Today my guest is Ra
inesford Alexandra. She is a writer and education activist who believes learning should be creative and synonymous with “hope”—not just something out of a textbook. She is a “DIY learner” who is starting to make an impact in the world of education, by example and by her writing and speeches. She was recently named to the Advisory Board for SXSWedu, and I can’t wait to meet her in person there next year.
After trading the Dean’s List for a gap year, Rainesford spent time out of school publishing writing with The Huffington Post, Zouch Magazine, and UnCollege.org. Combining her love of writing and background in ballet, she founded an ongoing interview series with up-and-coming artists, The Young Artist Feature, and writes a monthly column for one of the world’s most prominent dance brands, Russian Pointe. Additionally, Rainesford co-founded a community yoga studio and, meshing her passions for story-telling and social good, works in media for nonprofits. In November 2014, she spoke at TEDxYouth Kansas City, and gave a talk at TEDx Eastside Prep in Seattle in March 2015.
Rainesford talks about her gap year, her philosophies about learning, and believes that learning is not just a “school thing” but a “life thing.” Find out how she and I have Montessori in common, and get ready to be inspired by this amazing young woman. Ultimately, Rainesford wants to leave the world—and education—a little better than she found it.
Twitter: @rainesford
Not knowing the answer, is the key to learning | Rainesford Alexandra | TEDxYouth@KC
How thinking outside the desk redefines higher education | Rainesford Alexandra | TEDxEastsidePrep
Mentioned on the podcast:
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter–And How to Make the Most of Them Now by Meg Jay
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