It's incredible how entrepreneurship is in the hands of anyone who is willing to inno
v ate--no matter their age. This Monday morning I was particularly tired, but luckily, our unexpected agenda kept me awake. The Innovation Academy was pleased to receive a visit, one that actually felt like a quadruple espresso-- perfect way to start off day. ☕
After break we had two visitors knock on our door. Teen entrepreneurs, Alex and Michelle, came all the way from Silicon Valley ✈ one of the most innovative and high tech cities in the world. Both brother and sister were absorbed by the creative atmosphere and culture in which they were raised. This spirited environment pushed them to create a value of their own: Planet of the Kids, a network for teen entrepreneurs. |
As soon as they stepped into the room I was amazed; they where incredibly well spoken! I was especially astonished at Michelle's confidence. Even though she was just in eight grade she had such a confident dialect, delivery and genuine voice. She was in front of 18 junior students, presenting her own project, educating us and outlining the business model. She took the time to understand our own interests and visions, just like a teacher or a grown-up speaker would.
I started thinking: while she was in her last middle school year, being a company owner, website creator, networker, leader and social entrepreneur, three years ago--when I was in the same position--I was singing Hannah Montana in my free time, completely ignorant of what even the word entrepreneur meant.
I realized how education is shifting- How students who are truly passionate and motivated towards their personal endeavors from a young age have greater performances in everything they do. I couldn't believe I was actually learning from people who had been around for less time, yet they surely had used it wisely. ⌛ How absurd would it have been twenty years ago for two kids to travel around the world in a quest to spread innovation in the teenage community? ABSURD. |
A some-what smart man once said a few decades ago:
❝If at first an idea doesn't sound absurd, then there's no hope for It.❞
- Albert Einstein
Anyone with an old mentality would argue that kids should be in schools, studying, playing sports and going out with friends. None of these statements are false, yet, as we've learned today: the world is
flattening and you are never too young to start working towards your passion. Alex and Michelle presentation didn't simply teach us (and I believe I share this with many of my peers) but it also INSPIRED. In their three-hour visit we discussed ideas of future collaborations, the business and creation model and how it can be applicable in our own personal aspirations. Just like the famous quote: ❝I came I saw I conquered❞--they did. They listened; they shared; they inspired. Still, where I believe I learned the most was not the PowerPoint presentation they had prepared, instead, from their example. The way they approached us with such positivity and intrinsic curiosity. I found from this that I certainly want to improve my speaking skills, specifically when facing unknown audiences of larger scales since it will apply in any business situation I face in my life. Both Alex and Michelle had a huge impact in the innovation academy. Why was it? Because of the way they communicated, interacted and kept us engaged through out. ☞☜ |
Most importantly, for everyone, I would like to enforce that you should never underestimate a teenager, or even if you are one, fall into the childish un-empowered stereotype that continues to stick around. Because...as we've learned in the finance unit (and as Alex and Michelle have proved it through their entrepreneurial journey) whatever you do today will affect who you are tomorrow. So...What are you waiting for: Start
innovating.