In this inspiring episode, Coach Rodo sits down with Ryan Norman, a marketing intern at Aldevra, for the podcast's very first guest interview. Ryan, a junior at Michigan State University, shares her remarkable journey from being a high-achieving high school student to navigating the complexities of college life.

Ryan opens up about the struggles she faced with time management and how a simple change—using a calendar—transformed her approach to academics. She discusses her incredible community service work with Inner City Youth for Change, which took her all the way to Tanzania, Africa, where she learned the importance of "being in the moment."

The conversation also covers Ryan's personal definition of "Winning Regardless," her unwavering faith, and her role as the president of the East Neighborhood Black Caucus at MSU. She also touches on the mental health challenges she faced during a serious knee injury and her powerful message about being proactive and confident, especially when you're the only person of color in a room.

Finally, Ryan shares her experience with the Kalamazoo Promise and the Hire Promise program, explaining how it helped her secure her current internship and why she chose to work at Aldevra. This episode is a must-listen for any student or young professional looking for inspiration on how to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and build a powerful, purpose-driven life.

Episode Highlights:

From Kalamazoo to Tanzania: Ryan's incredible story of community service and cultural immersion.

The Power of a Calendar: How a simple time management tool helped her succeed in college.

Finding Your Inner Strength: Overcoming mental health struggles and finding confidence in uncomfortable situations.

The Kalamazoo Promise: Ryan breaks down how this scholarship and the new Hire Promise program work, and the impact they've had on her career journey.