The Trailblazer's Guide To College Admissions
Welcome to The Trailblazer's Guide To College Admissions! I’m your host Cathleen McCaffery, founder & CEO of The Edvisory, where we've helped over 1,000 students get admitted into their dream college by becoming unique and irreplaceable applicants.
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S2E1: The Edvisory’s Framework: The Defining Factor in a Unique, Undeniable College Application
06/11/2025
S2E1: The Edvisory’s Framework: The Defining Factor in a Unique, Undeniable College Application
Is "meeting students where they're at" actually doing more harm than good? If you've ever heard the question, "What do you want to do with your life?" and felt a pit in your stomach—or worse, watched your child shut down in response—this episode is going to change the way you think about college admissions. The truth? Most students don't know what they want at 16 or 17—and that's not the problem. The real issue is that traditional college counseling assumes they should know... and builds a future based only on who they've already been. What if we stopped projecting certainty onto students and started creating space for curiosity, confidence, and growth? BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER: Why starting with GPA and test scores can be a dead-end The #1 mistake most counselors make—and how it crushes self-esteem A real-life story of a student who turned a "silly" interest into a compelling college theme The power of building a path based on curiosity, not performance The 3-step framework we use at to help "undecided" students create authentic themes that admissions officers remember Why the students who seem "behind" often end up at their dream schools TAKE ACTION: Ready to stop asking "So... what are you going to do with your life?" and start building a roadmap to college that actually fits who your student is becoming? 🎯 Start here: An where we'll identify your student's unique path and create a custom roadmap for their success. No generic advice—just a personalized strategy that works. 🚀 Go deeper: Apply for —our signature consulting experience that turns uncertainty into clarity (and acceptances to dream schools). We work with just a handful of families per year. 📧 Stay connected: Get our with insider admissions strategies that traditional counselors won't tell you. 👑 Follow along on or SHARE THIS EPISODE: Know a parent who's tired of asking their teen "what are you going to do with your life?" Tag them and share this episode. Let's change the conversation around college admissions, one family at a time. ⭐ Leave a review if this episode shifted your perspective—it helps other families find us who need to hear this message.
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38. How to Find Your Path as a Transfer Student with Isaac Lubert
04/05/2023
38. How to Find Your Path as a Transfer Student with Isaac Lubert
Today on the Bold Student Podcast, we’re joined by my very special guest Isaac Lubert. Isaac is a former transfer student of mine who is currently pursuing music, business and psychology at NYU. In today’s episode, we talk about Isaac’s journey from Indiana University to Santa Monica College to now NYU and how our work together encouraged him to pursue his current path. Isaac shares wisdom around navigating change, not being afraid to try new things and how working with a private college counselor pushed him in the right direction (even when it meant pushing him outside of his comfort zone). If you ever wondered how working with an admissions counselor could benefit you, you don’t want to miss this episode! What We Cover: Isaac’s original plans for college and how they changed Isaac’s current path and why it’s the perfect fit for him Cathleen’s role in helping Isaac discover and pursue his path The importance of trying things out “I wouldn't change what happened with me, because that ended up working out well. So I'd say do what you want to do. Do what you think you're supposed to do and you'll figure it out.” - Isaac Lubert Thanks for listening, and if you like what you’ve heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! Want to join a group coaching experience to help you develop a roadmap for living your wildest dreams, on your own time and on your own terms? Not to mention one that will WOW colleges and help you get admitted? Join our next round of Theme Queen™: WORK WITH THE EDVISORY: If you’re a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below: Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions
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37. Inspiring Change as a Storyteller and First-Generation College Student with Donald Jolly
10/05/2022
37. Inspiring Change as a Storyteller and First-Generation College Student with Donald Jolly
Today on the Bold Student Podcast, we’re joined by none other than Donald Jolly. Donald is our very own essay coach, but he’s also a first-generation college student who studied English at Dartmouth, and has an MFA in dramatic writing from the University of Southern California. He's also a Los Angeles-based writer proudly hailing from Washington, DC. As a playwright, he wrote the historical drama, Bonded, which was nominated for the Los Angeles stage Alliance Ovation award for playwriting and the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Los Angeles theatre, and winner of the 2013 Archon Bruce Brown Playwriting Award for LGBT historical place. In today’s episode, Donald shares his experience as a first-generation college student and why he decided to major in English. He also talks about his love for using storytelling as an agent that inspires change. Donalds shares why he decided to go to Dartmouth and his collegiate experience, including how he found his space while navigating college life. What We Cover: Being a first-generation college student and why he decided to major in English Donald’s love for using storytelling to inspire change Why Donald decided to go to Dartmouth, and what was his experience there like? Donald’s advice for navigating collegiate life and finding your space “There are so many people who don't get to have this very special privilege that I have. And there's so much sacrifice that has gone in to get me here, whether it's my teachers in school, my grandparents who fled the Jim Crow South. The donors who gave money after school, American taxpayers for the Pell Grants, or Stafford loans, and financial aid, there were a lot of sacrifices made. And I felt it my responsibility to make the most of it. And that meant to explore what, meet new people, try new things, do my best in my classes, and ask for help when I need it.” - Donald Jolly Connect with Donald: Website: Thanks for listening, and if you like what you’ve heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! Learn about our group program, THE COLLEGE ESSAY EXPERIENCE™: WORK WITH THE EDVISORY: If you’re a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below: Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions
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36. Discovering Your Purpose Through Human Design with Ilona Barnhart
09/28/2022
36. Discovering Your Purpose Through Human Design with Ilona Barnhart
I’m so excited to introduce you to today’s guest, Ilona Barnhart. Ilona is a human design reader who blends insight and inspiration from multiple sources to create something entirely new so that you can embrace and accept more parts of yourself. In today’s episode, Ilona shares what human design is and the events that led her to become a human design practitioner. Ilona also talks about living in an energy-based world and what that means. Then, we discuss the different types of human design and how understanding human design allows you to connect to your own unique intuition while helping you understand those around you. This is a very special episode that you won’t want to miss. So tune in to hear all about human design and how it can help you connect to your intuition. What We Cover: What is human design? How Ilona’s life shifted and how she became a human design practitioner Living in an energy-based world and what that means Understanding the different types of human design How human design allows you to understand how you and those around you work How human design allows you to connect to your own unique intuition Where to start if you’re interested in human design “Learning about the different (human design) types is really fun, because then you could potentially start playing with showing up differently.” - Ilona Barnhart Connect with Ilona: Website: Instagram: Thanks for listening, and if you like what you’ve heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! Learn about our group program, THE COLLEGE ESSAY EXPERIENCE™: WORK WITH THE EDVISORY: If you’re a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below: Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions
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35. Parents Didn’t Go To College? Here’s How to Navigate the Admissions Process with Marvette Lacy
09/14/2022
35. Parents Didn’t Go To College? Here’s How to Navigate the Admissions Process with Marvette Lacy
Today’s guest has such an interesting and inspiring story for anyone who has dreams of overcoming their circumstances and becoming more than what they have always known. Marvette Lacy is an aspiring engineering student, turned student affairs doctoral student who started her business all while finishing her dissertation in THREE MONTHS! Now, Marvette runs a multiple six-figure business as a coach and in today’s episode she shares all of the pivots that she made in her journey to get to this place. Marvette’s story is one that will encourage you to always be flexible and to remember the importance of dreaming. Tune in now - you don’t want to miss this conversation! What We Cover: About Marvette and her education journey The importance of mentorship and support in her journey to higher education Her decision to attend a small liberal arts college over Northwestern Her journey into entrepreneurship while pursuing her PhD Deciding how you want to contribute to the world & being a catalyst for change Marvette’s advice if you are overwhelmed but inspired by her story “I want you to know you have so many options in front of you and that you already have the skills.” Connect with Marvette: Website: Full Time Educators Program: Instagram: The Happy, Free and Paid Podcast: Thanks for listening, and if you like what you’ve heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! Learn about our group program, THE COLLEGE ESSAY EXPERIENCE™: WORK WITH THE EDVISORY: If you’re a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below: Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions
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34. My Predictions On How Overturning Roe v Wade Will Impact College Admissions
06/29/2022
34. My Predictions On How Overturning Roe v Wade Will Impact College Admissions
On June 24, 2022, the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade. Whether you’re a parent to a soon-to-be-applying student, a junior or senior applying to college, or an international student coming to the US – this decision affects you. In this episode, I want to make some predictions on how this decision will impact college admissions and how to actively prepare to still get into your dream college despite the changes that this decision may bring. Even with these predictions, I believe this next generation will reshape our world into something better and brighter – and with intentionality, research, and planning, future students can get accepted to and attend a college where they’ll thrive, grow, and feel safe. And I’m here to help them every step of the way. What We Cover: Why this decision affects every college student Looking for the benefits and opportunities through hardship The positive changes that could emerge as a result Why our greatest challenges produce the greatest heroes Deciding how you want to contribute to the world & being a catalyst for change Being intentional and doing your research on state laws Predicting an increase in applications for urban areas and blue states Why it’s so important to commit to intentional education “Whatever your goal is, make it wild and bold and audacious and pursue it, and don't give up.” Thanks for listening, and if you like what you’ve heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! SIGN UP FOR THE FREE CREATE YOUR COLLEGE ROADMAP LIVE WORKSHOP: WORK WITH THE EDVISORY: If you’re a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below: Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions
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33. Understanding Personal Finance, Taking a Gap Year, and Entrepreneurship with Mary Esposito
06/22/2022
33. Understanding Personal Finance, Taking a Gap Year, and Entrepreneurship with Mary Esposito
I’m so excited to be joined by none other than Mary Esposito on today’s episode of The Bold Student Podcast. Mary is a 19-year-old entrepreneur and financial literacy TikToker. She’s always been an entrepreneur at heart, juggling business and academics while in high school. Today, she helps Gen Z’ers sharpen their financial literacy skills through her educational TikTok content, runs her company called Money with Mary, and is a full merit scholarship college student. In this episode, Mary and I discuss her early journey through entrepreneurship. She also shares her experience of breaking free from the traditional mold and how she found her way to entrepreneurship. Then, Mary talks about how she was self-taught in personal finance and financial literacy before sharing her advice for younger women who’d like to get started on their own financial literacy journey. Finally, Mary talks about why she decided to take a gap year and why that time was incredibly valuable to her. What We Cover: Mary’s early journey through entrepreneurship How Mary broke free from the traditional mold and found her way to entrepreneurship How Mary taught herself about personal finance and financial literacy Mary’s advice for younger women who’d like to get started on their financial literacy journey Why women should take more accountability when it comes to learning financial literacy Why Mary took a gap year and why that time was valuable to her “I'm appealing to Gen Z as a whole, but specifically other teenage girls because financial abuse is more common than we think in relationships.” - Mary Esposito “I started my gap year with the intention of seeing how far I could take my businesses if I took away academics temporarily and just went all in.” - Mary Esposito Connect with Mary: LinkTree: TikTok: Thanks for listening, and if you like what you’ve heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! WORK WITH THE EDVISORY: If you’re a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below: Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions
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32. How to Deal With College Rejection Letters and Break the Stereotypes of Success with Nikhil Desai
06/01/2022
32. How to Deal With College Rejection Letters and Break the Stereotypes of Success with Nikhil Desai
In today’s episode, I’m joined by a very special guest, Nikhil Desai. Nikhil is a recent college graduate currently applying to med school, and he happens to be a TikTok and Instagram phenomenon as well. We have a raw conversation that breaks down the stereotypes of success, pursuing a non-traditional route as a student, and the importance of being intentional with your time (no matter how you spend it). Nikhil shares his journey to college and being a non-traditional pre-med candidate, being open-minded about learning from others’ success, and why it’s so important to discover your true purpose. This is an incredibly uplifting episode for anyone who might feel like things aren’t turning out the way you thought they would. So tune in and get ready to be inspired. What We Cover: The different paths to success Why Nikhil made the decision to be a non-traditional pre-med candidate Why college rejection means that there is a more aligned opportunity Why you need to be more focused and intentional with your time Being open and more willing to learn from other successful people Discovering your true purpose, finding your tribe, and creating your reality “If a college declines you, that doesn't necessarily mean they don't think you're a good student or you're not worthy. I think they might just not think you're the right fit for that time for that college.” - Nikhil Desai Connect with Nikhil: Thanks for listening, and if you like what you’ve heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! WORK WITH THE EDVISORY: If you’re a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below: Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions
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31. What’s The Deal With Open Curriculum Colleges? A Guide to Choose a School That Fits Your Personal Needs
05/25/2022
31. What’s The Deal With Open Curriculum Colleges? A Guide to Choose a School That Fits Your Personal Needs
In today’s episode, I am keeping it short and sweet as I discuss a few important things to consider as you begin your college admissions journey. Speaking from years of research as an admissions counselor, my own experience in college and my students’ experiences, I share the best way to approach your own decision-making process. There is a lot to consider as you enter this very important stage of your life and learning journey. Tune in now for some tips on how to make the best decisions for you so that you can create the successful life you dream of. What We Cover: What is an open curriculum and why you should consider schools that offer them The pros and cons of a CORE curriculum The importance of dating colleges and selecting a fit based on alignment The benefits of working with an advisor throughout the college admissions process “Know that colleges are like people. Colleges have personalities. You're not going to be best friends with everyone, and just because your friend thinks someone is incredible and funny, you might find them annoying.” Thanks for listening, and if you like what you’ve heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! WORK WITH THE EDVISORY: If you’re a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below: Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions
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30. 4 Tips To Quiet Your Inner Critic with Confidence and Assertiveness Specialist, Talia Bombola
05/11/2022
30. 4 Tips To Quiet Your Inner Critic with Confidence and Assertiveness Specialist, Talia Bombola
How do we develop confidence and assertiveness in all aspects of our life? In today’s episode, Talia Bombola, a licensed therapist in the state of California and a Confidence and Assertiveness specialist joins us to help us navigate this conversation. From what she does as a confidence and assertiveness specialist to the ideal ways in which parents can cultivate a not-so-harsh inner critic in their children, Talia shares her wisdom on these important topics. This is an important conversation for anyone who is interested in psychotherapy, developing more confidence, and reframing the idea of failure. What We Cover: What is a confidence and assertiveness specialist? How to navigate the conversation of finding a therapist What is the ideal way to cultivate a not-so-harsh inner critic in your children? How the role of a neutral adult comes into play Advice on gap years and how to detach from the idea of failure from a licensed therapist Connect with Talia: Website: Instagram: “I think really slowing down and letting that explorative phase take as much time as it needs and provide as much guidance as possible. That's the key.” - Talia Bombola Thanks for listening, and if you like what you’ve heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! WORK WITH THE EDVISORY: If you’re a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below: Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions
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29. Behind the Scenes: Turning a High School Business Into a Six-Figure Company with Janae Young
05/05/2022
29. Behind the Scenes: Turning a High School Business Into a Six-Figure Company with Janae Young
How do we achieve our wildest dreams? Whether it’s getting into your dream college or starting your own business, the pursuit of success can be simultaneously exciting and daunting. In today’s episode, I am speaking with the well-accomplished Janae Young about her journey into entrepreneurship at the tender age of 15! Janae is a soon-to-be Stanford graduate who also runs a successful tutoring business that she started as a student in high school. Janae and I discuss some of the difficulties that she had to overcome to achieve business ownership at such a young age and she offers great advice on how to navigate your own journeys to success. Janae’s story is impressive and her wisdom is inspiring, so tune in now to hear from a fellow student what it really takes to become successful. What We Cover: How Janae started her tutoring business in high school The progression of Janae’s business from conception to managing her first employees How flexibility with her vision allowed Janae to develop her current business The importance of patience and persistence while pursuing your vision Fixed mindset learning vs growth mindset learning Reframing the relationship between failure and success The difference a shift in mindset makes in all aspects of your life Janae’s advice for curious students who are hesitant to make the next move Why it’s necessary to ask for help in your journey Connect with Janae: Join Janae's SAT/ACT Prep Program Here: Website: Facebook: Instagram: “I want to convey that it is equally exciting and [also] can make you feel like,’Oh my goodness, what am I doing?” not taking such a traditional path. - Janae Young Thanks for listening, and if you like what you’ve heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! WORK WITH THE EDVISORY: If you’re a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below: Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions
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28. What You Need to Know About College Admissions and the Pandemic
04/20/2022
28. What You Need to Know About College Admissions and the Pandemic
Obviously, we’re still in the pandemic and it has been a huge impact on all of our lives. In today’s episode, I’m going to be addressing the 3 biggest changes that come with college admissions during the pandemic. We talk about colleges dropping the test requirements and what that means for the other aspects of your application. This is an important episode for any student who is applying to their undergrad or grad school during the ongoing pandemic. So tune in, get a pen and paper ready, and take notes! What We Cover: Most colleges getting rid of test requirements and the catch with this change What are colleges using on your application to admit you Why your essays, extracurricular activities, and GPA matter more How to participate in extracurricular activities online The benefits of working with a college counsellor and strategist Why college admissions are now more competitive than it was in the pandemic “Getting into college isn't really [about] how great you are, it's [about] what colleges need, and what they need to form their class and run their business.” WORK WITH THE EDVISORY: If you’re a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below: Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions
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27. 3 College Admissions Trends & Their Affects on Future Applicants
04/14/2022
27. 3 College Admissions Trends & Their Affects on Future Applicants
As a college admissions counselor, I have been noticing a few key trends in this field affecting future applicants and their ability to get into top colleges. These trends are affecting both US and international admissions and should be taken into consideration as students prepare for or move through their college admissions process. Tune into today’s episode to learn what these trends are, how they’re affecting admissions and ways that you can increase your chances of getting into your college of choice! What We Cover: The huge increase in college applicants and the impact on admissions How to increase your chances of getting admitted The increase in international applicants in key US cities Colleges opting to make the SAT/ACT test optional “So a key thing for you to notice is that as tens of thousands more students are applying to these schools, they're not accepting more students.” WORK WITH THE EDVISORY: If you’re a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below: Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions
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26. How I Paid Off My Student Loans Through The Power of Manifestation
04/06/2022
26. How I Paid Off My Student Loans Through The Power of Manifestation
To be honest, I’ve been procrastinating on recording this episode but here I am today. If you follow me on social media, you probably already know that mindset, spirituality, and manifestation are a big part of my life personally. It has really helped me throughout my life and in today’s episode, I’m sharing how I manifested paying off my student loans all while sharing some key tips for manifesting your goals and whatever your heart desires. Whether you like it or not, we’re manifesting all the time. Manifestation is simply the act of transitioning something from your thoughts into the real world. It’s a skill that I wish was more widely taught in schools, because it allows us to tap into our intuition, follow our gut, and use our own energetic gifts. So today, I’m explaining what manifestation is and why you’re already doing it all the time. I also share my story of manifesting paying off my student loans. And finally, I share 3 key tips to help you manifest your goals so that you can live your life in the way that you desire. What We Cover: What manifestation really is and why you’re already doing it all the time How I manifested paying my student loans off Why you need to decide on what you want What it means to live in the act of a wish fulfilled Writing and reading out what your ideal outcome is “My first tip for manifestation is deciding what you want. One, and then holding the belief no matter what.” WORK WITH THE EDVISORY: If you’re a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below: Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions
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25. How to Find Your Purpose and Passion in Life Without Limiting Your Future Self with Mya Pearl Nerenberg
03/30/2022
25. How to Find Your Purpose and Passion in Life Without Limiting Your Future Self with Mya Pearl Nerenberg
There’s a lot of pressure to choose a life-long career and make big money after graduation. But that’s not reality, and honestly, that’s not sustainable long term. Your career isn’t just one static trajectory you’re stuck in for the rest of your life. Your career will morph and evolve with you and your passions. And guess what? You can absolutely build an incredible business that has nothing to do with what you learned in Business 101. Today’s guest is living proof! In this episode, I am talking to Mya Pearl Nerenberg, mom of two, real estate investor, angel investor, and retreat company owner. After starting her career as an aspiring professional ice hockey player, Mya hit a no-income wall at 22 and fell back on her education and credentials as a sports dietitian before shifting into real estate investment in 2016. In 2017, she merged her real estate investment portfolio with health, wellness, and personal growth when she founded Ralia Retreats, a retreat planning business for personal and professional travel. During this conversation, Mya and I talked about various career paths and how they completely shift from what we imagined them to be as 18-year-olds. Mya also shares her biggest lessons learned as she navigated her unique career path, why she made specific shifts in her career to pursue happiness instead of money, and the importance of following careers that light you up and get you excited (and not feeling pressured to monetize it). What We Cover: Why you don’t need the next 50 years of your life planned out Unpacking the reasons behind your career choice How to evaluate and discover your next passion Why different perspectives are needed in the real estate industry How to keep your passions a part of your life Why there is no guaranteed path in life The importance of building intergender and multi-generational relationships ”My biggest lesson overall is work on who you are being and how you're showing up and really listen to what you are interested in doing. And you will enjoy the process, you will enjoy your life.” – Mya Pearl Nerenberg Connect with Mya: Website: LinkedIn: Thanks for listening, and if you like what you’ve heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! WORK WITH THE EDVISORY: If you’re a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below: Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions
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24. Learning How to Trust Yourself on a Winding Career Path with Gina Knox
03/16/2022
24. Learning How to Trust Yourself on a Winding Career Path with Gina Knox
It’s never too early to have goals. But it’s also never too late to change your mind or try something new. It’s so important to trust yourself enough to know that whatever path you choose to follow is the right one for you – as long as you let go of your fear of failure and really listen and follow your gut. In this episode, I am talking to Gina Knox, a money coach for entrepreneurs who need to uplevel their finances and want to reach those big money goals. Gina’s path to success was by no means traditional. Together, we discuss the adventurous journey of Gina’s path thus far, how having trust within yourself will guide you on your journey, as well as taking control and creating the path you personally feel happy pursuing. What We Cover: What is a money coach and how Gina became one Gina’s parents’ reaction to her becoming an au pair in Italy From au pair to entering the pathway of design research Having trust within yourself Advice for parents whose children have unconventional plans Why some people allow invested time to keep them miserable Creating the personality and path you want to embody “You really have to be in tune with your thoughts and be open to new ideas. And also be open to how you change. Because we change so much in our teenage years and our early 20s.” - Gina Knox Connect with Gina: Instagram: Thanks for listening, and if you like what you’ve heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! WORK WITH THE EDVISORY: If you’re a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below: Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions
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23. 7 Books That Can Guide You During the College Admissions Process
12/02/2021
23. 7 Books That Can Guide You During the College Admissions Process
When you're making a decision as big as where you're going to college, I urge you to put time and research into the college admissions process. You can find great information on the internet, but one of the best ways to help you learn about different universities and gain more insight into college applications is through well-researched and highly informative books. In this episode, I’m giving a little book review about some of my favorite books that I use for work, recommend to colleagues, and buy for my students to read. Whether you’re a parent to a 9th grader who is just starting to think about college or an 11th-grade student in the middle of your college admissions process, I have a recommended book for everyone! Books We Cover: “It's going to shape the rest of your adult life. It's not to say that where you go to college is going to determine your future necessarily but it can have an impact, so, I would urge you to put time and research into this process.” - Cathleen Thanks for listening, and if you like what you’ve heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! LINKS MENTIONED: If you’re a high school, college, or even post-graduate looking for direction, join my Life Skills Bootcamp course covering time management, decision-making, mindset, manifestation, and money. If you’re a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below: I cover mindset and manifestation in more depth in my 5-month program for 9th-11th graders, . The next round starts in January, and you can . Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions
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22. What Can I Do With This Major? Here’s Why Your College Major Doesn’t Determine Success
10/07/2021
22. What Can I Do With This Major? Here’s Why Your College Major Doesn’t Determine Success
A common and worrisome question that I keep hearing from my students is: what kind of job (if any) will I get if I choose to pursue the major I am most interested in? I get it. The fear is real because jobs help you pay the bills. But let me set the record straight. The purpose of going to college is not just to get a job. The purpose of going to college is to set you up for life --and life is bigger than your first job out of college. In this episode, I talk about the unlikelihood that your major will actually be connected to your future job (and the exceptions to this rule), the importance of following your interests, and how unassuming majors can be beneficial in the real world with real-life examples. I’ll also explain why choosing “the right” major doesn’t guarantee anything and why it’s up to you to set your course. What We Cover: Why your career won’t be a linear trajectory Having a plan and the importance of having a plan B How you can be wildly successful by doing anything Why certain degrees can set you up for success no matter what career path you’re on The importance of constantly learning and being exposed to new opportunities “Keep in mind that college is not the end of your life. A lot of students think, well, I need to pick the perfect degree so I can get the perfect job, and then everything will work out. But it doesn’t really work like that.” Thanks for listening, and if you like what you’ve heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! LINKS MENTIONED: If you’re a high school, college, or even post-graduate looking for direction, join my Life Skills Bootcamp course covering time management, decision-making, mindset, manifestation, and money. If you’re a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below: I cover mindset and manifestation in more depth in my 5-month program for 9th-11th graders, . The next round starts in September, and you can . Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions
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21. How To Take Care Of Your Mental Health Through The College Admissions Process
10/01/2021
21. How To Take Care Of Your Mental Health Through The College Admissions Process
Have you ever created a goal for yourself that was born out of joy or of following your own interest --and then set a timeline to accomplish it? Too often we set timelines with the intention of following through on them immediately, and, inevitably, we fall behind trying to meet these arbitrary timelines that we’ve made up for ourselves and what follows? Exhaustion, anxiety, and overwhelm from the self-induced pressure. How can we relieve this pressure we feel around following our dreams? In this episode, I talk about a very recent turning point in my own journey of applying to graduate school and my goals around this endeavor. I’m sharing my thought process, revelation, and recent decisions behind achieving this dream of mine because I have an educated hunch that you might be going through something similar. What We Cover: How my graduate school application led me to a revelation The anxiety that comes from application and deadlines Why we make up arbitrary timelines The importance of having third party mentors How to pursue your dreams without feeling pressured “ Find a way. Instead of being all or nothing, how can you follow your dreams? Now. Even if it’s just a few hours a week, how can you relieve some of that pressure? How can you find more joy, more ease, more comfort, and more excitement in what you’re doing?” Thanks for listening, and if you like what you’ve heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! LINKS MENTIONED: If you’re a high school, college, or even post-graduate looking for direction, join my Life Skills Bootcamp course covering time management, decision-making, mindset, manifestation, and money. If you’re a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below: I cover mindset and manifestation in more depth in my 5-month program for 9th-11th graders, . The next round starts in September, and you can . Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions
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20. The Surprising Benefits of Risk-Taking In School and Beyond with Fulbright Scholar, Professor Anna Krakus
09/17/2021
20. The Surprising Benefits of Risk-Taking In School and Beyond with Fulbright Scholar, Professor Anna Krakus
Are you going through life choosing the safe option? Whether it’s the college you’re applying to or the career path you think you want, there’s no guarantee that the safe option is the right one for you. Sometimes, not knowing what your trajectory will look like can be the catalyst to finding your greatness and creativity. When in doubt, opt for the road less traveled because there are so many different ways of getting to where you want to go. In this episode, I’m talking to Professor Anna Krakus, professor, writer, Fulbright scholar, and previous admissions committee member at the University of Southern California. Professor Krakus is currently the assistant professor at the Department of Cross-Cultural and Regional Studies at the University of Copenhagen and has previously taught Slavic and Comparative Literature at the University of Southern California. During our conversation, Professor Krakus talks about her life’s trajectory and how her brave choices have positively impacted her university experience. We also discuss the power of embracing discomfort, why being brave might look like choosing the road less traveled, and believing that every new thing will be better or different or more exciting than what you have now. What We Cover: Picking the safe option vs. exploring and taking risks in college What a Fulbright Scholarship is & how it can open doors Why big-name universities aren’t always the right fit How to be an impressive student wherever you go to college The benefits of choosing the road less traveled ”What most people don't understand is that it's you that is going to succeed, that's going to get the job, that writes the book, that starts the business. It's not Harvard. Harvard isn't sitting in the library until midnight writing a book or applying for jobs. You are doing that and you can be successful regardless of where you go to college and whether or not. It's up to you.” - Professor Anna Krakus Connect With Professor Anna: Instagram: Thanks for listening, and if you like what you’ve heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! LINKS MENTIONED: If you’re a high school, college, or even post-graduate looking for direction, join my Life Skills Bootcamp course covering time management, decision-making, mindset, manifestation, and money. If you’re a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below: I cover mindset and manifestation in more depth in my 5-month program for 9th-11th graders, . The next round starts in September, and you can . Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions
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19. The Secret to Overcoming Procrastination TODAY
09/10/2021
19. The Secret to Overcoming Procrastination TODAY
There are a lot of false beliefs about procrastination and why we procrastinate. From the fear of failure to the pressure you put on yourself with grades or test scores, it’s important to overcome any blocks or fears popping up as you navigate the college admissions process. But to do this, you first have to believe that everything you want is totally possible for you and be willing to do whatever it takes to get there. In this episode, I talk all about procrastination and how to overcome it to achieve your goals. I’ll tell you what procrastination can look like, why it’s often connected to your core fear. Plus, I’m giving my best advice on overcoming your fears, adjusting your mindset around procrastination, and how to show up and do the work so you can get what you want. What We Cover: Why the antidote to procrastination is self-care Why we let the fear of failure or judgment from others hold us back How to let go of what you’re holding on to and adapt to the world around you Delegate tasks you’re procrastinating on How to find the root of your procrastination ”A lot of times we hold on to what's familiar instead of letting go because we're worried that the new thing that we're pursuing is too risky or too new or not safe or won't be good, but I just kind of challenge you to really examine that belief if you have it.” Thanks for listening, and if you like what you’ve heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! LINKS MENTIONED: If you’re a high school, college, or even post-graduate looking for direction, join my Life Skills Bootcamp course covering time management, decision-making, mindset, manifestation, and money. If you’re a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below: I cover mindset and manifestation in more depth in my 5-month program for 9th-11th graders, . The next round starts in September, and you can . Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions
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18. A Powerful Exercise for Finding Your Passion in Life
09/01/2021
18. A Powerful Exercise for Finding Your Passion in Life
What is your next step after college? What happens if you want to follow a non-traditional career path? Unfortunately, society has conditioned us to think in a limited capacity. You’re told to pick a major from a setlist and then pick a job that's connected, and then just do that for the rest of your life until you die. This isn’t your only option. In this episode, I want to talk about creating your own reality, setting your own rules, and creating a career you want. This requires you to think outside the box, think beyond the set menu that high school and colleges provide, and create a career path you want to pursue, no matter what that looks like or how alternative it is from your peers. Learn how you can exert more power over your own life and what you envision it to look like, and then take action to achieve it. What We Cover: What is your next step after college? The importance of thinking big and thinking outside the box Why college is not a life skills boot camp An inside look at a nontraditional career path An exercise to help you envision what you want your life to look like “College is not going to teach you how to make decisions, figure out what you want, find meaning and purpose in life.” - Cathleen “There's so much pressure on just getting into college. And then there's not a lot of support and advice and resources out there for like, Well, what do you do next?” - Cathleen Thanks for listening, and if you like what you’ve heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! LINKS MENTIONED: If you’re a high school, college, or even post graduate looking for direction, join my Life Skills Bootcamp course covering time management, decision-making, mindset, manifestation, and money. If you’re a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below: I cover mindset and manifestation in more depth in my 5-month program for 9th-11th graders, . The next round starts in September, and you can . Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions
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17. What Are The Best Extracurricular Activities For College Applications?
08/25/2021
17. What Are The Best Extracurricular Activities For College Applications?
If you want to stand out from the sea of college applicants vying for a spot at your dream college, you shouldn’t just join random clubs at your school --because every other high schooler is already doing that. What you need to do is become the creator of your own extracurricular activities. What I mean is, you need to start small and start early to find a unique passion project (or theme) that’s related to your interest and solve a problem around it. In this episode, I’m talking about being innovative and standing out when it comes to your extracurricular activities. Innovation and uniqueness are key traits for getting admitted to your dream college and necessary for setting yourself up for success in college and life. That’s why I’m giving you my best tips and tricks to help you identify a niche area of interest, develop ideas for your extracurricular passion project and execute it with success. What We Cover: What it means to create your own activities Why you have to start small to go big An example passion project How to find a real-world problem with real-world implications “You want to make sure that you're seeking out accomplishments that are hard to explain. Not hard to do.” - Cathleen “You want to showcase to college admissions officers that you are able to solve actual problems that exist in the world. Not the experiments you're doing in a controlled lab and your AP bio classroom.” - Cathleen ”Highly selective colleges are looking for students who have potential to be world leaders, game-changers, and entrepreneurs who go out, find a problem, come up with a solution, and does whatever it takes to not get discouraged in the face of challenges.” - Cathleen Connect with Thanks for listening, and if you like what you’ve heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! LINKS MENTIONED: If you’re a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below: Interested in a one of a kind 6 week group coaching EXPERIENCE to help YOU create a theme AKA your unique area of specialization? Establish the foundation of becoming a Uniquely Impressive, Trailblazing Leader so that you can get into your dream colleges and change the world with ease and joy! If The Admitted Mastermind sounded like it was for you, you'll love Theme Queen™. . Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions
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16. The Productivity Planner that will Change Your Relationship with Time
08/18/2021
16. The Productivity Planner that will Change Your Relationship with Time
Stop wasting your time doing activities that don’t get you closer to your goal. Yep, I said it. If your goal is getting into highly selective colleges, you need to make sure you’re showing leadership and dedication towards a niche area of specialization and not wasting your time doing activities that aren't serving you in reaching your goals. But where do you start? In this episode, I’m talking all about my proven Productivity Planner exercise, which I teach inside The Admitted Mastermind. Not only am I explaining why less is more, but I’m also breaking down how to create your Productivity Planner, what you need to include in each section, and how this exercise will help you be ruthless in taking things off your plate and quitting activities that are not serving your goals. What We Cover: Why we can’t do all the things & what we need to do instead The importance of avoiding common activities so you can stand out from the crowd Why you don’t need to be well-rounded What time management is and is not How to create your productivity planner “Students who are stressed out and overwhelmed are doing too many activities. Less is more people. It is so much more impactful if you do one to two activities for a long time and get to a really high level then do 500 different things.” - Cathleen Connect with Thanks for listening, and if you like what you’ve heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! LINKS MENTIONED: If you’re a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below: I cover mindset and manifestation in more depth in my 5-month program for 9th-11th graders, . The next round starts in September, and you can . Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions
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15. The Unconventional College Application Process Checklist That Will Get You Into Your Dream School
08/13/2021
15. The Unconventional College Application Process Checklist That Will Get You Into Your Dream School
Are you creative, motivated, ambitious, and driven? If you answered yes, and you know you don’t want to settle for an average life of working in an office, doing the same thing every day, then you're going to have to think outside the box and dare to be different from your peers. This starts with going deep to pursue a theme you’re passionate about so you can stand out from the other thousands of students applying for a spot at your dream college. In this episode, I’m walking you through some of the roadblocks you may hit when it comes to getting classes that are aligned with your theme. Because if you want to apply to highly selective colleges and universities (and get accepted), you need to know how to pick a theme that’s true to your interest and learn ways to build a profile of extracurricular activities and research around that theme. You also need to accept that a lot of your friends aren’t going to be doing what you’re doing --and that’s okay. What We Cover: What a theme is and why it’s important Why you can’t do what everything else is doing How to build a profile of extracurricular activities and research around your theme Why hitting roadblocks and barriers means you’re on the right path Three questions to answer to find your theme “If you are ambitious and driven and you want to do things that have never been done before, or you want to get into colleges that only accept three or four out of every 100 students, you cannot follow what your friends are doing.” - Cathleen Connect with Thanks for listening, and if you like what you’ve heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! LINKS MENTIONED: If you’re a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below: I cover mindset and manifestation in more depth in my 5-month program for 9th-11th graders, . The next round starts in September, and you can . Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions
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14. Why “What Should My Major Be?” Is Not The Most Important Question with Luisa Alberto
08/04/2021
14. Why “What Should My Major Be?” Is Not The Most Important Question with Luisa Alberto
Your major doesn’t determine the job you have in 2, 5, or even 10 years from now. Nor does it determine what kind of business you create (if you decide entrepreneurship is in your future). I’ll be totally honest, the hard skills you learn in high school and college will only get you so far. What determines your success in your career --and in life-- is discovering your truth, building relationships, and having empathy with those you encounter, plus the other soft skills you probably aren’t learning in the classroom. In this episode, I’m talking to Luisa Alberto, Founder & CEO of High Five Finance; a Virtual CFO agency that provides bookkeeping, tax planning, and advisory services for women business owners. She leverages 15 years of experience working closely with visionary CEOs in Ops and Finance, business ownership, and consulting to help her clients cut through the chaos and optimize their current financial position so they can achieve their goals. She graduated from Boston College (Go Eagles!) with a major in Philosophy and a minor in Latin American Studies & Faith, Peace and Justice. Luisa shares how her inquisitive nature led her from a liberal art major to an internship at the FairTrade Certification Organization, and eventually, to running a successful online financial agency. She also shares the importance of learning soft skills over hard skills, why investing in a mentor or expert in your field will get you farther, how to articulate your unique experiences to stand out from the crowd, and the biggest lesson learned that helped lead to the creation of her business. What We Cover: What CFO means and why businesses need one How numbers play a role in whether or not a business is able to achieve its mission Why your academic background doesn’t determine what business you create Why soft skills are essential for a successful career (and life!) The importance of finding a mentor and asking questions “A lot of our success isn't tied to the skills that we have necessarily, it's tied to the relationships that we build. So if you don't learn how to build relationships, if you can't learn how to connect with another human and share with them what you care about and why it's important. I mean, that's really what makes success.” - Luisa Alberto ”You can't go wrong building those soft skills because people want to hire good people who can hold a conversation and build trust almost immediately over somebody who knows how to create a balance sheet.” - Luisa Alberto ”Most adults don't have it figured out. I think it's because we're ever-evolving people. So every experience we have teaches us something new about ourselves, about the world, about the thing we thought was going to be the thing. The more open you can be to just having as many experiences as you can that feel right in that moment, the better equipped you'll be for all the changes that will happen.” - Luisa Alberto “How equipped are you to deal with big shifts and change? And what can you do in your life to feel like you are confident in yourself, you're confident in what you love?” - Luisa Alberto “Getting really good at articulating how [your experiences]makes you special is a leg up in any sort of goal that you have or want to achieve in your life.” - Luisa Alberto Connect with Luisa Website: Money Maven Membership: Thanks for listening, and if you like what you’ve heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! LINKS MENTIONED: If you’re a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below: I cover mindset and manifestation in more depth in my 5-month program for 9th-11th graders, . The next round starts in September, and you can . Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions
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13. How to Overcome Creative Blocks Through 2 Exercises for Critical Thinking with Shyne Webster
07/28/2021
13. How to Overcome Creative Blocks Through 2 Exercises for Critical Thinking with Shyne Webster
Not everybody is born creative --but that doesn’t mean you can’t get there. Creativity looks different for everybody, and like anything else, it’s just another discipline that you have to learn, work through, and most importantly, practice. No matter what your hobby, interest, major, or industry is, creativity, in essence, just means that you are creating something new --no matter what that looks like. How can you tap into your creative self and bring something new into the world? In this episode, I’m talking to Shyne Webster, a Southern California-based college student, self-proclaimed "Branding Fairy Godsister," and the founder of Designed by Shyne. Specializing in human-first, holistic branding for women entrepreneurs, she's a proud advocate of fun in the workplace and is always determined to challenge the status quo! When Shyne's not working or doing schoolwork, she can be found at a coffee shop, creating content around surf/skate/sneaker culture, or designing merch [her favorite passion project.] Shyne is sharing her insight into all things creative and critical thinking. She shares how she started a creative business as a college student, how to reduce the pressure around creativity, and why accessing your creative side is beneficial for many aspects of life. Plus, Shyne shares her biggest tip for getting your creative juices flowing. What We Cover: How to overcome your creative blocks What creativity looks like in the non-traditional sense How students can use creativity in life Where the intersection between creativity and critical thinking is Two exercises to develop creative, critical thinking “Your creativity doesn't have to look like anyone else's. As long as you're bringing something new or different or unique to the table, I think that's what creativity is really all about.” “To create something just means to bring something new into existence. So as long as you're doing that, whether it's traditionally artistic or not, you're being creative.” - Shyne Connect with Shyne Instagram: Website: Facebook: LinkedIn: Thanks for listening, and if you like what you’ve heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! LINKS MENTIONED: by Cal Newport If you’re a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below: I cover mindset and manifestation in more depth in my 5-month program for 9th-11th graders, . The next round starts in September and you can . Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions
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12. One Simple Mindset Tool for Overcoming Limiting Beliefs and Reaching Your Goals
07/21/2021
12. One Simple Mindset Tool for Overcoming Limiting Beliefs and Reaching Your Goals
Your mindset determines your success, more so than any type of strategy out there. But to actually achieve the goals you’ve set for yourself, you need to understand that how you think about yourself and what you think you're capable of is just as important as what you spend your time doing. Your mindset will help you move the needle forward towards your goals faster than anything else. In this episode, I’m giving you a simple tool to help you actually achieve your goals and eliminate any self-limiting beliefs you have. Whether your goals are academic-related or personal, I’ll walk you through one of my favorite mindset exercises to help you collapse the gap between who you desire to become and who you are now. I’ll also explain why approaching life with a more spiritual mindset lens can support you in achieving your goals. What We Cover: Why your mindset determines your success The Rules For Living list Why you need to be specific yet vague with your list How to collapse the gap between who you want to be and who you are now “Your mindset really determines your success, more so than what you actually do.” Thanks for listening, and if you like what you’ve heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! LINKS MENTIONED: If you’re a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below: I cover mindset and manifestation in more depth in my 5-month program for 9th-11th graders, . The next round starts in September and you can . Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions
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11. How to Write a Great College Essay: Our Proven 4 Step Process
07/14/2021
11. How to Write a Great College Essay: Our Proven 4 Step Process
If you want to write a college essay that gets accepted, you need strong writing skills and interdisciplinary thinking. To get that, you need the right tools and knowledge to implement them --and one of the best (and most underappreciated) skills out there is outlining! Outlining will not only help you map out your essay and plan what you’re going to say, but it can help you communicate your ideas more persuasively. In this episode, I explain why an outline is one of the most important elements for writing a strong college application, my top formatting tips to help you get started, and the specific outlining method that will help you craft a powerful college admission essay in no time. What We Cover: The four-step process of writing your college application essay How an outline is like a roadmap A popular format to help you create an outline How to write using the dramatic outlining method Three questions to ask about the challenge you want to write about “You want to think, what about you is essential for someone to know in order for them to feel like they really know who you are? Because you want the admissions officer to really know who you are and how your mind works.” Thanks for listening, and if you like what you’ve heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! What if I told you that writing your college application essays is like writing in a whole new genre that you’ve never written in before? You haven’t learned how to write like this in school because you’ve only learned about 5 paragraph essays. Your parents aren’t familiar with this style of writing….things have changed so much since they applied to college. You have to craft this thing in a way that sets you apart from the other 100,000 kids who are applying for 1,500 spots at top colleges. I am here to teach you HOW! Come and join me for a 3 month course, ! If working with me 1:1 is what you’re feeling, . Follow Cathleen on Instagram & DM with any questions LINKS MENTIONED: If you’re a high school student in 9th-12th grade or the parent of one, I work with a small cohort of students annually and help them develop the core traits I discussed in the podcast and apply to selective colleges. You can apply to work with me below: I cover mindset and manifestation in more depth in my 5 month program for 9th-11th graders, The next round starts in September and you can
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10. How to Overcome Writers Block and Find Unique College Essay Topics Through The Edvisory’s Brainstorming Method
07/09/2021
10. How to Overcome Writers Block and Find Unique College Essay Topics Through The Edvisory’s Brainstorming Method
If you’re heading into 12th grade, that means it’s time to start working on your college applications. But to write application essays that WOW college admission officers, you need a lot of content to write about, specifically content that relates to your desired major. But wait, what if you don’t even know what you want to major in yet? In this episode, I am sharing an amazing brainstorming exercise that will help you not only come up with topics for some of your college application essays but also start to understand whether the majors you're thinking of applying to are actually right for you. I’m helping you take the pressure off so you can figure out what you’re deeply interested in right now, write about it in your essay, and then follow it as your major. What We Cover: The pressure to pick a major and figure out your career by age 18 Top misconceptions when it comes to college application essays Four key traits college admission officers are looking for in your essay Why having a theme will help you stand out How to complete the brainstorming exercise “70% of students pick the wrong major. So you might have a major in mind that's not quite right for you.” “This is just one of the many brainstorming exercises I teach my students to help them generate interesting content and ideas because your college application essays count for up to 30% of the admissions decision, which is huge. And through this deep introspective work, you can also start to figure out what you're drawn to and what you're not. A lot of students pick the wrong major.” Thanks for listening, and if you like what you’ve heard, subscribe and listen to The Bold Student Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t forget to spread the word by leaving a review or sharing this podcast with your friends! My epic 3 month is now open for enrollment! This is your everything you need to know about college application essays course -- it’s helped my students get into Harvard, Yale, Georgetown, and dozens more top colleges! There are limited spots available...I’m waiting for you! Join here: Find out more about The Edvisory and working with Cathleen here: Follow Cathleen on Instagram
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