Recovery, Reinvention & Rising Higher: Two Students Redefining What’s Possible

In this inspiring episode of Wave Makers, host Michelle Reese welcomes two extraordinary Rio Salado College students whose stories prove it’s never too late to start over, dream bigger, and redefine your future.

Meet Marielena “Mari” Aguirre Foster, who is approaching nine years of sobriety and preparing to transfer to Arizona State University’s Barrett Honors College to study public policy and health policy. Alongside her is Goldie Johnson Pompey, a student leader balancing work, academics, and a future legal career as she prepares to transfer to the University of Arizona to pursue law.

Together, they share what it means to return to school as non-traditional students while juggling careers, recovery, leadership, and life experience. From late-night study sessions and online learning flexibility to discovering mentorship, purpose, and community through Rio Salado College, this episode highlights the transformative power of education at every stage of life.

In this episode:

• Mari shares her journey through recovery and personal transformation
• Goldie discusses returning to college while working full-time
• Both students reflect on finding leadership, belonging, and mentorship through student life
• The conversation explores how community college can open unexpected doors
• They discuss overcoming fear, self-doubt, and starting again

This episode is a powerful reminder that growth is always possible — and that sometimes the most meaningful journeys begin later than expected.