In this powerful episode, author Dorotea Reyna shares her journey from a small South Texas pueblo to Stanford and UT Austin—and how language, identity, and memory shaped her path. We discuss the bittersweet experience of gaining academic success while feeling cultural loss, the power of storytelling, and what inspired her to write Los Cedros: A Tejana Memoir.

From resisting silence to honoring her community with words, Dorotea reminds us that our voices matter—and that sometimes, writing is the most powerful form of resistance.

📘 Get her book: Los Cedros: A Tejana Memoir

💬 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

🎧 New Episode Drop!

Carlos Cardenas is living proof that detours don’t define you — persistence does.

From serving his country to serving his community, Carlos opens up about his educational journey, his battles with self-doubt, and his drive to elevate Latino leadership.

If you’ve ever needed a reminder that your story isn’t over, this is it.

👉 Listen now!

#Persistence #VeteranVoices #LatinoExcellence #WayToCollegePodcast

In Part 2 of my conversation with John Espinoza, we dive into his journey as a writer, educator, and advocate for undocumented students. From teaching at the National Hispanic University to becoming a trusted "poetry coach" for Sandra Cisneros, John shares how creativity and community shaped his unconventional career. #TheWayToCollegePodcast #EducationMatters #JohnEspinoza #UndocumentedStudents #LifelongLearning #podcast #journey #sandracisneros #latinoliterature #writing #writingcoach

I'm back with a new episode of The Way to College Podcast. My guest this week is Margarita Longoria. She is a librarian and author. She was gracious enough to share a bit of her story with me and talked briefly about her most recent publication, Living Beyond Borders, a collection of short stories and poetry about growing up along the U.S.-Mexico border. Check it out! #frontera #college #highered #journey #borders #latina #latinx

This week, I'm introducing a new segment to the podcast that I'm calling, Office Hours with Dr. Jay. My guests often have so much to share, so in these special episodes, we'll go deeper into the work my guests do. My first episode is with Dr. Luis-Genaro Garcia. He was recently featured on the podcast, but as we were concluding our interview we wanted to continue our conversation and talk more about his artwork. Here's the episode. Enjoy! #art #officehours #passion #purpose #work #create #podcast #latinx

It's Monday and that means a new episode of The Way to College Podcast. This week is different from most. In this week's episode, three of my former guests, Dr. Elizabeth Villarreal, Macarena Hernandez, and Nancy Villarreal serve as the hosts and interview me. They wanted to hear my story and thought it best I share my journey with my listeners. Enjoy! #podcast #journey #edcouchelsa #stanford #phd #utrgv #utpa #college #highered #latino

It's Monday and that means a new episode of The Way to College Podcast. My guest this week is Dr. Gabriel Bermea. He is a Senior Research Analyst with Excelencia in Education. What is Excelencia in Education and what exactly does a senior research analyst do, I'm glad you asked. Check out this week's episode to find out and learn more about Dr. Bermea's educational and professional journey. #journey #excelencia #advising #latino #latinx #research #policy #education #highered #college

It's Monday and that means a fresh episode of The Way to College Podcast. This week, my guest is Selina Martinez. Selina is the Director of Product Management at Core Spaces. I know, you're probably wondering, what's product management, or maybe that's just me. Either way, check out this episode to learn about Selina's journey from Edcouch, Texas to Stanford University and what she's learned along her journey. She has some great advice. #podcast #edcouchelsa #productmanagement #productdesign #stanford #rgv #corespaces #family #college #highered #journey #lifelessons

This week, I'm joined by Dr. Mayra Olivares-Urueta. She is the Executive in Residence and Director of the Bill J. Priest Center for Community College Education at the University of North Texas. She has an amazing journey and though she has already accomplished so much, hearing her story again reminded me that she is really just getting started. Check it out! #journey #podcast #sanantonio #universityofoklahoma #northtexas #chicana #latina #tache #inspiration #language

This week, my guest on The Way to College Podcast is Christina Cavazos Escamilla. She is a principal with IDEA Public Schools, but Christina didn't always see herself becoming a principal. Like so many of my guests, her journey hasn't followed a straight line. Listen to the podcast to get Christina's story. #podcast #journey #college #highered #grinnellcollege #edcouchelsa #equity #ideapublicschools #principal

My guest on this week's podcast wears many hats. Dr. Eric Posada is a faculty member at Angelo State University and is their Director of Choral Activities. The McAllen native also leads Pasion, a professional chorus based in the Rio Grande Valley. Did he know he always wanted to pursue a career in music? How did his parents feel about him pursuing music? Check out this week's episode for Dr. Posada's story. #podcast #chorus #texastech #music #journey #resilience #rgv #pasion #angelostate

A new week means a new episode of The Way to College Podcast. My guest this week is Dr. Luis-Genaro Garcia. He is an art professor at Sacramento State University, but according to Dr. Garcia, college was not always a part of his plan. Join us as Dr. Garcia takes us through those critical moments of his educational and professional journey. #podcast #journey #life #art #LA #sacstate #keepitreal #education #criticalpedagogy #teacher #professor

On this week's episode of the Way to College Podcast, my guest is Cesar Barron Castro. Cesar owns Barron Engineering. He's had quite the journey, and I am so glad to be able to share it with listeners. Check it out and don't forget to share, subscribe and rate.

Episode 174: Poetry, Perseverance, and Pathways – A Conversation with John Espinoza (Part I)

In this episode, I visit with poet and writer John Olivarez Espinoza to explore his educational journey, creative pursuits, and the life experiences that shaped his art. From growing up in rural Southern California to finding his voice through poetry, John shares poignant stories about family, identity, and navigating higher education as a first-generation college student. He also reads his evocative poem, Achy Knees in Palm Springs, giving listeners a glimpse into his acclaimed collection, The Date Fruit Elegies. Don’t miss this inspiring first part of John’s story, filled with reflections on resilience, creativity, and community. Check it out and don't forget to share the podcast with one person. John and I would appreciate it. #podcast #journey #poet #literaryconsultant #indio #writer #story #firstgen #latino

Welcome to Season 4 of The Way to College Podcast. My first guest to get us started this season is Sabrina Walker-Hernandez. Sabrina has spent over 30 years working in the non-profit sector. She recently started her own consulting firm to help non-profits. She shares her educational and professional journey with us and provides sage advice for those looking to find their way forward. #podcast #coach #nonprofit #faith #service #college #highered

This week, we get the second half of Dr. Flo's story. This time we learn about Dr. Flo's professional journey, where it has taken him, and where he is now. Check it out! #podcast #journey #professional #purpose #college #highered #TCU #TACHE #chicano #Latinx #diversity #inclusion

A new week means a new podcast. My guest this week is Dr. Florencio Urias Aranda. Dr. Flo, as he likes to be called, has a fascinating story. One that not even he expected. Today, Dr. Flo is the Assistant Director of Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives at Texas Christian University. Check out the first part of Dr. Flo's journey. #podcast #highered #firstgen #TCU #TexasTech #TACHE #service #speaker #college

My guest on this week's episode of The Way to College Podcast is Sara Lozano. Sara is originally from Edcouch, Texas, and is currently the Academic Dean for the Division of Business, Public Safety and Technology at South Texas College. Sara didn't plan to go into higher education, but like many of my guests, life has a funny way of putting us where we need to be. Check out Sara's journey in this week's episode. #college #highereducation #journey #Edcouch #EdcouchElsa #Yale #STC #Dean #Latina #Latinx #community

Welcome to a new episode of The Way to College Podcast. This week my guest is Dr. Nolan Cabrera. Nolan is a Professor in the College of Education at The University of Arizona. Like so many of my guests, Nolan didn't expect to be in higher ed and in fact, started out as an engineering major.  Check out his story! #podcast #highered #Stanford #UofA #education #Oregon #UCLA #whiteness #ethnicstudies #MAS

A new week and a new episode of the podcast. My guest this week is Ryan Renteria. Ryan is an executive coach who helps business leaders and professionals maximize their performance. Ryan's journey took him from wall street to the NBA to his current role as an executive coach. Check out his journey and don't forget to follow and share the podcast. #podcast #NBA #Stanford #wallstreet #journey #highered #college #executivecoach

After a week off, we're back with a new episode of The Way to College Podcast. This week, my guest is Renee Sanchez Leal. She is the Director of Operations at Society 204, a co-working space in the south Texas, but like many of my guests she does so much more. She has a wonderful story. Check it out and don't forget to share, subscribe and rate the podcast. Also, if you'd like to share your educational and professional journey, please feel free to reach out to me, jlsaldivar12@gmail.com. #podcast #journey #education #highered #society204 #edinburg #montealto #communication #college

This week, my guest on the podcast is my friend and former supervisor, Maria Fernandez. Maria is an organizational strategist and recently started her own consulting firm her business partner, Juarez & Fernandez Consulting. I had a wonderful time reconnecting and am honored to be able to share her story here with my listeners. Check it out and don't forget to share, subscribe and rate. #education #highered #college #immigrant #latina #entrepreneur #Stanford #Harvard #SanAntonio #consultants #nonprofit

It's a new week, which means a new episode of the Way to College Podcast. This week my guest is Olga Cardoso Vasquez. Olga's journey began in Guanajuato, Mexico. Today she is a college readiness counselor with IDEA Public Schools. Like so many of my guests, Olga's path has been anything but a straight line. Listen in as she shares her very powerful and inspiring story. Don't forget to subscribe, follow and rate the podcast. #podcast #inspiring #journey #college #highereducation #immigrant #success #mondaymotivation #motivation #edcouchelsa #mexico #Southwestern

This week, my guest is Dr. Michelle Cantu-Wilson. She is the Director of Teaching and Learning Initiatives and Special Projects at San Jacinto College, in Houston, Texas. Michelle is originally from Brownsville and guides us through her educational and professional journey. Check out the episode and don't forget to share, follow and rate the podcast. Thanks for listening! #podcast #latinx #doctora #highereducation #college #sanjacintocollege #leadership #houston #journeys

This week on, The Way to College Podcast, I am joined again by Dr. Jose Navarro. This is the second part of our conversation and in this episode Dr. Navarro talks about navigating graduate school and his post-graduate career pathway. If you've ever thought about teaching in higher education, check out this enlightening conversation. Let's go! #podcast #thewaytocollegepodcast #journey #graduateschool #gradstudies #education #latino #chicano #highered

This week on the podcast, my guest is Raquel Peacock. Raquel is originally from Elsa, Texas. She is a pharmaceutical sales representative but like so many of my guests, her path was fraught with challenges and obstacles. She offers great advice, regardless of where you are at in your journey. Check out her story. #podcast #sales #marketing #Elsa #EdcouchElsa #college #highered #mom

A new week and a new episode of The Way to College Podcast. This week, my guest is Alvaro Arce. Alvaro is an attorney and he works for Meta. He works with digital music licensing and has a fascinating story to share with my listeners. #education #college #highereducation #Stanford #Meta #attorney #lawschool

Check out the latest episode of the podcast. This week my guest is Dr. Olivia Aguilar Barron. Olivia is currently doing her residency at Baylor College of Medicine. She always knew she wanted to be a doctor, but the road to medicine has not been easy. Listen to hear journey and don't forget to subscribe and rate the podcast. And if you like what you hear, please share it with your network. Thank you! #podcast #medicine #college #RiceUniversity #BaylorMed #rgv #highered #firstgen #latina #hispanic #orthopedicsurgeon

My guest this week, is Sarah Monroy Solis. Sarah is an immigration attorney, but she like many of my guests is much more. Listen in as she takes us through her educational and professional journey and offers great advice for anyone aspiring to become an attorney. Also, check out her website www.sarahmonroy.com #podcast #author #speculativefiction #Stanford #attorney #immigration #border #xicana #Gautemaya

This week, my guest is Feliz Garcia. Feliz is an entrepreneur, with several successful businesses. His path though was not always so clear. He talks about some of the challenges he faced during his educational and professional journey and offers some great advice for aspiring business owners. Check it out and don't forget to follow, share, subscribe, and rate. #podcast #entrepreneur #smallbusiness #college #highereducation #edcouchelsa #UTPA #life

This week my guest is Judge Renee Rodriguez-Betancourt. She is the Judge for the 449th District Court in Hidalgo, County in Texas. She takes time out of her incredibly busy schedule to share her educational and professional journey with our listeners. She has a great story and provides some wonderful advice. Check it out and don't forget to follow, subscribe, and rate. #podcast #college #highered #UT #HidalgoCounty #judge #education

We're back with another fresh episode of the podcast. This week my guest is Brenda Chavez. Brenda is an entertainment attorney based in Los Angeles, California. She was kind enough to sit down with me and share her educational and professional journey with me and my listeners. She has a fantastic story, that I'm sure you will enjoy. Check it out and don't forget to share, follow and rate the podcast. #podcast #college #highered #journey #Stanford #Columbia #LA #PicoUnion #firstgen

This week, my guest is, Nancy Villarreal. Nancy is originally from La Joya, Texas. She works for Mission CISD, where she has dutifully served students throughout her professional career. She shares her journey from La Joya to Texas State to Liverpool, England, and eventually back to the Rio Grande Valley and Mission. She has a great story and shares some great advice for our listeners. Check it out! #podcast #RGV #highereducation #college #LaJoya #MissionCISD #TexasState #family #bilingual #Latina

On this week's podcast, my guest is David Rice. David is a writer and is most known for his children's books, but is also a screenwriter, motivational speaker, and now an educational consultant. Check out his journey. #college #highered #davidrice #edcouchelsa #author #motivation

This week, my guest is Gustavo Perez. Gustavo works in the educational technology field, but his journey has not been without its challenges. Listen to the episode and find out why Gustavo always felt like his education was never guaranteed. #podcast #journey #firstgen #EastPaloAlto #determination #Stanford #CollegeBoard #college #highered

This week on The Way to College Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Jose Navarro, Chair of the Ethnic Studies Department at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Despite his impressive academic achievements, Jose’s path to success was far from straightforward. In this episode, we delve into his inspiring journey from growing up in the Ramona Gardens housing projects of East Los Angeles to becoming a respected scholar and educator. Tune in to hear how determination, resilience, and a passion for education shaped Jose’s remarkable story.

My guest this week is Dr. Alma Martinez. You may know Dr. Martinez from her role as Lupita on the Netflix show, Gentefied. She was so gracious in offering to share her educational and professional journey with us. I found myself doing much more listening than usual. She is a wonderful storyteller and I hope you enjoy hearing her story as much as I did. #podcast #Gentefied #actress #Latinx #Chicana #college #journey #firstgen #USC #Stanford

My guest this week is Marlene Guerrero Plua. It's hard to pin down what Marlene does because she is involved in a variety of things and she has a fascinating story. I've known Marlene since she was a high school student and I am so excited to share her story with you. Check it out! #firstgen #Latinx #college #highered #podcast #EdcouchElsa #llanogrande

Another week and another new episode of the podcast. This week, my guest is Dr. Alma Flores. She's an Assistant Professor at Sacramento State University. She has a wonderful story and is eager to share her story with our guests. Listen and enjoy and don't forget to subscribe and share. Also, if there's someone out there who you think has a story to share, please let me know. #college #highered #UCLA #SacState #firstgen #parents #journey #Latinx #PhD #McNair

Happy New Year! Our first episode of the new year features, Maryann Pinon. Maryann is the owner of The Grind Coffee Shop in Edinburg, Texas. Maryann was gracious enough to take time out of her very busy schedule to sit down with me and share her personal, educational, and professional journey. If it sounds like the episode was recorded in a coffee shop, it's because it was. Check it out! #podcast #coffee #college #mentalhealth #education

This week, my guest is Nicole Sandoval. Nicole is a nurse practitioner in Los Angeles, Ca. Did she always know she wanted to be a nurse? And how does her career fit with her purpose. Nicole walks us through her educational and professional journey and shares some valuable tips throughout the interview. Check it out! Don't forget to subscribe and share. #college #Stanford #UCLA #nursepractitioner #highered #purpose

This week my guest on the podcast is Aldo King. Aldo is originally from Brownsville, Texas and he shares his journey from Brownsville to Stanford to Google to Facebook. He offers some valuable insight and shares some of the lessons he's learned throughout his journey. Check it out! #podcast #Brownsville #RGV #Stanford #Google #Facebook #college #education #highered

My guest this week is Michelle Vallejo. Michelle is an entrepreneur and self-described eco-system designer/builder. She's candid and open about her journey and I'm excited to be able to share it with our audience. Make sure to share and subscribe to the podcast and be sure you follow Michelle on Instagram @altonprincess. #podcast #rgv #alton #pulgalosportales #college #highered #education #journey #ColumbiaU #hustleandsocialize

This week my guest is Fernando Sanchez. Fernando is from the Rio Grande Valley and works in marketing. He's also a young actor looking to make his way in Hollywood. He shares his journey and offers tips for aspiring actors who dream of making it in film. Check it out and don't forget to share, follow and subscribe. #actor #acting #podcast #podcaster #Latinx #dream #college #highered #rgv

Good morning! Start your week off with a cup of wellness and a brand new season of The Way to College Podcast. My first guest is Jena Cuellar Harris or @jena_wellnessactivator for those of you on Instagram. Jena is from Weslaco, Texas and she takes the time to join me and share her educational and professional journey, so far. Check it out and don't forget to follow us on Instagram @thewaytocollege and be sure to subscribe to our podcast. #wellness #podcast #podcastersofinstagram #college #highered #education #goals #latina

This week's podcast is a different. In my spare time I help students with college applications and this week, my guest is one of those students. He asked to join me on the podcast to have a conversation about college, majors and finding the right major. Check it out! #podcast #collegeadmissions #admissions #highered #highschool #story

Before we close out the year, we have one final episode of The Way to College Podcast. In this week's episode, Dr. Susan Saucedo shares her inspiring journey from a tight-knit immigrant community in Los Angeles to becoming a family medicine physician.

Dr. Saucedo opens up about the mentors who shaped her path and her passion for serving underserved communities. Her story is a powerful story of resilience and adaptability.

💬 Share your thoughts and tag a friend who needs this inspiration!

This week, my guest is Marcos Silva. Marcos is an educator, entrepreneur and social entrepreneur. Check out his amazing story. #storyteller #podcast #southtexas #UTPA #IDEA #college #highereducation #latinx #inspirational

This week, my guest is Angela Carrejo. Angela is a licensed specialist in school psychology, but she didn't always want to be a school psychologist. Like most of my guests her journey led her down several paths and she is gracious enough to share them with us. Check it out! #highereducation #latinx #latina #utpa #lssp #journey #college #podcast #podcastersofinstagram

This week, we continue our conversation with Edyael Casaperalta as she brings her story full circle. Check it out and don't forget to rate and share the podcast. #podcast #podcastersofinstagram #Latinx #firstgen #highered #college #education #immigrant #inspiration