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.

Belange Mutunda

If I could change one thing about the education system, it would be to require all students, regardless of major, to take a foundational Business 101 course. As more graduates launch their own ventures, too many are entering entrepreneurship unprepared for the practical realities of running a business. This is especially true in creative fields like fashion, where students often leave with impressive fashion portfolios and passion for business but limited knowledge of how to turn their skills into sustainable enterprises. Many are never taught how to register a business, apply for an EIN, build credit, protect their intellectual property, or manage financial responsibilities, which are key to success in business. We need to stop separating “creative” education from “professional” preparation—because in today’s economy, the two are inseparable.  Read more>>

Greta Calori

As soon as I read this question, the answer immediately came to mind: “Everything. I would simply change everything.” I grew up in a small village nestled in the countryside of Bologna, in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region. I attended local public schools, and when I finally finished (barely, because, let’s face it, I didn’t like school at all), I realized something shocking: I had understood nothing. Read more>>

Sofiia Mazur

If I could change one thing about the education system, it would be how we prepare professionals for their actual careers – especially in the beauty industry. As a nail technician and educator, I’ve seen firsthand how much the current system overlooks when it comes to real-world skills and foundational knowledge! Read more>>

TAMARA SHILOH

The focus needs to shift back to the child’s education, keeping in mind that all children do not learn the same way. Teachers need more support from their school so that they do not need to spend a lot of time on disciplining children. Educate teachers regarding the diversity of students they are teaching. Teachers need to understand the various cultures of their students. Education needs to be more inclusive of the history of these United States sharing stories that are inclusive of all cultures. Children need to know and see that their culture were very instrumental in the growth of this nation. And while teaching history, do not focus on the negative, but instead the positive components of our history. Find a way to engage parents with their child’s education. Provide a robust after school and summer programs. Read more>>

Camille Shepperd

My biggest critique of the educational system is the lack of hands-on, high-stakes learning in the classroom. I’ve always been someone who learns best when there’s real heart- pounding pressure and responsibility. Read more>>

Rebecca Richardson

If I could change one thing about the education system, it would be the way we train students in advanced STEM degrees. The culture of academia is diseased – obsessed with output, indifferent to growth, and blind to purpose.

This narrative played out constantly during my time in graduate school. Academia loves to push scientific excellence and innovation, but too often fails to support the very people expected to carry that vision forward. Adequate mentorship is treated like a bonus, not a requirement. Because there are no consequences for faculty who neglect, expl*it, or abuse their students, toxic and damaging behaviors go unchecked. Read more>>

Kimberly Mack

Several changes are needed in American schools to improve the system and its students. Educators need to be in charge of and make decisions for education; we must allow children to be children, and stop making children feel that everyone must win.

As it stands, the book companies and politicians make the decisions that dictate how schools are run. But what expertise do they have? The fact that they attended and graduated from school gives them the right to make decisions, regardless of the impact these decisions may have on the students and those who must implement these decisions. Politicians determine the students’ learning objectives, while textbook companies decide how and when students learn. Read more>>

Ajay

I believe knowledge and education being accessible as a basic right, to all children, is the solution to many of the problems we face today in the world. The ability to create an impression and impart emotional, mental and physical well-being for children, will enable them to grow and become responsible adults. A lot of institutions are looking to teach science/coding/AI/app development etc. from an early age; although those are powerful tools, they are just that – tools. Read more>>

James Montgomery

Our current modern day USA educational system is frankly very broken, especially the public school system which just indoctrinates with their obviously woke and decaying agendas. Not all students are academically oriented; versus talented creatives, artists, designers and can work best using their minds in a hands on capacity and may choose to, or prefer to go on in life to have so-called blue-collar career in the various trades, which is very much needed as there are huge gaps of skilled workers in the construction trades especially. Read more>>

Nicholas Holguin

When I started my undergraduate degree at New Mexico State University (NMSU), I never pictured myself performing an a stage to do theatre. I was certain that I would find my time in undergrad to be a breeze and graduate in a quick three-and-a-half years. Life, as we all know, doesn’t function that way, and I stumbled into an acting class; that accidental addition to my schedule changed the course of my life. Read more>>

James Mullins

I would introduce children to more skill/interest focused learning at an earlier age so they are able to explore more details about said skill/interested and be more informed to make solid decision earlier in life. Too many children are left with indecision by the time they graduate high school that they waste either scholarship money or their own funds trying to figure out independence. I’ve educated many students on how to monetize their interests and educate them on finances in order to maintain stability. Read more>>

Sarah Lewis Bello

If I could change one thing about the education system, it would be to place a stronger emphasis on financial literacy and entrepreneurship; especially at the high school and college levels. Every student, regardless of their career path, should learn how to manage their money, build wealth, and create something of their own. We often tell students to “follow their passions,” but we rarely equip them with the tools to turn those passions into sustainable careers or businesses. Read more>>