S2E277: (Part 2) Geetesh's Refugee Camp School Project: From Student to Changemaker

In Part 2 of our conversation with Alpha student Geetesh, he opens up about the beginnings of his entrepreneurial journey and his remarkable school project in a refugee camp in Malawi, where he helped children build confidence, learn life skills, and navigate the challenges of mental health. What started as a school initiative turned into a transformative experience that shaped his outlook on leadership, service, and what it really means to make an impact.

Geetesh was thriving in his public school- top 2% of his class, active in DECA, and on track for the conventional definition of success. But when he discovered Alpha, he realized school could look completely different. In this episode, he shares how and why he convinced his traditional parents to let him take the leap and how redefining learning has changed everything.

In the final part of this two-part series, psychotherapist and wellness expert Leah Marone joins us to unpack parent and educator burnout, decision fatigue, and the relentless pressure of choosing the “right” path for your children. Leah shares practical strategies for setting boundaries, managing stress, and reclaiming balance, helping parents feel more resilient and confident in both life and education decisions.Leah's new book, Serial Fixer: www.serial-fixer.com

Parenting and educating in today’s world can feel like running a marathon without a finish line. In this episode, psychotherapist and wellness expert Leah Marone joins us to unpack parent and educator burnout, decision fatigue, and the relentless pressure of choosing the “right” path for your children. Leah shares practical strategies for setting boundaries, managing stress, and reclaiming balance, helping parents feel more resilient and confident in both life and education decisions.Leah's new book, Serial Fixer: www.serial-fixer.com

When Aheli transferred from one of the top public schools in her area to Alpha, her love of learning had all but disappeared. In this Student Spotlight episode, Aheli shares how personalized, goal-based learning helped her rediscover curiosity, confidence, and a genuine excitement for school again.

When Aheli transferred from one of the top public schools in her area to Alpha, her placement tests revealed a surprise- she was four grade levels behind in math! In this Student Spotlight episode, Aheli shares how she used Alpha’s AI tutoring and personalized pacing to catch up fast. Hear what the transition from traditional school to Alpha was really like, what “hole-filling” her education looked like, and how she’s now thriving in a system designed to meet her where she’s at.

In part two of this two-part series, MacKenzie and producer Jay continue to unpack something we don’t often talk about publicly: Parent Tenets. These are the core beliefs we ask every Alpha parent to buy into- and shape everything we do.From “change is constant” to “high standards are the key to your child’s happiness,” these tenets can be both inspiring and a little uncomfortable. If you’re curious about new ways to think about education, this episode will challenge your perspective and spark fresh ideas.

This week, MacKenzie and producer Jay are diving into something we don’t often talk about publicly: Parent Tenets. These are the core beliefs we ask every Alpha parent to buy into- and shape everything we do.From “change is constant” to “high standards are the key to your child’s happiness,” these tenets can be both inspiring and a little uncomfortable. In part one of this two-part series, we unpack where these ideas come from, why they matter, and how they play out in real life. If you’re curious about new ways to think about education, this episode will challenge your perspective and spark fresh ideas.

In part two of this series on developing the skill of confidence, MacKenzie is joined by Alpha Guide Shaas. Together, they break down exactly how confidence is taught at Alpha, and how the same strategies and principles can be used by anyone listening. From implementing subtle nonverbal techniques to developing and referencing “confidence anchors”, you’ll walk away with tangible tools to help your students or kids speak boldly, step into leadership, and believe in themselves.

Confidence is one of the most powerful skills a young person can develop- it shapes how they speak, lead, take risks, and show up in the world. And the good news? Confidence can be taught! In this episode, MacKenzie is joined by Shaas, one of Alpha’s talented Guides, to break down practical, proven strategies any parent or educator can use to help kids build lasting confidence. From subtle nonverbal techniques and “confidence anchors” to creative exercises like Alpha’s Hot Ones workshop, you’ll walk away with tangible tools to help your students or kids speak boldly, step into leadership, and believe in themselves.