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.

Jocelyn Chin

If I could change the education system to better prepare students for a fulfilling life and career, I would suggest incorporating more classes that focus on real-world problems and practical solutions. This could include essential skills like how to file taxes, the process of purchasing and owning a home, and how to start and run a business. When I started college, I had no clear idea of what I wanted to do afterward. I wish there had been programs or courses that allowed students to explore different career paths and gain a deeper understanding of what those jobs actually entail. Now that I’ve graduated and become an entrepreneur, I realize how many challenges I’ve faced that I wish I had been better prepared for in college, especially when it comes to building and managing a business. If schools focused more on preparing students for career success and provided them with the right tools, I believe it would greatly help many young people navigate adulthood and its responsibilities more smoothly. Giving students practical knowledge and skills early on would make the transition to adulthood less overwhelming, setting them up for a more confident and fulfilling future. Read more>>

Emilea Rivera

What I believe needs to change is the outdated notion that students should listen to the teacher simply because they hold that authority. Education often lacks a focus on individualism, and that’s a disservice to students. It treats everyone the same, forcing a one-size-fits-all approach that doesn’t allow individuals to shine in their unique strengths. This is a missed opportunity for growth—not everyone is meant to follow the same path, but everyone deserves a chance to stand out for what they do best. One of the most eye-opening experiences I had was with a teacher who broke away from the traditional mold. We were given an assignment that asked us to explore how we could bring more of what we love into the world. But the beauty of it was in how we could express our answer. Some students wrote essays, while others sang songs, painted pictures, or acted out their responses. This was the first time I truly understood the value of individualism within a group setting.  Read more>>

Cole Kornell

The education system is in a terrible state and has been going downhill for decades. We used to be number one in the world for education. The problem is public education has a “monopoly” over learning for most American families. This is because of a lack of competition and affordability. Therefore, just like in the free market, when there’s a lack of competition the popular business’s services and product go down in value overtime, as there’s no incentive for them to get better. The same has happened with our education system. Students are not learning all the life skills they need. In my opinion, public education and colleges are meant to program students to be workers and find a job, not to be a well rounded and learned human being. In order to fix this system, we must take out federal control over education. The states and parents should have control, not a bureaucrat in Washington, setting policies and standards as a one-fits-all approach (usually filled with an agenda). Introduce competition into education. Give parents and families a choice. I liked Steve Jobs idea, of giving each American family a government check that can only be spent on the school of their choice. Right away, with this simple idea, schools would be competing to offer the best services and education that scream, “PICK ME!”.  Read more>>