The number one thing we hear from entrepreneurs and artists and creatives when we ask them about their education is about how irrelevant it was to their story. Sure, some folks had wonderful educational experiences, but for many their experiences left them feeling ill prepared for life and their careers. So, we wanted to create a space for folks to share their experiences and ideas for how we can improve our educational system.

Melissa Lozoff

I have worked with kids and teens for over 25 years and I have learned a lot! I teach acting, filmmaking, and life skills and though times have changed the kids and their needs remain the same. There is so much memorizing and uninspired learning that happens in school. Read more>>

Kayla Bedenbaugh

When it comes to our educational system the preparation for the real world is so important. We also need more CATE (career/ technology/ education) and STEM (Science/ Technology/ Engineering/ Mathematics) programs within the school system so that our students get ahead of the learning curve with skills to prepare them for the workforce or entrepreneurship early. Read more>>

Christina Patsiokas

I would definitely incorporate more trades-based learning into high school experiences. Many liberal arts students can pursue lucrative and rewarding careers in the trades and arts without investing in the traditional 4-year college degree. Read more>>

LATOYA FORMAN

One of the things I would change about the education system would be to bring more arts programming back to the school systems. While I was in school I had several different options to choose from including drama, dance, band, chorus and art classes. Read more>>

Michelle Poveda

I’ve worked full-time in higher education for over fifteen years. In that time and through my own education experiences, I have found many joys and deterrents in the education system. The biggest of those deterrents has unequivocally been financial. Read more>>

Victoria Hegert

I worked as a fourth grade teacher for three years post graduation from college, before I began Law School. In my time as a teacher I worked with students from the most underserved neighborhoods in Orlando. A number of my students were homeless and resources for students and their families were present, but there was not enough to meet the need. Read more>>

Tara Pepper

I believe It is important for schools to broaden their perspective on success. My personal experience while I was in school is that going to a 4 year university is the only was to have a successful career. There is nothing wrong with going to a university but I do believe schools should encourage students to explore trades. Read more>>

Nisa Rasul

Preparing them for themselves. When we enter the real world there’s so many learning opportunities as far as learning ourselves and where we want to be. The education system focuses on a lot that in a reality don’t have anything to do with us. We should have options. Read more>>

Niki Lau

I would make a way for international exchange studies to be accessible, encouraged, and highly supported. I am extremely blessed to have been afforded the opportunity to study abroad for three years after my bachelor’s degree. These three years left a lasting impact on my ability to think openly and critically while appreciating that the perspective I have in any given situation isn’t the only one that exists. Read more>>

Cassandra Johnson

As a former teacher there are several things I would change about the education system. Starting with the cafeteria would serve fresh lunch with options, only 20 students in a class across the board. The base salary for teachers would start at 85K. Read more>>