Listen to Noomii's interview with Mya Andersen

About Me

I’m Mya Andersen, the founder of The Student Empowered and an academic life coach with more than 20 years of experience in higher education. My passion is helping students navigate the transition to college, because I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to step into a new environment full of unwritten expectations and hidden curriculum.
My coaching style is simple: I’m the map, not the GPS. That means I don’t tell students exactly where to go or what to do. Instead, I help them identify their strengths, clarify their priorities, and learn to manage the responsibilities that come with being in college. I often remind students that “you don’t know what you don’t know,” and that learning curves are not failures—they’re opportunities for growth.
At The Student Empowered, I work with students one-on-one and in group settings, offering tools and strategies that move them from college-capable to college-ready. My areas of focus include priority management, academic skill-building, self-advocacy, and resilience. I’ve designed interactive resources and workshops to help students navigate everything from reading a syllabus and using office hours to building a balanced schedule and finding their motivation.
As a first-generation college student myself, I understand how confusing higher education can be when you don’t have a guide. My background in admissions, advising, orientation, and student success has given me a broad perspective on where students struggle and what supports actually make a difference. I bring that experience to every coaching conversation, blending empathy with practical strategies so students feel supported and prepared.
My mission is simple: to help students build the confidence and skills they need not just to survive college, but to thrive in it—and to leave ready for whatever comes next.