Success is Subjective: Helping parents of college students accept that dropping out is okay

Episode 117 - Pursuing Your Interests Instead of Expectations —Brad Waldo

February 02, 2022 Joanna Lilley, MA, NCC Season 2 Episode 117
Success is Subjective: Helping parents of college students accept that dropping out is okay
Episode 117 - Pursuing Your Interests Instead of Expectations —Brad Waldo
Show Notes

What if instead of going to the school your parents went to or doing what you think your parents want you to do, you went after the things that interest you? It could look like trying many different routes before you figure out your purpose but in the end saving you a lifetime of regret and unfulfillment. 

Brad Waldo, director of Muir Wood Adolescent and Family Services, decided to go after his passions in college despite the heavy pressure around him to do otherwise. In high school he was pushed to pursue business at a prestigious university though, his journey looked different starting out. His journey started at a treatment center at the age of 17, causing him to put a pause on the idea of college for a few years. When Brad decided he wanted to explore his interests in working with people, he started out in community college and went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from Berkeley University. After many different changes in majors and routes, Brad now finds himself working to provide families with clear guidance around the best services available before, during, and after treatment.

In this episode of Success is Subjective, Brad joins Joanna to share his journey as he navigated college following treatment. He found throughout his journey that pursuing his interests rather than doing what was expected of him brought him the most reward and fulfillment. Listen in for Chris’s insight on the importance of pursuing your interests over expectations and how much that choice has impacted his life for the better.

What You Will Learn

What it was like growing up around the stereotype that community college isn’t good enough

Going to treatment at a young age

Navigating when to go to college after treatment

The transition from community college to Berkeley University 

The journey Brad went through with exploring different majors

When Brad made the decision to get a Master of Business Administration degree and why he did

What Brad has learned throughout his professional journey in business

How Brad is now working to connect families and their children to the best treatment available 

How pursuing interests instead of expectations has majorly impacted Brad’s life route

Connect with Brad Waldo

Muir Wood Adolescent and Family Services

Brad Waldo on Facebook 

Email bradwaldo@me.com

Connect with Joanna Lilley  

Lilley Consulting

Lilley Consulting on Instagram 

Lilley Consulting on Facebook 

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Sponsored by: College Parent Survival Network

Email joanna@lilleyconsulting.com