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The Hidden Curriculum of College Success with Dr. Saidat Ilo

What helps students thrive in college beyond earning good grades? In this episode of Ready, Set, Grow: College & Beyond, Dr. J sits down with Dr. Saidat Ilo, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Houston–Victoria, to explore the often-overlooked lessons that shape student success. Drawing from her experiences as an immigrant, first-generation college student, student-athlete, researcher, and professor, Dr. Ilo shares practical guidance for students and families preparing for the transition to higher education. Together, they discuss: * Finding community and building meaningful connections; * Developing confidence, independence, and self-management skills; * Learning from diverse perspectives and experiences; * Pursuing purpose while navigating academic and career decisions; and * Accessing resources that support student success Whether you're a high school student preparing for college, a current college student, a parent, educator, counselor, or mentor, this conversation offers practical tools and insights for navigating academic life with greater confidence and intention. Because college success is about more than completing courses. It's also about building community, developing independence, discovering purpose, and learning how to grow through new experiences. #JourneyWithDrJ #DrJPodcast #CollegeAndBeyond #RSGCBPodcast #Episode5 #CollegeSuccess #CollegeLife #StudentSuccess #AcademicSuccess #NewPodcast 📲 Follow, rate, and share the podcast with your circle.🎧 Streaming on all major platforms. Access episodes, our social media, and resources ⁠here⁠ [https://linktr.ee/JourneywithDrJ]. Stay in Touch: JMF Academy on social media or ⁠contact@jmfacademy.com⁠ [contact@jmfacademy.com]. * Join the Conversation: Use #RSGCBPodcast to share your thoughts and connect on social media. We’d love to hear from you!

Presence, Purpose, and Pathways: Dr. Corey Holmes

🎙️ In this episode of Journey with Dr. J, we’re joined by Detroit’s own Dr. Corey Holmes—educator, scholar, and mentor—as he shares how choosing presence and authenticity has shaped both his life and leadership. We explore: * Teaching and mentoring across diverse communities * Knowing when—and how—to pivot * The powerful role HBCUs play in transformation * Building networks rooted in value and connection * Walking boldly in your lane, even when others don’t get it ✨ A must-listen for students, families, and lifelong learners navigating transitions, seeking clarity, or redefining success on their own terms. 📲 Follow, rate, and share the podcast with your circle. 🎧 Streaming on all major platforms. Access episodes, our social media, and resources here [https://linktr.ee/JourneywithDrJ]. 🔗 Have Questions? Reach out to us: ⁠⁠⁠contact@jmfacad⁠⁠emy.com⁠⁠⁠ [contact@jmfacademy.com]  #JourneyWithDrJ #DrJPodcast #CollegeAndBeyond #RSGCBPodcast #Episode4

Beyond the Syllabus: Smart Choices, Real Growth with Dr. La Toro Yates

In this powerful closing episode of the series, Journey with Dr. J, welcomes back Dr. LaToro Yates for a conversation that In this closing episode of Journey with Dr. J, Dr. LaToro Yates shares his family’s financial strategy for college—and offers guidance every student and parent should hear. We discuss: * Manageable undergrad debt and the impact on long-term quality of life * The importance of maximizing opportunities beyond the classroom * Finding joy and alignment in your academic and professional path This episode invites listeners to consider the long-term impact of decisions and the importance of being active participants in their growth and development. #JourneyWithDrJ #GrindToAlignment #DrJPodcast #RedefiningGrowth #CollegeAndBeyond #FirstGenLeadership #RSGCBPodcast #Episode3 #CollegeSuccess #CollegeLife #StudentSuccess #AcademicSuccess #NewPodcast 📲 Follow, rate, and share the podcast with your circle.🎧 Streaming on all major platforms. Access episodes, our social media, and resources ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://linktr.ee/JourneywithDrJ]. Stay in Touch: JMF Academy on social media or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠contact@jmfacademy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [contact@jmfacademy.com] for more personalized support or inquiries. * Join the Conversation: Use #RSGCBPodcast to share your thoughts and connect on social media. We’d love to hear from you!

From Survival to Stability: Strategies, Hustle & Healthy Success with Dr. La Toro Yates

In Episode 2 of Journey with Dr. J, Dr. LaToro Yates returns to unpack what it truly takes to move beyond survival mode—and into a more sustainable version of success. We explore: * The pressure to hustle vs. the power of pacing * Practical strategies for academic and personal stability * How Gen Z can challenge burnout culture and redefine success on their terms With over 15 years of experience in enrollment management and student development, Dr. Yates brings insight grounded in data, leadership, and lived experience. This episode is both a reset and a roadmap—for students, families, and anyone seeking a healthier path forward. 🎧 Listen now on Ready, Set, GROW: College and Beyond #JourneyWithDrJ #AcademicSuccess #ThrivingNotSurviving #DrJPodcast #FirstGenSupport #GenZWisdom #CollegeSuccess #RSGCBPodcast #CollegeLife #StudentSuccess #NewPodcast 📲 Follow, rate, and share the podcast with your circle.🎧 Streaming on all major platforms. Access episodes, our social media, and resources ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://linktr.ee/JourneywithDrJ]. Stay in Touch: JMF Academy on social media or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠contact@jmfacademy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [contact@jmfacademy.com] for more personalized support or inquiries. * Join the Conversation: Use #RSGCBPodcast to share your thoughts and connect on social media. We’d love to hear from you!

Beyond Winging It: Real Talk on Sacrifice, Visibility & Growth with Dr. La Toro Yates

In the premiere episode of Journey with Dr. J, I’m joined by Dr. LaToro Yates—Vice President for Enrollment Management at Kean University and a dynamic voice in higher education. From the inner-city streets of Jersey City to leading major enrollment efforts across New Jersey and New York, Dr. Yates brings powerful insight. He provides insight into what it truly means to grow as a first-generation student, rise through systems not built for you, and lead with both strategy and soul. In this conversation, we talk about: * The cost of first-generation success * Visibility, isolation, and representation * What it means to stop winging it—and start living on purpose Whether you’re a student, a loved one, an educator, or someone building through barriers—this episode will meet you where you are and challenge you to rise higher. This is a powerful start to the Journey with Dr. J series—and a reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out to begin. 📚 Learn more about Dr. Yates [https://tr.ee/ubkUh5] 🔗 Book [https://calendly.com/jmfacademy] a development consultation session with Dr. J. 🎧 Listen, reflect, and share your thoughts or ask questions. [https://www.speakpipe.com/MeetingMyself] ✔️ Visit JMF Academy's website! [https://tr.ee/qsIQ2Z] #JourneyWithDrJ #ReadySetGrow #DrJPodcast #HigherEdLeadership #FirstGenSuccess #CollegeAndBeyond #DrLaToroYates