Our children are our future. Education is at the heart at developing their skills and abilities and yet year after year we hear about the degrading state of our educational system. Our nation has spent trillions of dollars on failed programs that research and experts had promised would work. Achievement gaps persist, performance declines are accelerating and so it is of paramount importance that we explore novel ideas and solutions. You might not agree with many or any of the ideas below, and we certainly are not endorsing policies – our hope is just to create a space where bright, dedicated folks from the community can share their ideas – so that we can all come together and better understand each others experiences, concerns and how we might move forward together to build a brighter future.

Debra Swersky

I would change the education system to be more practical and applicable to everyday life. The focus would shift from teaching material to creating experiences where students can practice fundamental life skills and different careers in an integrative and safe environment. Read more>>

Mackenzie Farrell

Something I would change about the education system to prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career would be to integrate new ways to measure talent and potential, other than the use of traditional written/timed tests. I understand the convenience and old ways of thinking, that, this is the best, most convenient way of measuring the majority of student’s abilities and potential. Read more>>

Destiny Carter

From being an active participant in the educational system for most of my life, I would change literally everything. I would completely eradicate standardized testing and 9-hour school days, and lean toward subjects and courses that actually aid in a greater understanding of how society operates. Read more>>

Kanise

The education system should focus more on setting students up for success and less on the periodic table of elements. As we transition from high-school to the real world, we’re faced with a reality that the education system didn’t prepare us for. Young adults know little to nothing about building wealth, home buying, credit, taxes, or even maneuvering adult relationships. Read more>>

Haoyang Sun

As a cinematographer, maybe one of my points of view other cinematographers will not quite agree with. I think cinematography is not that important for movies because I know that story is the core of a movie. Many cinematographers spend a lot of time on the lighting set up, and even try out different options to see which lighting set up looks better. For me if I think my lighting setup I think I can achieve 80% of the effect, Read more>>

Miranda des Islets

Something that I believe that goes somewhat against the grain is that you do not have to stick with one medium. I feel that the intention with starting a small business is great, but can lead to burn out just like any other profession, and in order to avoid that you have to keep creating, and keep growing. Read more>>

Crystal Mejia

I believe most people in my industry believe in earning as many bookings as possible, instead of working with a few and providing a higher quality experience to each client that work well with you. Within our line of work, it can be very easy to say yes to working with every client that comes your way, especially when you are a new business owner trying to make a living off of what you do. Read more>>

Al-Nesha Jones

I believe the accounting industry has it wrong when it comes to the mindset that burned-out accountants are good accountants. Who said it had to be that way?? After spending 10 years in Corporate America (4 years at a Big 4 accounting firm, and 6 years at a Fortune 100 company), I was convinced that there had to be a better way. Read more>>