Episode #1
If you're going to be a bum, be the best bum, and other life lessons with Rick Margo on The Way to College Podcast
What if you don’t know exactly what you want to do with your life? Rick Margo will tell you to keep going. Eventually you'll find out. In this episode of The Way to College Podcast , Rick shares a career journey that was anything but perfectly planned. Growing up in Rio Grande City in a family with deep ties to Texas A&M, college was always an expectation, but Rick admits that even after arriving at A&M, he had no idea where his career would take him. From federal service to college recruitment, helping launch Texas A&M’s presence in McAllen, and now serving his community through Texas A&M Health, Rick’s story is a powerful reminder that careers aren’t always linear—and they don’t have to be. Along the way, we talk about: Why you don’t need to have your entire career mapped out The value of internships and real-world experience Why attitude, customer service, and teamwork can matter as much as a 4.0 GPA How your reputation can open—or close—future opportunities Knowing when it may be time to make a career change Why you should still give your best effort even when you’re ready to move on The importance of relationships, trust, patience, and service Rick also shares one of the lessons his father gave him growing up: “If you’re going to be a beach bum, be the best beach bum you can.” It’s funny—but the lesson is serious: whatever you choose to do, do it well, treat people well, and become the person others know they can count on. Whether you’re a student trying to choose a path, a recent graduate entering the workforce, or a professional wondering what comes next, this conversation is a reminder that you don’t have to know the final destination to keep building a meaningful life and career.
