ASU+GSV Summit Sessions: "Try Everything: Advice for Students from The Budgetnista"
Podcast: ASU+GSV Summit Sessions
Episode: Try Everything: Advice for Students from The Budgetnista | GSVtv Podcast
Date: July 16, 2026
Episode Overview
This episode features advice from The Budgetnista (Tiffany Aliche), speaking live at the 2026 ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego. The discussion centers on guidance for middle and high school students as they discover their strengths, explore interests, and consider post-graduation paths. The Budgetnista shares practical, heartfelt wisdom drawn from both professional experience and personal parenting, emphasizing experimentation and openness as keys to growth.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Encouraging Exploration and Trying New Things
- The Budgetnista advises students to "try everything" as they seek out passions and strengths (00:15-00:23).
- She shares her advice for her own 19-year-old child, highlighting the value of varied experiences.
- Quote (The Budgetnista, 00:15):
“So what I would suggest is, what I suggest to my 19 year old is to try everything. You know, try everything — you don't know what you don't know.”
2. Learning Through Experimentation
- Experiences help clarify goals, even if the initial interests change (00:24-00:45).
- The Budgetnista gives examples of her daughter starting multiple small businesses (lip gloss, bracelets) before discovering a real passion for physical therapy.
- This diverse exploration allowed her daughter to identify where her real interests and talents lie.
- Quote (The Budgetnista, 00:24):
“If it comes up, let it come out. Oh, you want to try painting? …that girl has started a lip gloss business, a bracelet business. She now realized she really wants to do physical therapy, but she couldn't have gotten there without all these other things that she's tried.”
3. Embracing Curiosity and Following Interests
- Leaning into any spark of curiosity is vital (00:42-00:46).
- The Budgetnista encourages listeners to pursue any interest that arises, as it may lead to unexpected discoveries about themselves.
- Quote (The Budgetnista, 00:42):
“If there's an interest there, lean into it and see what comes up, you know?”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “You don't know what you don't know.” (The Budgetnista, 00:17)
- “Try everything.” (The Budgetnista, repeated advice to students, 00:18 and 00:24)
- “If it comes up, let it come out. … She now realized she really wants to do physical therapy, but she couldn't have gotten there without all these other things that she's tried.” (The Budgetnista, 00:24-00:35)
- “If there's an interest there, lean into it and see what comes up, you know?” (The Budgetnista, 00:42)
Important Timestamps
- 00:06: Host asks for advice to students about discovering strengths and post-graduation paths.
- 00:15: The Budgetnista stresses the importance of trying everything and the value of diverse experiences.
- 00:24: Personal story: Her daughter’s journey through multiple entrepreneurial ventures to find her real passion.
- 00:42: The principle of “leaning into” any emerging interests.
Episode Tone & Approach
The conversation is warm, encouraging, and practical. The Budgetnista combines parental wisdom with professional insight, conveying both empathy and actionable advice for students and educators alike.
Summary
This session encapsulates The Budgetnista’s core message: Encourage young people to try a wide variety of activities and interests without fear of failure or “wasting time.” Through curiosity, experimentation, and openness, students can uncover their strengths and paths forward—sometimes in surprising and fulfilling ways.
