The Blueprint for Student Success

Matt LeBris was born and raised in New York. He has worked with Damon John of Shark Tank, and he speaks around the country about student success.

Listen to the episode here:

Matt’s Education Experience

Matt struggled in his academic career. In elementary school, he was bored and unable to focus. He says he doesn’t know if he had any learning disorders, but he was focused on sports and that continued as he got older.

In certain subjects, he did really well. At other times, he just wanted to be the class clown and play around.

He didn’t get accepted to any high schools (he went to private schools), but was finally admitted. He was given a warning that he might get kicked out, so he transferred.

In college, things finally started to change. He realized that he needed to be more serious, but after 2 years, he failed out of college.

He heard some powerful words on a TED Talk: “Legacy over currency.”

He realized that it wasn’t all about money and that he needed to build his future in a different way.

It’s Okay to Fail

We’re all on different paths.

It’s okay to change your major; it’s okay to pivot. As individuals we’re consistently growing.

When we’re young, we are still growing.

We need to learn the lessons from failure.

Don’t let a failure stop you.

Blueprint to Student Success

1. Goals

Know the goals that individuals have in regards to their education.

What does the student want to get out of school?

Where can this education take me?

Many people don’t actually set goals.

Write down your goal, how you’re going to achieve it, and an action plan to get you there.

2. Networking

Students are in amazing communities of individuals, and it’s important to network.

You never know how someone can help you.

Being able to team up together can benefit students.

You never know who you’re sitting next to. It is amazing what opportunities networking creates.

Connection is huge.

3. Mentorship

When students receive mentorship from someone who is not a parent, they listen more.

Parents can arrange for mentors for their children.

If your child is struggling, find someone else who they look up to who can have a conversation with them that can help.

4. Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance

You need to be prepared for tests.

Preparation translates into the real world.

Preparation is key to whatever you do in life.

Thoughts for Parents

Everyone wants to see their kids succeed.

Everyone has their own path.

Let things take their course.

Parents don’t need to micromanage the situation.