Welcome back to the Surviving and Thriving After High School podcast! In this episode, we have the pleasure of chatting with Rylee Banks, a fabulous musician and a recent cosmetology school graduate. Rylee shares her journey of balancing her dual passions for music and cosmetology, and how she landed a job straight out of school.

Rylee shares her experiences in cosmetology school, the challenges she faced, and the importance of on-the-job training. She also delves into her songwriting process, the inspiration behind her music, and how her faith has guided her through various aspects of her life.

From opening for major artists like Riley Green to performing at the Longleaf Country Music Festival, Rylee's story is filled with incredible opportunities and testimonies of faith. Tune in to hear her perform one of her original songs and get inspired by her journey.

Don't forget to check out Rylee Banks on all music platforms and follow her on social media for updates on her upcoming performances!

Topics:

• Cosmetology school and a musician
• Experiences
• Challenges
• The journey
• Country and Christian music
• Songwriting process
• Training and influences
• Balancing career and passion for music
• Spiritual growth
• Professional growth

In this episode, we dive into a gap year experiences at Impact360 Institute with a longtime friend, Knox Casey. We discuss how the institute, founded by John and Trudy White, has grown from a small classroom to a thriving community of Christian leaders. Our guest shares his journey of faith, discipleship, and leadership; highlighting the unique opportunities and challenges faced during his time at Impact 360.

From mission trips to Brazil and Utah, to the day-to-day life of fellowship and learning, this conversation provides a deep insight into how Impact360 shapes the lives of young Christians. Discover how the institute's gap year program, residency opportunities, and service teams contribute to personal and spiritual growth, preparing students for a life of kingdom influence.

Join us as we explore the significance of living a life of intentionality, the importance of community, and the profound impact of learning to serve others in the name of Christ. Whether you're considering a gap year program or looking for inspiration in your own faith journey, this episode offers valuable lessons and heartfelt reflections.

Topics:

• Experiences at Impact 360, a gap year program
• Discipleship and leadership training
• Benefits of taking a gap year
• Character transformation
• Encouragement for parents
• Academic rigor and critical thinking development
• Educational aspirations
• Daily life and community activities
• Personal growth and new interests
• Christian worldview in education and community building

Please join us August 6th as we launch the 'Surviving and Thriving After High School' podcast. As I began my first year of college away from home, I realized my experience and some of the paths my friends have taken are not your most conventional routes that young people follow.

In 'Surviving and Thriving After High School', we're addressing topics related to the transition from high school into this next phase. At this crossroads in our lives, each of us have had unique experiences that have led us to where we are today.

Through the 'Surviving and Thriving After High School' podcast, we hope to spark conversations about the ways we've been gifted, the opportunities we've had, and some of our hopes and dreams. We hope these discussions lead you to consider how your unique path has purpose and meaning, no matter how long, winding, straight, wide, or narrow it may be.

Some of the topics we'll discuss are senior year challenges and transitions, deciding factors, next steps, college tours and visits, gap year options, community away from home, college tips and tricks, and career planning. We'll hear from individuals going to trade schools, colleges, gap year programs, studies abroad, and so much more.

I'm excited to share with you these insightful paths and perspectives as we navigate this road together.