chance to shine in their areas of strength.

 

“Our slogan is: imagine where you can go with a scholarship and a dream. If you can dream it, we can help you get wherever you want to go.” —  Sherri Graf

   

About Sherri Graf: Sherri is the CEO OF Imagine College Coaching. Having a degree in Communications and a background in education, she is powered by her love for young adults and a passion for helping others she created imagine scholarships.

She now wears the nickname "collegepreneur" proudly. Since 2010 she has worked with students of all ages and their families to help them achieve their educational goals and find the money to do it. Having been a first-generation student, she knows the importance of scholarships for achieving educational dreams.  As the founder of the company, her passion is empowering others to reach their full potential and believing that anyone can create a positive future for himself or herself if given the right guidance.

 

Connect with Sherri Graf:

Website: https://imaginescholarships.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrigraf

 

Connect with Shellee Howard: 

Website:  https://collegereadyplan.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com

 

 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelica Rayco.

 

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You’re the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Coach Sherry Win discusses the importance of mindset and self-awareness in overcoming challenges, particularly for teens preparing for college.

 Highlights 

🏅 Coach Sherry is a two-time Olympian and founder of the Winning Leadership Company. 

🧠 Mindset matters: what you tell yourself can significantly impact your performance. 

🎓 Test anxiety is common; changing thought patterns can improve outcomes. 

🔍 Self-awareness is crucial as only 15% of people reflect on their thoughts and behaviors. 

📈 Resiliency helps navigate life’s challenges; every disruption is an opportunity for growth. 

💬 Positive affirmations need to be believable to be effective. 

📞 Sherry offers free discovery calls to help parents and teens develop tools for success. 

Key Insights 

🌟 Mindset Shifts: The way students perceive their abilities directly influences their performance. Encouraging positive self-talk can foster improvement. 

📊 Ownership of Beliefs: Challenging negative beliefs is essential. Students must recognize how their thoughts shape their reality and outcomes. 

🤝 Importance of Support: Family support plays a critical role in a teen’s development. Open dialogues about feelings can help teens feel understood and validated. 

💡 Pain as a Catalyst: Individuals often change when pain becomes unbearable, highlighting the need for deep reflection and motivation to change. 

🚀 Resilience Building: Teaching teens to view challenges as opportunities can help them develop resilience and adaptability, essential skills for life. 

🔑 Self-Reflection: Encouraging teens to question their thought patterns helps them identify harmful beliefs and replace them with constructive ones. 

🗣️ Coaching Benefits: Professional guidance can aid in unraveling limiting beliefs and developing actionable strategies for personal growth.

Connect with Sherry:

Website

 

Facebook

 

Connect with Shellee:

 

Website

 

YouTube

 

Instagram

 

Facebook Group

 

LinkedIn

 

Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com  

 

 

Lisa helps families build generational wealth. Shellee and Lisa discuss ways to hold onto more of your money.

Tyler is a best selling author and founder of Authors Unite. Tyler and Shellee discuss: -Take action and then assess how it made you feel and what were the results? That is how you learn if something works for you or not - Tyler's company helps inspiring authors write, edit, and publish a best selling book - Writing a book is a great way to research a topic that interests you to learn more - and much more! Connect with Tyler: Website- Authorsunite.com Email- wagnertb333@gmail.com Connect with Shellee: Website: https://collegereadyplan.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr_WodPHDfSWEbiPdsRDbyQ Twitter: https://twitter.com/gocollegeready Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collegereadyplan/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CollegeReadyPlan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/college-ready/ Email: shellee@collegereadyplan.com