When Adversity Becomes Your Greatest Teacher

Starting college can feel exciting, overwhelming, and completely unpredictable—all at once. In this special episode of Root to Rising, Christine sits down with current college student Katherine Chialdikas and recent graduates Elle Thomas and Ellie Ternes for an honest conversation about what freshman year is really like.They share the realities of move-in day, making friends, sorority recruitment, homesickness, difficult classes, choosing a major, staying safe, and learning how to balance school with actually enjoying college. Whether you are preparing to leave home or already struggling through your first semester, this episode will remind you that you are not alone—and you do not need to have everything figured out.In This EpisodeWhat move-in day is actually likeWhy friendships do not always happen immediatelyHow to meet people when you are naturally introvertedThe truth about sorority recruitmentHow to survive your first week of classesWhy college tests require a different approachSimple ways to stay organized and avoid procrastinatingWhat to do when you feel homesick or lonelyAdvice for choosing or changing your majorImportant tips for staying healthy and safeHow to balance studying, friendships, and college experiencesWhat each guest wishes she had done differentlyEpisode Highlights00:35 – Meet Katherine, Elle, and Ellie01:10 – The excitement and chaos of move-in day05:02 – Making friends during the first few weeks07:09 – When college does not immediately meet your expectations08:12 – Honest advice about sorority recruitment10:26 – Making connections as an introvert13:12 – Finding your classes and surviving the first day18:22 – How college homework and exams differ from high school22:16 – Katherine’s strategy for staying ahead25:35 – How to stop checking your phone while studying26:13 – Choosing a major and knowing when to switch30:46 – The reality of homesickness35:17 – Staying healthy and safe during freshman yearMusic licensed through Soundstripe.Code: T3VERS8FFJMQPA7T

What if your purpose isn’t something you find—but someone you become?In this episode, Christine sits down with entrepreneur, author, and humanitarian Heidi Totten to explore her unexpected journey from studying family science to building businesses and creating 100 Humanitarians, an organization serving families in Kenya and beyond.Heidi shares how adaptability, failure, and a willingness to follow unexpected opportunities helped her create meaningful change. She also explains why confidence comes from proving to yourself that you can do hard things—and why helping just one person can create an impact that reaches thousands.In this episode:Why your career doesn’t need to follow a linear pathHow doing difficult things builds genuine confidenceThe failure that pushed Heidi toward entrepreneurshipHow one trip to Kenya completely changed her lifeThe story behind 100 HumanitariansWhy meaningful change often begins with one personHow to discover work that genuinely lights you upWhy Heidi believes, “You are your purpose”Whether you’re beginning your career, entering a new season, or questioning what comes next, this conversation is a reminder to trust yourself, remain open to change, and run toward the opportunities that scare you.Learn more about Heidi’s work at 100Humanitarians.org.Music licensed through Soundstripe.Code: V0IOZK6QJYC24RGI

Senior year brings excitement, uncertainty, and one major question: What comes next?In this episode of Root to Rising, Christine sits down with high school seniors Alina, Shreena, Ella, and Kennedy for an honest conversation about college applications, future careers, leaving home, and navigating the pressure to have everything figured out.The four students share how they’re choosing colleges, balancing education with financial realities, and using social media as inspiration without falling into comparison. They also reflect on the lessons they’ve learned throughout high school—from taking challenging classes to staying true to themselves despite outside opinions.This conversation is a powerful reminder that confidence is not something you simply have—it grows every time you step outside your comfort zone.In this episode:Managing the stress of college applicationsChoosing a college based on career goals and financesPreparing for life away from familyUsing social media as a guide instead of a comparisonDefining success beyond money and careerBuilding confidence through uncomfortable experiencesAdvice for younger students entering high schoolStaying true to your values while embracing changeWhether you’re preparing for college, supporting a student through senior year, or navigating a new chapter of your own, this episode reminds us that our paths do not have to be perfectly planned—or completely linear—to lead somewhere meaningful.Music licensed through Soundstripe.Code: 9ID9ZIMDR0DWL9HX

What does it look like to enter college carrying not only your own dreams, but the sacrifices of the generations before you?In this episode of Root to Rising, Christine Hummel welcomes back Ema Adakauskas, a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin–Madison double majoring in biochemistry and Spanish. Ema shares how growing up in a Lithuanian immigrant family shaped her work ethic, her education, and her desire to build a career in healthcare centered around human connection.Ema opens up about watching her parents build a life in America from the ground up and how their sacrifices became one of her greatest sources of motivation. She also shares why she shifted her dream from medical school to becoming a physician assistant—and why choosing a career that leaves room for family and a fulfilling life matters to her.As she prepares for sophomore year, Ema gets candid about the pressure to succeed, fear of failure, managing college stress, finding your people, and learning to use the resources around you.In This EpisodeGrowing up as the daughter of Lithuanian immigrantsWhy Ema chose biochemistry and SpanishTurning her parents' sacrifices into motivationChoosing purpose over a predetermined career pathWhy work-life balance changed her vision for her futureNavigating the pressure and stress of collegeWhat she wishes more freshmen knewMaking friends when you don't know anyoneUsing college as an opportunity to reinvent yourselfWhy social media doesn't tell you who someone really isStaying open-minded when things don't go as plannedWhether you're heading to college, navigating a new season, or simply figuring out what comes next, this conversation is a reminder that you don't need to have everything figured out—you just need to stay open to where the journey takes you.🎧 Listen now to Root to Rising and share this episode with someone stepping into a new chapter.Music licensed through Soundstripe.Code: RKVMSNJFRQUWGWPA

What If the Life That Looks Good on Paper Doesn’t Feel Good Anymore?What happens when the path you worked so hard to build no longer feels like the path you want?In this episode of Root to Rising, Christine sits down with Michelle Pollack, executive leadership coach, who helps high achievers build lives and careers that feel as good as they look on paper.Michelle shares her unexpected journey from studying theater at Northwestern and working in New York’s entertainment industry to Hollywood—and eventually discovering executive coaching. Along the way, she found herself asking a question many high-achieving women eventually face: Is this really what I want?Christine and Michelle unpack why women can feel trapped by the careers, expectations, and identities they once chose—and why changing direction doesn’t mean you failed. They explore the pressure to prove yourself, perfectionism, people-pleasing, leadership, delegation, and the inner critic that can convince us to stay where we are instead of exploring what could be next.Michelle also shares a powerful reminder: confidence doesn’t have to come before the leap. Sometimes courage comes first, and confidence is built by taking the risk, learning, adjusting, and realizing that even if things don’t go perfectly—you’ll be okay.In this episode:Why success can look right but feel wrongGiving yourself permission to change your mindThe pressure high-achieving women put on themselvesHow perfectionism and people-pleasing show up in leadershipWhy great leaders don’t need to have all the answersLearning to delegate, trust, and grow your teamHow to recognize your inner criticAsking yourself what you actually wantWhy courage comes before confidenceBecoming comfortable with being a beginner againThis conversation is a reminder that you’re allowed to evolve. The person you wanted to become at 20 doesn’t have to define who you become at 30, 40, 50, or beyond.Root to Rising — where women share their stories and experiences so others can listen, learn, and grow.Connect with MichelleContinue the conversation and learn more about Michelle’s work in executive leadership coaching.Connect with Michelle:website: www.michellepollack.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-pollack/ Music licensed through Soundstripe.Code: NESVV8DL8HHECNDN

Episode DescriptionIs rushing a sorority worth it?If you're heading to college this fall—or wondering whether Greek life is right for you—this conversation offers an honest look at the sorority recruitment experience.Christine sits down with four college students from different universities, each with a unique perspective on rush. Some found lifelong friendships, one chose not to join, and all of them share the highs, lows, and lessons they wish they knew beforehand.From navigating rejection and overcoming stereotypes to finding confidence and staying true to yourself, this episode is packed with advice that extends far beyond college.Whether you're planning to rush, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about what the process is really like, this conversation provides a refreshing and authentic perspective.In This EpisodeWhy each student decided to rush (or almost didn't)The biggest misconceptions about sorority lifeThe emotional side of recruitment no one prepares you forWhat rejection during rush really feels likeWhy comparing your journey to others can hurt your experienceHow to know when you've found the right chapter—or when walking away is the right decisionThe confidence lessons that last long after collegeKey Takeaways✨ Be yourself—the right people will appreciate the real you.✨ Rejection doesn't define your worth.✨ Comparison steals the joy from your own journey.✨ Rush is about finding where you belong, not fitting into someone else's expectations.✨ The confidence you build through uncomfortable experiences will serve you for years to come.Timestamps00:00 Welcome & why this conversation matters1:15 Why each guest decided to rush7:30 Breaking the stereotypes around sorority life15:45 The stress and emotions of recruitment week24:30 Dealing with rejection and uncertainty34:20 The biggest surprises about rush41:10 What everyone wishes they knew beforehand48:00 Advice for anyone preparing to rushMeet the GuestsKhrestyna Fidziak – Marquette UniversityEmma Adakauskas – University of Wisconsin–MadisonJulia Maliszewski – Loyola University ChicagoElla Sands – University of KansasIf This Episode Helped You...Follow Root to Rising for more conversations that inspire confidence, growth, and purpose through authentic stories.⭐ Follow the podcast⭐ Leave a rating and review⭐ Share this episode with a student preparing for college or sorority recruitmentMusic licensed through Soundstripe.Code: EUQPKBLWJZUIOFNU

Episode SummaryWhat if the biggest obstacle in your life could become the very thing that transforms it?In this episode of Root to Rising, Christine Hummel sits down with author, speaker, and transformation strategist Youness El Fehdi to explore how adversity can become the catalyst for growth. From reversing Type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes to raising a neurodiverse son, immigrating to the United States, mastering five languages, and building a career centered on communication, Youness shares the lessons that shaped his life.Together, they discuss why emotional intelligence, resilience, and authentic human connection are becoming the most valuable skills in an AI-driven world. If you're navigating change, searching for confidence, or looking to grow through life's challenges, this conversation offers practical wisdom and an inspiring perspective on transformation.In This EpisodeHow Youness reversed Type 2 diabetes through consistency—not perfectionWhy raising a neurodiverse son changed his definition of empathyThe surprising lessons learned working in federal correctionsHow learning five languages shaped his worldviewWhy human connection will always matter in an AI-first worldThe truth about confidence—and how it's actually builtWhy embracing discomfort leads to personal growthHow to turn adversity into your greatest advantagePractical advice for young professionals entering today's workforceThe power of communication, emotional intelligence, and resilienceMemorable Quotes"Confidence isn't something you're given—it's something you build by keeping promises to yourself.""Comfort is the biggest enemy of confidence.""Everything is impossible until somebody does it.""The future belongs to people who master human connection."About Our GuestYouness El Fehdi is an author, motivational speaker, and transformation strategist dedicated to helping people turn adversity into opportunity. His work focuses on resilience, communication, emotional intelligence, language learning, and personal growth. Drawing from his own experiences—including reversing Type 2 diabetes, raising a son with autism, immigrating to the United States, and working in federal corrections—Youness empowers others to embrace change and create meaningful transformation.Connect with YounessWebsite: https://elfehdiauthor.com/ Books: Dominate the World of Languages, Dominate the Weight Loss Game & Diabetes, Content That Captivates, and his book supporting parents of children with autism.Music licensed through Soundstripe.Code: RLJWDA5NW3EMIXNP

Sometimes the biggest opportunities start with one small decision.For Peyton Plumlee, it was buying a DJ controller with babysitting money.What began as a hobby quickly turned into a career performing across the South, producing original music, and landing festival stages like Breakaway Dallas. But her journey wasn't a straight line.In this episode of Root to Rising, Peyton shares how she walked away from the career path she originally envisioned, switched majors in college, embraced uncertainty, and learned to trust herself—even in a male-dominated industry.This conversation isn't just about music. It's about having the courage to pivot, blocking out outside expectations, building confidence, and realizing that your path doesn't have to look like anyone else's.If you've ever wondered whether you're on the "right" path, this episode is for you.In This Episode:Why Peyton switched from psychology to marketingHow a hobby became a full-time careerBuilding confidence in a male-dominated industryThe reality of balancing college and chasing a dreamHow to handle criticism on social mediaThe importance of networking and relationshipsWhy your twenties are meant for figuring things outJournaling, goal setting, and staying motivatedLearning to trust your gut instead of outside expectationsWhy "YOLO" became Peyton's philosophy for taking risksMemorable Quote"If you've always wanted to try something, just go for it. If you don't, you'll always wonder what could have happened."About PeytonPeyton Plumlee (DJ P Plum) is a Dallas-based DJ, music producer, and University of Mississippi graduate. After discovering her passion for DJing in college, she transitioned from psychology to integrated marketing and communications and has since performed throughout the South, including Breakaway Dallas, while continuing to create original music.Connect with PeytonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/peyton_plumlee/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@peyton_plumleeSoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/v4TsNK0dZAoD8e6l9v Music licensed through Soundstripe.Code: IFAGY0CZ7KSCC9V4

Success isn't built in one defining moment—it's created through thousands of small, intentional decisions.In this episode of Root to Rising, Christine Hummel sits down with Boo, former Royal Australian Air Force fighter pilot, entrepreneur, CEO of Afterburner, and author of Flawless Leadership. After an autoimmune diagnosis ended his dream career in aviation, Boo rebuilt his life from the ground up—launching businesses, leading organizations across the globe, and ultimately helping leaders perform under pressure using the mindset of elite fighter pilots.Together, they explore why excellence isn't about perfection, how small daily improvements outperform chasing overnight success, and what today's leaders—and the next generation—need to thrive in a world full of distractions.In This EpisodeWhy life should be viewed as an adventure—not a straight lineThe mindset that helped Boo overcome losing his dream careerWhat fighter pilots can teach us about leadership and resilienceWhy perfectionism keeps people stuckThe difference between working hard and working with intentionHow to stay focused in a world built for distractionThe simple framework that transforms goals into daily progressWhy reflection is one of the most powerful leadership habitsBuilding confidence through consistency instead of perfectionHow leaders can create high-performing teams without burnoutMemorable Quotes"It's simple—but it's hard.""Master yourself before trying to master the world.""The universe rewards effort—but it rewards focused effort.""Perfection isn't the goal. Progress is."About BooBoo is the CEO of Afterburner, a leadership development company built on the proven mindset and execution strategies of elite fighter pilots. A former Royal Australian Air Force fighter pilot, entrepreneur, and author of Flawless Leadership, he helps organizations develop leaders who can thrive under pressure, embrace uncertainty, and execute with confidence.Connect with BooLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-boo-boucousisWebsite: https://callmeboo.com/Afterburner:https://www.afterburner.com/speakers/christian-boucousis/Book: Flawless LeadershipIf this conversation challenged the way you think about leadership, success, or personal growth, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could benefit from it.Follow Root to Rising for more conversations that inspire purpose, resilience, and authentic leadership.

When Your Dream Career Doesn't Go as PlannedMost people think successful careers follow a straight line.Michelle Rosar's story proves the opposite.Before leading partnership marketing for the San Francisco 49ers, Michelle thought she'd become a psychologist. A last-minute major change, unpaid internships, mascot jobs, and countless career pivots eventually led her to one of the most respected roles in professional sports.But her journey wasn't built on luck.It was built on showing up before she felt ready, saying yes to opportunities that didn't look glamorous, and building relationships long before she needed them.In this episode of Root to Rising, Michelle shares what it really takes to build a meaningful career—and why your first job doesn't have to be your forever job.In this episode:✨ Why your dream job rarely happens overnight✨ How unpaid internships opened unexpected doors✨ The networking mistake most young professionals make✨ Building confidence before you actually feel confident✨ Navigating leadership in a male-dominated industry✨ Why every job—even the small ones—mattersOne takeaway that stuck with me:Your career isn't defined by where you start. It's defined by how you show up.If you're feeling behind, questioning your path, or wondering if you're in the right place, Michelle's story is a reminder that every step can prepare you for the next one.🎙️ Listen now and discover why purpose is often found through the pivots—not despite them.Connect with Michelle RosarEnjoyed this conversation? Connect with Michelle and follow her journey in sports business.🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-rosar📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michmarie11/