Podcast
Beyond Office Hours
Hosted by Roya · EN
Beyond Office Hours is for college students who want more clarity — about themselves, their future, and how to align the two. Hosted by Roya, an academic counselor who’s worked with thousands of college students, this podcast goes deeper than choosing a major or landing a job. It’s about understanding what drives you, so you can make decisions with confidence and create a life that feels right. If you’re ready to move forward with purpose, you’re in the right place.
7episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
High School vs. College: The Real Differences You’ll Notice
Aug 3000:20:05Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I’m breaking down the real differences between high school and college—and why they matter for you. From professors expecting independence, to juggling a less-structured schedule, to managing your own time, we’ll talk through what shifts, why it can feel overwhelming, and how to actually adjust.
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Using Mindfulness to Boost Your Grades
Aug 1300:18:00Tap to summarizeIf you feel like you don’t have time for mindfulness—or your brain just won’t slow down—this episode is for you. I’ll walk you through quick, evidence-based ways to focus better, manage stress, and boost productivity without adding hours to your schedule. You’ll also get a simple 3-minute guided practice you can use before class, study sessions, or exams to clear your head and get into the zone.Resources & Links MentionedThe Universe Has Your Back by Gabby Bernstein: https://amzn.to/3QzI7N8Jon Kabat-Zinn’s definition of mindfulness: https://www.mindfulnesscds.com/pages/aboutStudy on mindfulness improving attention & working memory: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20363650/Study on stress and brain function: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23538911/James Clear on habit stacking (Atomic Habits): https://jamesclear.com/habit-stackingDr. Russell Barkley on ADHD & self-regulation (PDF): https://www.russellbarkley.org/factsheets/ADHD_EF_and_SR.pdf
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Writing the UC PIQs: A More Intentional Approach
Aug 700:31:25Tap to summarizeYou’ve probably heard the phrase “just be yourself” when it comes to the UC Personal Insight Questions — but what does that actually mean? In this episode, I walk you through each of the eight UC PIQ prompts, sharing what they’re really asking, common mistakes I see students make, and how to approach these essays with clarity, honesty, and intention. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just unsure where to begin, this is your practical guide to writing PIQs that reflect who you are — not just what you’ve done.PIQ Guide for First Year Students: https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/_assets/files/how-to-apply/first-year-english.pdfPIQ Guide for Transfer Students: https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/_blocks/how-to-apply/transfer-applicants/transfer-english.pdf
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Why Chasing Clarity in Your 20s Keeps You Stuck (and What to Do Instead)
Jul 2500:24:46Tap to summarizeThis episode is about why your twenties matter more than most of us realize. I’m walking through the biggest ideas from The Defining Decade by Meg Jay — from work and identity capital to relationships, and how your brain is still developing. Your 20's are the perfect time for understanding that the small choices you’re making now actually add up.
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Mapping Joy: A Different Way to Make Decisions in College
Jul 1800:15:57Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I’m breaking down how to use a Joy Map as a practical way to reset when school or life feels off. Whether you’re tired, stuck, or just feeling disconnected, your Joy Map can help you figure out what you need before you make big decisions — like choosing a major, dropping a class, or deciding where to transfer.We’ll walk through how to make your own Joy Map, how to use it when life feels heavy, and why it’s worth paying attention to what actually feels good — not just what looks good on paper.
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Before You Plan Your Classes: Start Here
Jul 1800:20:59Tap to summarizeIn this first episode of Beyond Office Hours, we’re talking about why planning your classes before knowing yourself is completely backwards.I’m walking you through the reflection questions I ask my students before we ever talk about what to register for — so you can make decisions that actually align with your goals, your energy, and what feels good to you (not just what looks good on paper).Plus, I’ll introduce you to a tool I use called the Joy Map, and we’ll talk about how to handle the fear of wasting time if you change your mind about your major.
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Trailer: Beyond Office Hours
Jul 1600:01:30Tap to summarizeWelcome to Beyond Office Hours — the podcast that helps you figure out who you are and where you want to go. In this trailer, I’m sharing what the show is about, who it’s for, and what you can expect in each episode. If you’re a student or early-career listener who’s ready to make decisions with more clarity and confidence, this is the place for you.
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