S2E7: Your Teacher Doesn't Hate You & Fostering Intellectual Curiosity: Interview with Matt Gainsley

Fostering Intellectual Curiosity: A Conversation with Educator, Matt Gainsley In this episode, your host, Thomas Caleel, sits down with his long-time friend and esteemed educator, Matt Gainsley. With over 20 years of teaching experience, Matt has been inspiring and stimulating intellectual curiosity in students for more than two decades. Join us as we explore the importance of intellectual curiosity, the evolving dynamics in education, and the impact of parental involvement, and why a college degree doesn't necessarily define who you are.  Want to be a guest? Send us an email at hello@thomascaleel.com to apply!  Key Points: The importance of intellectual curiosity in the learning process is the primary focus of this episode. Thomas and Matt discuss the shifting dynamics in education, where parents, students, and schools interact in unique ways today. Matt shares his personal journey into teaching, and how when he started college he didn't necessarily think he was going to end up in education.  Matt reflects on the changing teacher-student relationships and emphasizes the need for students to take responsibility for their own learning. Parents' role in supporting their children's education is vital, but there should be a balance between involvement and allowing the child to grow independently. The frenzy around college admissions and early childhood education is discussed, with Matt offering valuable insights on achievement and finding the right school. The concept of a "good school" is explored, highlighting the importance of a school that works best for an individual's needs and goals. How Matt 'walks the walk' by teaching a class on the "History of Hip Hop" something he is deeply passionate about.  Why universities now recognize the value of depth of involvement and passion in applicants. Encourages students to pursue their passions, even if it means deviating from the conventional path. Willingness to embrace interests fosters deeper connections with fellow humans and enriches lives. Parents, students, and educators alike can gain valuable lessons from this conversation on how to navigate the changing landscape of education and support the growth of young minds. About Thomas  Thomas is an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania. After earning his MBA at the Wharton School of Business in 2003, he moved to Silicon Valley. For three years, he was Director of MBA Admissions and Financial Aid at Wharton. He worked closely with admissions professionals, students, alumni, and professors to curate the best possible MBA class. Thomas has been an entrepreneur his entire life in the fields of finance, agriculture, wellness, and sporting goods. As the founder of Global Education Opportunities LLC, he works as a high level admissions advisor to help families and students achieve their education goals. Thomas started the podcast Admittedly because he is passionate about demystifying the application process for all parents and applicants.   Make sure to follow @admittedlypodcast on instagram and subscribe to our newsletter for important updates and subscriber only content.     

Om Podcasten

Does thinking about applying to college, grad school, or prep school make your head spin? The Admittedly Podcast is for both parents and students preparing for or navigating school admissions. We aim to demystify the admissions process and share with you what you really need to know to succeed. Our host, Thomas Caleel, former director of MBA admissions and financial aid for the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, is here to help. He is a lifelong entrepreneur and CEO of a global admissions consulting agency where he works with families worldwide to help them achieve their educational goals. New episodes go live every Tuesday and Thursday. Learn from our guest speakers, live coaching sessions, and weekly solo episodes. Have admissions questions you'd like answered on the show? Apply to be coached by Thomas himself on one of our upcoming recordings. In this podcast, we don't promise easy answers or quick fixes. But with decades of experience under his belt, Thomas will address the practical aspects of applying to school and how to think like an admissions officer to improve your college or prep school application.