True Education
Los Angeles, with its stunning sunsets and vibrant streets, was the perfect backdrop for a story that turned out to be both unexpected and inspiring. My day started at Row DTLA, a dynamic area celebrated for its eclectic mix of shops and culinary delights, perfectly capturing LA’s energetic essence. The plan was simple: to enjoy a meal at Pizzeria Bianco, renowned not only for its delectable pizzas but as a place where stories and laughter flow as freely as the olive oil with my Pizza Margherita. Yet, this meal would soon reveal itself to be far from ordinary.
Our guests that afternoon included Eleisha and Logan, two insightful journalists hailing from New Zealand, known for their ability to dig deep and bring to light stories that matter. They initially reached out to meet with my father to discuss Keirsey, the company where he serves as CEO. However, after a bit of chatting, they asked me a couple of questions as well. What was anticipated to be a brief exchange of ideas over lunch quickly transformed into an engaging conversation that went far beyond the surface. Their curiosity wasn't limited to just social pleasantries; they were drawn into the discussion with genuine enthusiasm and a keen desire to understand more about my life and and why I decided to go down an uncommon path.
Although their line of inquiry started with Keirsey, it soon shifted as they learned about my unconventional educational journey at the Conrad Academy. As our pizzas cooled slightly, untouched in the wake of our absorbing discussion, it became evident that what was intended as a quick chat was blossoming into an in-depth dialogue about educational philosophies, personal convictions, and the shaping of future generations.
Eleisha and Logan’s engagement in the conversation mirrored the core philosophy of the Conrad Academy—education as a dynamic, life-enriching journey rather than a mere accumulation of facts. The academy’s mission, inspired by the belief that traditional educational models fall short in preparing students for the complexities of the future, struck a chord with them. This wasn’t just another story; it was a revelation, an eye-opener to the possibilities of what education could become when it steps out of the conventional framework and embraces real-world learning.
I started the Conrad Academy when we realized that the usual way of learning wasn't cutting it for what we need in the future. This wasn't just a random thought; it was something I felt strongly about, especially seeing how many successful people didn't follow the traditional school path. My dad reminds me all the time that my words were, “I no longer want to go to school because it’s stupid, useless, and boring.” Deciding to leave school was about radically changing things up, not just being different for the sake of it. I wanted to create a place where learning was about real-life experiences. I was done with copying stuff off of a chalkboard, regurgitating a teacher’s lecture, or memorizing information from outdated textbooks.
By the time we wrapped up our meeting, the connection formed over our conversations were undeniable. Eleisha and Logan, who initially arrived with an inquiry on my father, left with a broader perspective, eager to explore and share the visionary goals of the Conrad Academy. As we exchanged contact information, there was a palpable sense of anticipation about the potential impact of further conversations.
