In today’s episode of The Teen Saga: Growing & Becoming, I’m sitting down with my amazing friend Emy Pardo to dive into her inspiring journey. Emy has always been someone who juggles multiple passions—whether it’s music, acting, dance, or academics—and she’s here to share how she’s balanced it all while pursuing her dreams.

Emy, now a first-year student at Loyola Marymount University with a full-ride scholarship, opens up about her experience of moving from Colombia to the U.S., adjusting to a new culture, and discovering her love for music production and linguistics. She also offers some incredible insights into how she tackled the college application process—offering tips on time management, essay writing, and staying focused during such a busy, stressful time.

Whether you’re trying to balance your passions, preparing for college, or just looking for advice on how to manage everything life throws your way, Emy’s story is full of inspiration and practical tips to help you grow, thrive, and pursue your dreams.

Tune in to hear all about how Emy’s journey has shaped her goals and how you can apply some of her tips to your own life!

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Teen Saga: Growing & Becoming!

I’m so glad you joined me on this journey. If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss a new one! And if you want to keep the conversation going, follow me on Instagram @The_teen_saga for updates, behind-the-scenes, and more.

I’d love to hear your thoughts—what’s your growth journey like? What challenges are you facing? Reach out to me anytime, and let’s keep learning and growing together.

Until next time, take care and keep becoming the best version of YOU! 🌱✨

In this special 40-minute episode of The Teen Saga: Growing & Becoming, I’m joined by my amazing friend Stephanie Liu to dive into a topic close to our hearts—mission trips. Together, we share our personal experiences from trips to Mexico, Alaska, and Bishop, and El Salvador, reflecting on the transformative power of serving others.

From exploring new cultures to building social connections, growing in our faith, and discovering ourselves, this episode is packed with heartfelt stories, emotional lessons, and even a few funny moments along the way. Stephanie and I open up about how these experiences have shaped our perspectives on life, strengthened us emotionally and spiritually, and expanded our minds.

Whether you’re curious about going on a mission trip or just want to hear some inspiring stories, this episode is for you. Tune in now and let’s journey beyond borders together!

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Teen Saga: Growing & Becoming!

I’m so glad you joined me on this journey. If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss a new one! And if you want to keep the conversation going, follow me on Instagram @The_teen_saga for updates, behind-the-scenes, and more.

I’d love to hear your thoughts—what’s your growth journey like? What challenges are you facing? Reach out to me anytime, and let’s keep learning and growing together.

Until next time, take care and keep becoming the best version of YOU! 🌱✨

What's up guys!?

In this episode of The Teen Saga: Growing & Becoming, I'm interviewing Katie Conrad, a close friend of mine, a talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Katie shares her journey into music, the challenges she’s faced, and how music has helped her grow emotionally and creatively. From expressing herself through songwriting to the positive impact music has had on her mental health, Katie offers inspiration and practical advice for teens looking to explore their own musical passions. Tune in to hear her story and learn how music can fuel growth, connection, and purpose!

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Teen Saga: Growing & Becoming!

I’m so glad you joined me on this journey. If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss a new one! And if you want to keep the conversation going, follow me on Instagram @The_teen_saga for updates, behind-the-scenes, and more.

I’d love to hear your thoughts—what’s your growth journey like? What challenges are you facing? Reach out to me anytime, and let’s keep learning and growing together.

Until next time, take care and keep becoming the best version of YOU! 🌱✨

In this episode, we sit down with Chaewon Lee, a passionate advocate for women with disabilities, podcast host, author, and founder of DefendHerRights. Chaewon shares her inspiring journey in disability advocacy, her experiences running a podcast, and the powerful impact of using your voice to create change. She also discusses her book and how it aligns with her mission to empower women with disabilities. Together, we explore how we can inspire and empower teenagers to follow their passions and pursue meaningful career paths. Tune in for a conversation on breaking barriers, advocating for social justice, and turning passion into action. Whether you're interested in disability rights, podcasting, or forging your own path, this episode is for you!

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Teen Saga: Growing & Becoming!

I’m so glad you joined me on this journey. If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss a new one! And if you want to keep the conversation going, follow me on Instagram @The_teen_saga for updates, behind-the-scenes, and more.

I’d love to hear your thoughts—what’s your growth journey like? What challenges are you facing? Reach out to me anytime, and let’s keep learning and growing together.

Until next time, take care and keep becoming the best version of YOU! 🌱✨

Episode 1: The Teen Saga Begins: Growing & Becoming

Welcome to the very first episode of The Teen Saga: Growing & Becoming! I’m your host, Valentina Ghisays—a high school junior living in Southern California. I’m so excited you’re here!

In this episode, I’m sharing what this podcast is all about: the ongoing journey of self-discovery and growth. Whether you're a teen, young adult, or someone just trying to figure things out, this space is for you. As a high schooler myself, I know firsthand how overwhelming growing up can be. Between school pressure, personal goals, and figuring out who you really are, it can feel like a lot! But I believe that growth is a lifelong process—and that’s what we’ll be talking about in every episode.

Fun facts about me: I was born in Bogotá, Colombia, I love traveling, and I'm all about the outdoors. I have two half-siblings and a niece, and one day, I dream of living in Italy.

In this first episode, I dive into what it means to grow and become who we’re meant to be, how to embrace challenges, and why knowing your core values can make all the difference. It’s all about learning together, sharing our experiences, and supporting each other on this journey.

So, grab your headphones and join me as we take the first step in growing and becoming—together! And don’t forget to connect with me on Instagram @The_teen_saga.

Episode Highlights:

• What it means to grow and become at any age
• Embracing challenges and learning from setbacks
• Discovering your core values to guide your growth

Thanks for listening—let’s grow together!

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of The Teen Saga: Growing & Becoming!

I’m so glad you joined me on this journey. If you enjoyed the episode, don’t forget to hit subscribe so you never miss a new one! And if you want to keep the conversation going, follow me on Instagram @The_teen_saga for updates, behind-the-scenes, and more.

I’d love to hear your thoughts—what’s your growth journey like? What challenges are you facing? Reach out to me anytime, and let’s keep learning and growing together.

Until next time, take care and keep becoming the best version of YOU! 🌱✨