In this episode of LITE It Up, we sit down with Oriah, a college freshman at Xavier University and the author of Accepted! The College Application Blueprint. Oriah shares her firsthand experience navigating the college application process, offering honest insight into what worked, what was challenging, and what she wishes she had known sooner.

Designed for high school students and parents, this conversation provides practical guidance on approaching college applications with clarity and confidence. Oriah discusses organization strategies, college essays, managing stress, and how students and families can work together throughout the process.

Whether you’re just beginning your college search or finalizing applications, this episode offers a real-world student perspective to help you navigate the journey with greater understanding and purpose.

🔔 Watch, share, and subscribe for more conversations supporting students and families on the path to college success.You can purchase Accepted! The College Application Blueprint on Amazon. https://a.co/d/8YIdSUiTo connect with Dr. Aginah Musherah visit: www.aginahmuhammad.com

As LITE It Up celebrates six years of shining light, Season 11 begins with a full-circle conversation that is both personal and powerful.In this special episode, host Dr. Aginah M. Muhammad is joined by her three children—siblings navigating different stages of their college journeys at North Carolina A&T State University. One has just completed their first semester of college, while two are closing out their final year as seniors after a successful fall semester that included Dean’s List and Chancellor’s List honors.Together, they reflect on the lessons learned during the fall semester, the adjustments and growth that came with it, and the realities of balancing academics, independence, and well-being. The conversation also offers practical advice for students preparing to graduate, those continuing after their first semester, and families supporting students through these pivotal transitions.As they look ahead to the spring 2026 semester, the siblings share their goals, what they are most looking forward to, and how being a family on the same campus has shaped their experiences. The episode closes with a reflection on legacy, resilience, and what it means to keep shining your light through every season of growth.This Season 11 kickoff is a reminder that college is more than a destination—it’s a journey marked by preparation, progress, and purpose.✨ Tune in, reflect, and be encouraged as we continue to LITE It Up—and shine bright like a diamond.

Connect with Dr. Aginah

Website: www.aginahmuhammad.com

Email: info@aginahmuhammad.com

Season 11 of LITE It Up marks six years of storytelling rooted in purpose, resilience, and legacy. Created in honor of the late Munir Muhammad, LITE It Up continues to amplify the voices of women navigating transition while balancing leadership, career, motherhood, and personal growth.

Join us as we celebrate this milestone and launch a new season of meaningful conversations designed to Lead. Inspire. Transform. Empower.

🎧 Streaming on all major podcast platforms
🎥 Watch on Spotify and YouTube

Connect with Dr. Aginah

www.aginahmuhammad.com

info@aginahmuhammad.com

Now that you’ve learned how to approach scholarships with strategy and confidence, it’s time to take the next essential step in paying for college: completing the FAFSA.In this 15-minute solo episode, Dr. Aginah Musherah breaks down the Free Application for Federal Student Aid in simple, practical terms—so students and families feel empowered instead of overwhelmed.You’ll learn:✨ What the FAFSA really determines (and why “FAFSA doesn’t give you anything” is a common myth)✨ What you need to gather before you begin✨ Which tax year is required for the 2026–27 FAFSA (hint: 2024 tax returns!)✨ The biggest mistakes families make and how to avoid them✨ How FAFSA and scholarships work together to build a strong financial aid plan✨ Why every college student must complete FAFSA every yearWhether you're filing FAFSA for the first time or helping a returning student stay organized, this episode gives you a clear roadmap to move forward with confidence.🎧 Tune in to “FAFSA Made Simple: Your Next Step After the Scholarship Mindset Series”New episodes of the LITE It Up Podcast are available on YouTube and all streaming platforms.Visit Dr. Aginah's website: https://www.aginahmuhammad.com

In the final installation of the Scholarship Mindset Series for National Scholarship Awareness Month, Dr. Aginah Muhammad sits down with Aaron Williams, a first-year Computer Engineering student at Northern Illinois University—who earned an extraordinary $2 million+ in scholarship offers.Aaron’s journey is a powerful example of what’s possible when passion, preparation, and persistence come together. In this inspiring conversation, he shares how he approached the scholarship process, the strategies that helped him stand out, and what motivated him to keep applying even when the process felt overwhelming. His story is a motivating roadmap for students aiming to finance their college education with confidence and intention.Throughout his academic journey, Aaron has remained both intellectually driven and community-minded. As an IB and dual enrollment student, he completed rigorous coursework that prepared him for the demands of engineering. One of his greatest honors has been being named valedictorian twice—first in elementary school and again in high school. These distinctions reflect years of discipline, resilience, and unwavering focus.His accomplishments include:• Valedictorian in both elementary school and high school• Admitted to more than 50 colleges• Awarded nearly $2 million in scholarship offers• Active engagement in STEM, leadership, and serviceAaron’s story reminds students everywhere that scholarships are within reach—and that consistency, belief, and strategy can create life-changing opportunities.🎧 Tune in to this inspiring finale of the Scholarship Mindset Series, and hear firsthand what it takes to navigate the scholarship journey with purpose and resilience.🔔 New episodes of the LITE It Up Podcast stream every Tuesday on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share!Visit Dr. Aginah Muhammad's website: www.aginahmuhammad.com

🔥 This week on the LITE It Up Podcast, we’re unlocking the strategy behind scholarship success.Join Dr. Aginah Musherah as she sits down with Educator, Attorney, and Scholarship Advocate, Kishasha Williams-Ford, Esq., who has helped hundreds of students and families navigate the scholarship process with clarity and confidence.In this episode, Kishasha breaks down what needs-based scholarships really mean, the myths that hold families back, and why students should be applying for scholarships every single year—whether they’re in high school, college, or graduate school. She also shares smart organizational strategies to help students stay ready and competitive.If you’re just joining the Scholarship Mindset Series, make sure you go back and watch the previous episodes to get caught up—they all build on each other!🎧 Tune in to Scholarship Strategy Unlocked: Needs-Based Truths & Year-Round Success for Every Student, streaming on YouTube and all podcast platforms.Don’t forget to like, follow, subscribe, and share!Visit Dr. Aginah Musherah's website: www.aginahmuhammad.com

Welcome back to the Scholarship Mindset series on the LITE It Up Podcast! In this week’s episode, we sit down with Kevin Coy, Post-Secondary Counselor at Homewood-Flossmoor High School, to break down what students and families really need to know about the scholarship and college admissions process.With 25+ years of experience in counseling, admissions, and college planning, Kevin shares insider strategies that help students stay organized, build stronger applications, and work more effectively with their school counselors. Whether you're a parent, high school student, educator, or community advocate, this episode offers clear steps to help you navigate scholarships with confidence.✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to work with your school or post-secondary counselor during the scholarship processThe best ways for students to stay organized from freshman to senior yearPractical tips to strengthen scholarship and college applicationsHow counselors view essays, activities, and student readinessCommon mistakes families make (and how to avoid them)Action steps students can take TODAY to increase scholarship opportunities🎓 About the Scholarship Mindset SeriesNovember is Scholarship Awareness Month, and all month long we’re sharing real-world strategies, expert insights, and powerful stories to help families reduce college costs and build a strong scholarship plan.

If you missed the first episodes—our series kickoff and the conversation with Nicole Brookens of PLAN4Success—be sure to go back and watch so you don’t miss any tools or tips.🔥 Stay Connected👉🏾 If you found this episode helpful, LIKE this video.👉🏾 SHARE it with a student, parent, or educator who needs this information.👉🏾 SUBSCRIBE to the channel and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.🎧 New episodes drop every Tuesday at 7:00 AM.Let’s continue building the Scholarship Mindset—and LITE It Up! 🔥Visit the website: www.aginahmuhammad.com

In this episode of LITE It Up, Dr. Aginah Musherah sits down with Nicole Brookens, Executive Director of PLAN4Success, for a powerful and practical conversation designed to help families take immediate action in the scholarship application process.Nicole breaks down the essential strategies every family needs—from organizing critical documents and building a competitive student profile to tracking deadlines and writing compelling essays. Together, they share real, actionable tips that students and parents can use right now to approach scholarships with clarity, confidence, and purpose.If you’re supporting a student through the college-going process—or if you’re a student who wants to secure scholarships—this episode will help you shift your mindset, get organized, and unlock scholarship success.Connect with PLAN4Success: https://www.plan-4success.orgConnect with Dr. Aginah Musherah: https://www.aginahmuhammad.comLITE It Up is available on all streaming platforms including Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, and Spotify.