Episode 27 — The World Will Present to You What You Need When You Need It —with Mike Balotti

The expectation to have everything figured out way before high school graduation is beyond unrealistic for a young person. What if instead of going down a path because it seems ‘right’ or ‘successful’, you allowed yourself to explore life and allowed that exploration to naturally guide you? Sometimes the most reward lies in doing the things that are looked at as risky and leaning into all that the world has to offer. Mike Balotti, founder of Redwood Educational Services LLC, knew when he graduated high school that he was not ready for college but everyone urged him to go anyway. Once he got to college, his efforts quickly sizzled out. After some random jobs and life questioning, Mike realized he wanted to pursue academics but with a twist than the regular college setting. After being introduced to a therapeutic consultant and an experiential education program, Mike was finally able to step into something that worked for him. Now Mike gets to guide students like him and families through their personal and academic journeys. On this episode of Success is Subjective, Mike joins Joanna to share his journey going from getting kicked out of his parents house and lost, to traveling the world guiding lost students and their families. Mike’s determination to find something that works for him in his life paid off and is proof that it can work for you as well, wherever you find yourself. Listen in for Mike’s insight on how patience and good people has brought him to a life that works for him instead of against him, and how you can do the same.What You Will LearnEducation being seen as a key to success in the familyWhat going to a Quaker high school meansNot feeling ready to go straight to college after high schoolLeaving college is okay.  Not having a plan, is not okay!How Mike’s parents reacted to him leaving collegeHow Mike’s parents referred him to a consultant when he asked for help. It’s okay to not have all the answers yourself!Why you need to hire a Therapeutic Consultant [no-so-shameless plug!]The experiential education program that allowed Mike to really explore his interests while still being involved in academicsBeing diagnosed with cancer at the age of 26 The big move to Costa Rica to start a schoolHaving people to look up to and be surrounded byThere are more options besides just college! College isn’t going anywhereThe world will present what you need when you need it if you’re patient and are surrounded by the right people. Life isn’t a linear line from A to B Connect with Mike BalottieMike Balotti of the Redwood Educational Service, LLC Email [email protected] with Joanna Lilley  Lilley ConsultingLilley Consulting on Instagram Lilley Consulting on Facebook Sponsored by: www.ParentTrainers.comEmail [email protected]