Episode 111 - From a Homeless Drug Addict to a Substance Abuse Counselor and Husband —with Cole Szabo

It might take 2 tries, 3 tries, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10+ to figure it out. Maybe it’s taking that many breaks from school or making that many efforts at recovering from an addiction. Whatever it may be, it doesn’t matter so much about the amount of ‘attempts, pauses, breaks, or setbacks’ in comparison to the end goal. It matters more about the journey, the lessons along the way, and the growth gained. That’s what creates more meaning and purpose in life - not achievements. Cole Szabo, Admissions and Outreach Specialist at Cumberland Heights adolescent program, ARCH Academy, spent many years in a continuous cycle of overdosing, treatment, relapsing, becoming homeless, repeat and repeat. Every time this cycle repeated itself Cole wanted better for himself but it wasn’t until the final time when he was willing to truly fight for the good of himself and his life instead of just achieving what sounded like the right thing to do. That simple shift broke the dark cycle that controlled Cole for years and allowed him to discover his calling that had been right under his nose all this time - substance abuse counseling. Now, Cole works as a licensed substance abuse counselor helping young people discover their meaning and approach life in a creative, non-conforming way, while also living a life that he, himself is truly proud to live. In this episode of Success is Subjective, Cole joins Joanna to share his journey going from what seemed like a never ending cycle of overdosing and treatment centers, to finally hitting a wall and discovering his calling in life. There were many dark moments in his journey though, he is now able to fully LIVE a life exploring and enjoying with family, friends, and his dog. Listen in for Cole’s insight on the importance of focusing on the journey rather than the destination and see how that plays a role in his own inspiring and raw story. What You Will LearnThe two sides of education that Cole got to see growing up with his mom not having gone to college and with his dad who didWhy Cole barely made it into college out of high schoolGetting into college can be the easiest part. The commitment is where it can get tough! How things declined freshman through junior yearThe relapse roller coaster Cole experience for 6 yearsWhen Cole was able to go to treatment and stay sober and how that opened his eyes to his calling in lifeThe second time Cole took a break from school. It’s okay to take a break more than once!Focusing on the journey rather than destination or goalConnect with Cole SzaboArch AcademyCall or text 615-390-9824Email [email protected] with Joanna Lilley  Lilley ConsultingLilley Consulting on Instagram Lilley Consulting on Facebook Success is Subjective on Apple PodcastSponsored by: College Parent Survival NetworkEmail [email protected]