College: What if the biggest challenge isn’t getting there… but figuring out who you are once you arrive? In this episode of *Relatively Unqualified*, we sit down with Nic’s step-daughter, Jadah and her best friend MK to have an honest conversation about what that transition really looked like. Coming out of high school, Jadah and M.K. looked like they were heading in completely different directions. One was structured, high-achieving, and seemingly built for success. The other barely wanted to be there, unsure if college was even part of the plan. And yet, once they both launched into college life, everything flipped. What unfolds is a raw, honest look at how expectations collide with reality—and how growth rarely looks the way you think it will. Jadah opens up about hitting a breaking point no one saw coming, struggling with depression, and ultimately making a difficult decision to step away from college to focus on her mental health. M.K., on the other hand, found unexpected confidence and freedom in the very environment she feared. Together, their stories highlight something deeper than success or failure: the courage to pivot, to ask for help, and to redefine what “strong” actually means. This conversation is raw, real, and full of heart. Whether you're a student, a parent, or someone navigating a big life transition, this episode is a reminder that there is no one “right” path—and that stepping back can sometimes be the strongest step forward.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode
* The illusion that college is just “13th grade”—and how wrong that can be
* The pressure of being the “high achiever” and what happens when that identity cracks
* Why last-minute decisions can still lead to the right path
* The reality of anxiety, isolation, and silent struggles during major life transitions
* What it feels like to succeed on the outside while falling apart internally
* Recognizing the signs of depression during major life transitions
*The courage it takes to step away and prioritize mental health
* What it looks like to support a friend through a difficult season
* Redefining success and timelines in early adulthood
* How being forced out of your comfort zone can create unexpected growth
* The emotional weight of feeling like you’re disappointing everyone
* Why taking a break isn’t failure—it’s self-preservation
* How a strong support system can exist without “fixing” you
* The impact of having just one person who truly shows up
* Redefining strength as vulnerability, honesty, and self-awareness
* Why growth is never linear—and never looks the same for everyone
* The importance of giving yourself permission to pivot
* How different paths can still lead to meaningful, fulfilling outcomes