Essential College Planning Strategies for a Smooth Transition

All right, today I have two wonderful guests, mother-daughter, the, the, um, the student and the parent who is going to share about what it was like to get through high school and now get through college. So I'd like to welcome both Mia and Myrna to the show. Thank you so much for being on.

We're glad to be here.

Same here.

Wonderful. Well, we're going to jump right in, and I have had the honor of knowing these two wonderful ladies. Like, when, when did you start with College Ready, Mia?

Was it my freshman year?

Before freshman year. Ninth grade.

Okay, so no, no, no, it's freshman year. Eighth grade. Eighth grade. All right. And when you were in eighth grade, were you the same person you are today?

Um, no, definitely not. I was like a kid looking back, and I remember my mom signing me up for this. I'm like, college? I'm literally in middle school. I had no idea why I was in this. I think one of my friends was in the program. Was it Zola?

Zola, yeah, another.

Um, and I mean, I've always looked up to Zola, so I was like, okay, if she's doing it, there's got to be a reason. But at that time, I was so close-sided that I was like, OK, I'm just getting into high school. Why am I already thinking about college? So it was weird at the time. And looking back—

Now it makes sense. Now it makes sense.

So Mirna, from your perspective, think about when we met and the concerns you had, or maybe share some thoughts of why it was important for you to start in middle school versus 11th or 12th grade?

Well, I'm— I went to a seminar with you, or— and you talk about we spent so much money for sports, we spent so much money on a lot of things, but why not focus on education, college? Because that's where we're going to spend the most money. Sure. And I think you said, why wait until like junior year where it's too late. Do it before high school. That way we're not stressing out. I think the stress is one thing that got to me. I don't want to be stressing out in junior year. For me, I was like, what am I going to do? What are you going to do? So I think I'm— I have a financial advisor, so I think of this as a gift to Mia so she won't have stress when she goes to college. So that's why I spend money for club. I spent, I spent so much money on that every year. Right. And I said, well, $6,000, if you divide that for the money I spend on clubs, it's about the same or actually less.

Yeah.

So why not save money? Oh, actually the way you make it sound, it's going to save us money in later on. We put the money now, but we're going to save later. So it's kind of like, to me, it's a win-win. Right.

And I remember when we went, or when we first met, and we were talking about the importance of planning and strategizing. But what made you realize you weren't going to be able to do this on your own?

Um, I think I have friends who went to college with their, you know, their kids went to college, and they're talking about the expenses, like a lot of money. And I'm thinking, okay, maybe there's something they— other people know that can make me save money for Mia. So it's about not just saving money, but getting the right school for her, right? And the leadership that she gained, the confidence that she gained. Mia doesn't want to be in the center of anything, right? But you guys kind of encourage her to be a leader because that's going to look good. At the same time, it makes her— it gives her confidence and made her a leader as well. So for me, you guys, not— it's not just about grades, it's about leadership, about being well-rounded. And that's why I'm— and up to now I still see it. I see that you did in high school that you guys encouraged her to do she's still doing in, in college. And there's, you know, some people kind of like, oh, I'm in, I don't need to do anything anymore, I'm done. And she's still doing leadership, she's still getting scholarship, she's still volunteering. So it's not just a one-time high school thing, it's a lifestyle.

Sure, I love that.

It's a lifestyle. You guys taught her a lifestyle that to always be a leader, to do the best that you can and give back.

Mm-hmm. Right?

So, Mia, yeah, let's get your perspective. So you're in 8th grade. Mom says, hey, time to start planning for college. Were you, like, super excited and just couldn't wait to jump in? Or what was it like for you at your perspective?

I would say no, because I remember the first thing was my mom saying, OK, you're joining ASB.

Oh, gosh. She cried. She cried about it.

But at the time, like, I went to a tiny private school. My graduating class was 20. So I was never used to being in like a public, like very big environment. I was always in a little bubble and I was so comfortable with that bubble. And so when my mom was like, you're going to do this, I was like, absolutely not. I started crying and then I was like, fine, I'll give it a try. And so I do an interview and I absolutely blow it. On purpose a little bit because I was like, I don't want this. And then even going into sophomore year, she wanted me to do that. I was like, so freshman year, going to sophomore year, I was like, I don't want to do that.

That's why—

that's when she cried. And I talked to you about this and you said— and that's one thing I love, I love, I love about College Ready is you guys don't push it to where, like, if she's not comfortable, then she's not. You waited until she's comfortable. So, so you told me, like, then let's find other things that she can lead. So you customize it as it's happening. You give her a plan. She did not want to do it. She tried. She cried about it. And I said, she's crying about this. It's causing anxiety. And, and you said, then let's not do it. But then eventually she realized that it's good for her and she did it. On her own.

So what was that like? What was the turning point, Mia?

Well, I think so again, pushing me not to do something that's like really out of my comfort zone and kind of easing into it. I instead was serving at the children's ministry at my church. That helped. So like there I was like working with others, kind of being a leader. I went to the Philippines where I raised money and like hosted a volleyball camp and ukulele camp. So things that I felt more comfortable with, like with kids, like obviously I'm more superior, so I was not that worried. And then again, in the Philippines, I was working with kids and it was with volleyball and ukulele, things that I felt comfortable with. While like student government, like being in charge of planning events, like public speaking, like that was something that I was like unfamiliar with. And so that like scared me. And so I think easing into it in my own way helped me build that courage And then this was kind of like situational, but it was COVID. And so I was like, okay, like the application for ASB is a lot easier right now. I'm campaigning online. And so I took that opportunity. I was like, okay, I'll join ASB. I ran completely unopposed, which is convenient. Again, I was like, I don't even have to fight anyone for this. And the next thing you know, I'm on ASB. It's a hybrid school year, so I was still working in person, but our Zoom meetings were online. And so it was, again, a nice transition. And then senior year, I was like, I really like this. I'm going to join ASB again. And that was fully in person. And I had so much fun planning homecoming events, Senior Sunrise and Sunset. Like, all of those things I really enjoyed. And so looking back, I can see how from freshman year, I was a shy, sheltered private school kid. And then by the end of senior year, I was involved in like clubs, ASB, Freshman Mentors. I was on 2 varsity sports and like that was a total—

you started the club too.

I know.

I just said involved in clubs. I founded a club.

You founded a club and, you know, joining is 2 different things. That's a big— that's a big deal.

That's why she's here. I get to—

we're still trying to teach you to be, you know, a little bit, you know, outwardly spoken. But you're doing great. I'm proud of you.

Yeah, but yeah, I definitely saw growth over high school, and that's a lot.

Oh yeah, it's ready. Uh, public speaking for me is difficult. Um, I think that's one of her essays that she wrote, is how she was— have fear of public speaking. Also, now she's doing ASB where she has— she had to speak in public, so And I think one thing that I can tell you this though, and I kind of— you guys are really— you listen to your students in terms of you adjusted her classes. You, you tell her, okay, don't do this, do this. So it's, it's not a one, one size fits all.

No.

And that's why what we paid for is you personalizing it to the person, not just like, this is what everyone's going to be doing. No, because it's not going to work. Mia's different. It took her a while to get there. And one thing I told Mia is not how you start, it's how you end. She started with low, low confidence. She, she didn't think she could do it. And then at the end, I mean, she got like student— what? Student— Student of the Month Award too.

Yeah, I did get that.

So out of how many, like 600? I don't know how many applied, but there's 600 students. And she's one of the 12 who got that award. So that means that they recognize her as a leader in the school of out of 600 students. And I told Mia, that's a big deal, Mia, you know, because that means you're a well-rounded kid, not just someone that's an ASB. So, um, and I, I'm just glad we did it. I mean, I wouldn't— I mean, I recommend you every time. I— and they don't think this— they don't see the benefit of it. But they don't realize how much difficult it is without it.

Sure. Yeah. Mia, let's talk a little bit. I know you had a few naughty teachers along the way.

It had nothing to do with you.

And the support that you received at your school. And it was a small school, right? So there was some beautiful opportunities and some challenges of having a smaller school because you had to get really creative with your community service. And your leadership. Can you talk a little bit about your community service? Because I think we might have started several different projects and then you finally landed on the one that lit you up. Can you share maybe a little bit about that and how that happened?

Totally. So my mom and I absolutely love to travel and I'm half Filipino and I've never been to the Philippines before. Actually, we can go even before that. So going back, this is now going into my freshman year. We went to Mexico and my mom and I again love to travel. We're like, oh, let's do something for the community while we're there. And it was something super simple. We raised some money and we donated some art supplies to a church, a local church in Cabo San Lucas. And that was fun. Very rewarding, very small. And we thought it was going to be a one-time thing. And you were encouraging that we try to find something that we want to stick with and like that becomes our passion, something that we want to focus on. And I was like, well, I always love traveling. I mean, I'm literally going to Europe in a few days to travel. So, and then at that time I really loved volleyball and ukulele. And so being half Filipino and planning a trip to the Philippines, what better opportunity to give back to my mom's hometown where she was born? And so I couldn't have done it without her and other family members and local people. But we planned a trip and we did a 4-day volleyball and ukulele camp where I taught elementary students at the schools there volleyball and ukulele. It was super fun, very rewarding. There was a language barrier that I was worried about, but with just like having fun, they were able— we were able to connect, which was super awesome. And by the end of the camp, they're like, "Oh, when are you coming back?" And I wanted to come back and then COVID happened. So that kind of delayed that. And so I'm hoping that one day I'll still be able to go back and then do a camp for the new generation of kids. But that was honestly the most impactful experience of my entire 20 years. Um, and I would love to do something like that again. And I'm hoping going to Europe, I can do something like that. That would be super awesome. I'm a quarter Italian, so it could be a similar situation where I give back to my heritage. Um, but yeah, so that was kind of what we came up with, was traveling with a purpose, not just traveling to have fun. Um, because I think the cultures and the people there need to be appreciated too when we're visiting their land.

That's so powerful.

Yeah, I want to add, because they call her Ate— Ate means big sister— so the kids there were calling her Ate Mia within just one day. They love her and they're like, big sister Mia. And some of them turned out to be players. They start playing sports or start playing ukulele. So the impact is not just that day. They were waiting for her to come back, but they continued the passion. They started loving the sports. They love playing ukulele. And so to me, it's— they still ask when she's coming back because they were friends on Facebook. They're like, when is Ate Mia coming back? And some of them are in high school now.

Yeah, it's been a while.

Yeah, it's been a while.

They were 5 years.

Yeah, they're in high school and they're playing sports and they, they send me videos of them playing ukulele and playing sports. I'm like, oh my goodness. And I show it to Mia. I was like, look at this. Look at the kids that you mentored.

That's so powerful. So Mia, if you were to look back from when you, you know, we're, we're told we're going to start planning for college and you got over the shock of why now. Um, what would you tell the younger version of you, a younger sibling or a cousin, if you could do it all over again with the wisdom you have now? What would you tell that younger— or maybe you'd be like, hey, I'd do the same exact thing.

Honestly, I'd probably do a similar thing. I'd say trust the process. I feel like I didn't at first. I was like, I don't really understand the point of this.

That's right. Well, you were like, what, 13?

Yeah, and it's hard to understand.

At 13.

You're a kid at the time. You just want to have fun with your friends. But yeah, trust the process. I think, like, be yourself too. Don't force yourself to necessarily be like, I need to be like class president, I need to be varsity captain. Like, do what makes you happy. So if there's like a club that you're super passionate about, pursue that. Don't feel like you need to be like, oh, but it's a small, not well-known chapter or anything. Like, do what makes you happy. Um, I think, yeah, I mean, volleyball was a big thing that made me happy, and so I stuck with that all 4 years, and I think that helped it helped me meet so many people coming from a tiny private school. If I didn't play volleyball, like, it would have been so much harder to make friends. So I feel like going into high school, I recommend finding that avenue that, like, you'll just feel comfortable and meet like-minded people. And that's with everything going into college too, like finding— like, I mean, I joined a sorority. I have joined, like, my criminal justice club. So, like, finding that place where like you'll meet people that you have things in common, and that will help motivate you throughout your time.

That's beautiful. Mirna, what about you? What would you tell a parent who has a middle or high schooler? What words of wisdom or encouragement would you give them?

Well, I think is you have to be involved in terms of being a supportive parent. Means that You encourage them, but at the same time, you don't push them to where they're not comfortable. And invest in your kids' education, right? When I, you know, when you told me it's going to cost this much to, to have this, to do this program, I looked at it as, okay, what are the things we're going to get from this? And I look at, we got a lot more. You know, playing sports is nice, playing club is good for her. But if you think about it, she's not even doing that now. But the impact of education is longer lasting. I mean, she still, you know, did some in college, but to me, it wasn't her plan. She wasn't planning on playing sports in college. I mean, she did, did, you did club a little bit. But the point is, to me, if education is your goal, then invest. Make the time to be involved and if it's going to be stress-free, I would rather pay someone who knows what to do. Yeah, I'm an expert in occupational therapy. They come to me for that. But in terms of this, I'm, I'm not the expert, but I've learned from you. But I encourage people to spend the money because at the end you're going to get a lot more.

Yeah, let's fast forward now to senior year of high school. And a lot of people feel overwhelmed, discouraged, frustrated. Um, there's many ways of, of describing it. What was your senior year like? How would you describe it?

I honestly, I would say I'm pretty lucky I had a good senior year.

The best. I would say she had the best experience.

I think it was my favorite year. Of high school. And I think for me that was because I had the first 3 years to learn. I mean, freshman, sophomore year, my grades were not very good.

With the pandemic, you were—

I mean, COVID happened, so I'm not even involved as much as I would like to be, I guess. And senior year, it was like the final hurrah. And that's when I was like a first mentor. I did beach volleyball and indoor volleyball, founded a political club on campus, was senior secretary.

And then don't forget Homecoming Princess.

That was for fun.

I love it. But the thing though is, and the reason I brought that up is someone that has no confidence, right? It's like, oh, there's no way I will be voted Homecoming Princess. And that's why I said to me, it's like, it's not up to you. It's up to them.

That was just for fun. That wouldn't even equate to how—

Oh, no, no. It's not an accomplishment, but it made your senior year better.

Yeah, I guess you could say that.

Because to me, that's always something you're going to remember. You made how many, how many girls in that group that you guys can have that common thing that you have fun together. And to me, like, that's part of— it's not just academic. The, the homecoming, the, the prom, all those things are going to make your high school memorable.

Yeah.

So yeah, so to me, um, you had a normal freshman year and a wonderful junior year, not so great in between. But I think good or bad, right? It helps. The good and the bad experience is what made you the person that you are. Right.

I would say applying for colleges was very stressful. I— that was maybe the one thing I wish I was like maybe a little more aware, like knowledgeable. I didn't really know where I wanted to go to. Some people have had a dream school their whole life. Some people have parents friends who are alumni. My mom went to school in Canada, and I was like, I'm not going to Canada. My dad's blue collar. I wasn't going to follow the Shellee Howard in that yet. Um, and so I was like, okay, I really have no direction. I was like, do I want to stay in-state or out-of-state? I can't do cold weather. I applied to a handful of colleges that had cold weather. Um, looking back, I was like, why did I do that? I would never survive. So I would say that was one thing I wish I did differently was maybe think about where I wanted to go a little bit earlier. I think I was prepared for the application process, but not prepared to where I wanted to apply. And so I think another thing, and this is so cliché to say, but rejection is 100% redirection. If you get rejected somewhere, that's because you're not meant to be there, and there's somewhere else for you. And my top schools at the time was UCI and Florida State. UCI I got into, but realized it was not meant for me once I toured. And then Florida State, I think the redirection there was we definitely couldn't have afforded it for out-of-state tuition. It would have just been more costly. We could have afforded it. It was more like it wasn't financially the right decision.

And for the family. Yes.

And at San Diego State, I've received so many scholarships. I think I've had such a great experience and no complaints about the school whatsoever. And it's a perfect distance from home. And so I definitely think that San Diego State was the number one school for me to be at. And so in the end—

I love that. Excuse me. So you put it into such beautiful words because so many people pick the name of the school. Not the fit of the school, right? So let's talk about San Diego State for a moment. It is a large public institution in beautiful sunny California, and it is very populated, but it gives lots of opportunities. So what is the— what was the academic fit, the social fit, and maybe you can talk about the financial fit to your comfort level. But why did that end up— because that wasn't number one on your radar.

Not at all. That's like number 3 or 4.

Yeah, maybe 5.

Yeah.

Yeah. So let's talk about it was the perfect fit. Hindsight.

Yeah.

Why do you think it was the perfect fit?

I think one thing I did know is I wanted to have a college experience. I didn't want to go because I feel like there's so much you learn from being at a 4-year university. It's not just like, oh, you're getting a degree and focusing on academics, like you're meeting people, joining clubs. You're going to want like a city that that's new and exciting where you can like experience things, independence, and like sports, even that, like it's just like a fun memory that you can look back on. Like I don't want to look back on college and be like, wow, I spent my whole life in a library. And so I feel like San Diego State, although its reputation can be a party school, you go on an average day during the week and there's so many people studying. I study with my friends in little study rooms like at night at the library.

Our library's open 24/7.

Like people grind. They all have good grades. All my friends focus on their academics. That's the number one priority. And then on top of that, San Diego is a very exciting city. You can go downtown, you can go to the pretty beaches, you can go on hikes. We have an amazing basketball team. Being able to watch them go to the Final Four was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and being able to have that school spirit We have Greek life, and that has connected people, got people involved because we have philanthropy events, social events. And it's just a fun way to just look back and be like, I did all of that while having fun and then doing— like receiving great grades. I think all my professors want what's best for me. I've never had a bad professor in my 2 and a half years. Like if I wanted a tour for the Sheriff's Department because my professor was a sheriff, He set that up like that. If they have internships, they'll have you— they can like mentor you. They'll sometimes like invite you to like be a part of their research. So I think all the professors are really there to help. But yeah, I just— I have no complaints about San Diego State.

You did apply for the Weber— the Honors College too. So So the compromise is that I said to Mia, well, maybe apply to the Honors College.

Yeah.

And because we didn't do that in the beginning because we didn't even know she wanted to go there.

Yeah.

So UCI was always been— all I heard from her was UCI, right? So why apply for Honors College? You might not even go there. And then so I think it worked out because it gave your freshman year time to adjust.

Yeah.

By the second, because she got scholarship from Weber's Honors College, right? So to me, having that on her resume as well kind of is— it looks good.

One thing I like about that, I definitely recommend any student to apply to the Honors College at their university, is it— at least in San Diego, the way it works is you're in classes with people of all different majors throughout your 4 years. Like, normally it's only the first, like, year, 2 years when you're taking general classes, but throughout college you're with them. So it's cool because there's people of different like disciplines and you're just interacting with them and they think so differently than you would. And so it's cool to like expand your horizons that way. And then the networking also happens through that. And then another plus is they push you to study abroad. So that's where I'm doing next semester. It's a requirement. I'm super excited. I think there's going to be so much I'm going to learn through that opportunity, but they really just push you to again make the most of your college experience while you're there.

Oh my gosh, I want to go back to college. You make it sound so fun.

I want to go to, to like Rome for 4 months. And actually the best thing is I said it all worked out because, um, she was one of the 6 I mentioned. So what that means is that instead of paying $14,000, it's only like $3,000 to to go to Rome, but that was being paid by the California grant. So technically her tuition is free.

Wow.

And then she told me she got 3 scholarships to pay for her housing.

Yeah.

So she's basically going there for free for 4 months.

That's the dream. You're living the dream.

That's why I said to me, it's like a parent's dream.

Exactly. That worked out more perfect.

Yeah. And to me, it's like, Mia, you're going to experience something that is not costing you money, but the experience you're going to get is priceless.

For sure.

Oh gosh, I can't imagine.

So exciting. I know when you called me, I was just in awe. And you've always been so kind and given College Ready so much credit, and I'm thankful for that. And watching Mia literally grow up before my eyes has been truly such a wonderful opportunity. So as you look forward, Mia, what, what is in the future? You're, you're leaving for Europe, and then after Europe, what, what are you thinking?

I still have my options open. I wish they were a little bit more narrow, but I don't think there's any wrong in keeping your options open. The Criminal Justice Club that I'm a part of has definitely helped a lot because in that club we have professionals come in, talk about their careers. And so that's given me— it's in my— on my phone. I was in the middle of cooking. But we meet professionals every Tuesday and they talk about their careers like Border Patrol, Secret Service, FBI, local law enforcement, attorneys, judges. Like they all come in, they talk about why their job's amazing. And that's, I think, my problem is I go, wow, that job's amazing to each and every one of them. And for the past, like, couple years, I've always wanted to specify in law enforcement. And so I think that's my goal is senior year of college to be applying to multiple law enforcement agencies, both federal and local. I think I'll probably apply back here in Orange County, maybe in San Diego for local law enforcement, and then I'll probably applied to like the FBI, the DEA, and Border Patrol, and I'll see where that takes me. Um, another thing that I've always kind of been passionate about was like local government too. This past summer, I interned for the city council and the city manager's office and the, uh, Huntington Beach PD. And so I got to work with them for a whole summer. That was an amazing experience. And so that is something I've also considered. The mayor pro tempore for Huntington Beach, he worked for Long Beach PD for like 30 years, and now he's literally the mayor. And so that's something that I think would be a great future for me because I get to experience both of that, get the action while I'm young, and then go with the more administrative part later on. But Senior year, I'll definitely be applying, and I'm super excited to see where that takes me, because it just kind of reminds me of my senior year in high school, where I was like, I have no idea where the wind's gonna take me. I don't know where I'm gonna end up, where I'm gonna get accepted, where I'm gonna get rejected. So I'm looking forward to it.

So, and I guess the best part of this is that Mia is probably gonna graduate with no student— she has student loan, but paid student loan by the time she graduate, because she only has like $4,000 of student loan, maybe.

That's beautiful, Mia. Like, you, you're living the dream. Like, you're studying abroad for free, you're gonna graduate with next to nothing, you're gonna bang that out with your first paycheck.

That's what I'm saying. Like, I mean, when you talk about $100,000 loan, right? And I'm thinking, you mean like $4,000? Like, yeah, we we can start paying that now, like $100 a month. So, because she talked about that going to college without going broke, and that's what I told Mia. I showed her the payment of a $100,000 loan, and I said, you can't buy a house because you're making payments. And, you know, and, um, we give— we're giving her a gift of a new car. Start with— again, well, the reason I want her to start her adult life with no debt. That's our gift. Yeah, beautiful gift, you know, so that way she can start saving for a house.

Yeah. Wow, just listening, right? You're— you were this timid, shy little 8th grader when we started, and now you're going to Europe by yourself. Right, that's amazing.

Crazy thing, like, I, I think I've always been determined and I've always, like, have been academically motivated, so that hasn't changed. It's just like the personal development of, like, now becoming a leader and, like, pursuing opportunities on my own. Like, I joined the Criminal Justice Club, she didn't tell me to do that. Um, I joined the beach volleyball club, she didn't have to tell me to do that. So I feel like I've definitely just, like, matured and grown on my own where I can think for myself, and obviously that comes with life and growing up. But I think it's just like awesome to see how I have matured in that way.

For sure.

So as we, you know, uh, finish up, I would love to hear one of your fondest memories of working with College Ready, or one of the things you enjoyed the most, or how we've been able to impact and help support the now adult Mia.

Yeah.

I would say that's hard.

I mean, I think the beginning part was fun, like finding something that you're passionate about.

Yes, because I would never have done that probably if it wasn't for the, like, encouragement from you guys.

Oh yeah, we wouldn't—

like, I would never just think, oh, let me start my own community service. I'm like, okay, let me just go to a camp food drive and— yeah, like, that's good enough.

Yeah.

Um, and I think camp food drives are great, but it's awesome to make it personal to myself. And so I just think throughout being a part of College Ready, just the constant support was amazing because I've had—

I want to just shout out to Kristen Johnson.

100%.

100%. Kristen Johnson is just— I mean, I, you know what I love about you is actually because in the beginning we had a different one and then we ended up with at the end, right? And it was like a glove, like it's a perfect match. It's like she understands, she understood us and vice versa. And It was just a very, a very wonderful relationship. And even now, I still would text her, and then I was like, oh, maybe I'll tell Shellee as well. But once in a while when there's good news, I would share with you guys because you were part of the journey.

Totally. Just constant support. Yeah, very strong relationship that I didn't expect. Like, when I was having, like, struggling, I'm like, oh my gosh, I got my first C ever. Like, oh my gosh, to like encourage me and be like, you know what, like, you can come back from this. They helped me and It really did help. And so it was just awesome to like feel that.

Oh yeah. When Mia got the first C ever in her life, we thought— she thought it's the end of the world, right? And I said, Mia, nobody's going to— no one's going to remember that. Like, like 5 years from now. And no one did. And I said, it made you stronger, made you pick the right career, right? So that's where you guys came in. You said, okay, Mia is struggling with this, so let's not do AP right now. Let's do it later. And so, but the best part is you, you guys are really supportive and you customized it. You adjusted it. Yeah, you did not force Mia to continue at the path where she's gonna fail. Yeah, make sure that she's gonna succeed.

That's huge. And look at you now. I'm so excited. Well, thank you ladies so very much. I'm grateful for your time. If you had one thing that you would share, Mia, with the students listening, and Mira, if you had one thing for the parents, can we end on that note?

I would say high school, like I had a positive high school experience, but everyone has their own challenges and obstacles. And so just know that everything will work out in the end. And going through those obstacles, you're going to come out so much stronger. AP classes were brutal and I failed one and I thought that was gonna suck. But looking at all the like ones I passed, it helped me so much in college. It put me so ahead. I was able to take minors. And so things always work out and you're gonna come out stronger. Just, I think having something to look forward to is like the biggest motivation. And so like for me it was like, being independent and going to college and then after joining law enforcement and having a family. Like, that was my end goal and that has encouraged me throughout and I've persevered with that goal in mind. So having a goal is very important.

I love it.

And I think for me, being supportive to your kid means that I'm that kind of parent that not just like emotionally. Like, how many times have I stayed up late with Mia? I stayed up with, like, reading her essay just before she submitted it. I'm the one that, if she's having a nervous breakdown, I'm the one that would give her a hug.

She still does that. I still be in college.

Yeah, so the point is that sometimes they don't need advice, they need a hug, they need that, that emotional support. And sometimes parents, we get so focused on getting to the right school, but let's focus on making sure that they're emotionally supported by us.

Right? It helps.

Wow, what a great way to end our conversation. So thank you, ladies, so very much, and I look forward to your continued success.

Thank you so much.