Mentors 4 Teens: College, Scholarship, and Career Guidance Podcast

Hello everyone, and welcome to the Student-Tutor Podcast!

What does it REALLY take for students to do incredible things like competing in the World Olympic Games? Is it just a dream, or is there a path they can take to get there?

Carli Ellen Lloyd (28) is an American indoor volleyball player, a member of the United States women's national volleyball team, a participant of the 2016 Summer Olympics, bronze medalist of the 2016 Olympic Games, and a gold medalist of the 2015 Pan American Games.

She has played 6 seasons of professional volleyball in Italy and Azerbaijan. She played college women's volleyball at the University of California, Berkeley and was the National player of the year her senior year in 2011.

This week, Carli Ellen Lloyd shares what it took to earn a spot on the USA national volleyball team, and how students can use her strategies for success in all aspects of their day-to-day life!

Time Stamped Show Notes:

[4:00] - Carli tells us how she got started playing volleyball, and what it took to get on track for the 2016 Olympic Games.

[11:45] - Overcoming defeat, injury, and broken state of mind.

[16:00] Getting cut 4x on the road to the 2016 Olympics.

[23:00] - After reaching your highest goal... What comes next?

[24:45] - Carli's #1 piece of ACTIONABLE advice for teenagers.

[28:15] - Todd's special surprise!!

[33:00] - Guest from the Student-Tutor mastermind students!

[40:15] - Wrapup / outro.

3 Key Points:

1. Focus on the little goals and tasks that make up your big goal.

It can be daunting to think about what you need to do on a major scale... instead, commit to doing all that you can do TODAY!

2. Take control, and be willing to put in the hard work!

When you're defeated, focus on what you CAN control!

3. Understand your WHY, and SHARE IT!

Connecting to your core will help you push through the hardest times. By sharing, your friends can help hold you accountable.

Resources:

Carli Lloyd Team USA Bio

Carli Lloyd Wiki

"Let's Spark Bright Futures" Facebook Group

Let's Spark Bright Futures!

Student-Tutor Mastermind Program

Academic Tutoring

SAT/ACT Prep Tutoring

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The Student Tutor PodcastCopyright © 2017 by Student TutorProduced by: Todd VanDuzer & Cody MackRecording by: Todd VanDuzerMusic & Editing: Cody MackSponsorship & Interview Requests: [email protected]

Hello everyone, and welcome to the Student-Tutor Podcast!

This week, we had an AMAZING interview with Zach Hamilton, the entrepreneur in residence for over half a decade at Venture51, an early-stage VC firm based in Southern California.

At Venture51, he was one of the key parties in the decision to invest in Ripple Labs in 2013, which is now worth well over $100m. He's overseen LP relations, portfolio management, due diligence, and sourcing for several funds with a cumulative $50m AUM. Zach has been actively trading cryptocurrencies since 2013.

In this episode, Zach taught us SO MUCH incredible knowledge... the only thing is... I forgot to hit record! DOH!

We were still able to get Zach's top recommendations for students, but man, I wish you could have heard this interview!!

Well, better luck next time! Sorry everyone!

Time Stamped Show Notes:

(it's only 9 minutes long)

3 Key Points:

1. HIT RECORD, DUMMY!

2. Treat college applications as a process, and give them the attention they DESERVE!

3. Keep an eye out for the disruption cryptocurrencies are going to make in our global market!

Resources:

General Crypto

Zach Hamilton on Linkedin

"Let's Spark Bright Futures" Facebook Group

Let's Spark Bright Futures!

Student-Tutor Mastermind Program

Academic Tutoring

SAT/ACT Prep Tutoring

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The Student Tutor PodcastCopyright © 2017 by Student TutorProduced by: Todd VanDuzer & Cody MackRecording by: Todd VanDuzerMusic & Editing: Cody MackSponsorship & Interview Requests: [email protected]

Hello everyone, and welcome to the Student-Tutor Podcast!

Does the thought of your child browsing the internet sometimes make you uncomfortable? What happens if they connect with someone dangerous... or worse... what if their activity DESTROYS their REAL-LIFE reputation??

This week we're joined by Diana Graber, the founder of CyberWise.org and CyberCivics.com. These organizations are dedicated to helping adults and students learn digital citizenship and literacy skills.

As long-time media producer sporting an M.A. in "Media Psychology & Social Change," Graber is a regular contributor to the HuffPost and top news sources.

In addition to serving as an Adjunct Professor of Media Psychology at the graduate level, she teaches Cyber Civics classes to middle schoole students at Journey School in Southern California.

Graber was recently honored with the "2017 Media Literacy Teacher" award from the National Association of Media Literacy Education (NAMLE), and as a result of her work, Cyber Civics is currently being taught in public and private Waldorf school across the US, Canada, and the U.K!

Time Stamped Show Notes:

[1:30] - Todd intro

[2:00] - This week's guest, Diana Graber

[3:30] - Diana explains digital literacy

[8:00] - The new tools of the digital age

[12:30] - How Diana made her transition into the digital age

[15:00] - Materials covered in Diana's 3-year digital literacy course

[19:00] - Advantages of being online

[21:15] - Resources Diana recommends for students

[22:15] - Diana's epifiany / the results of Cyber Civics

[27:45] - How to get in-touch with Diana

[28:00] - Diana's greatest piece of actionable advise

[30:30] - Outro

3 Key Points:

1. Digital literacy can save you from misinformation and preserve your reputation!

Many forms of content online are NOT regulated, therefore it's CRITICAL to check sources and fact-check information.

In addition, the things you post can affect your chances at college and certain careers... so share WISELY!

2. Digital age tools can be used for good... or evil!

Understand that everything you share online is received by REAL PEOPLE.

Sharing useful content and becoming a PRODUCER instead of just a CONSUMER can provide real value to the world and set you apart in job and college interviews!

3. Critical thinking skills are the key!

Developing the skills that will allow you to validate content legitimacy and prepare a strategy for creating and sharing content offers long-term benefits across your ENTIRE life!

As she mentioned in the episode, implementing the digital literacy classes ended up INCREASING standardized test scores SCHOOL WIDE!

Resources:

Cyberwise / CyberCivics

Cyberwise YouTube Channel

"Let's Spark Bright Futures" Facebook Group

Let's Spark Bright Futures!

Student-Tutor Mastermind Program

Academic Tutoring

SAT/ACT Prep Tutoring

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The Student Tutor PodcastCopyright © 2017 by Student TutorProduced by: Todd VanDuzer & Cody MackRecording by: Todd VanDuzerMusic & Editing: Cody MackSponsorship & Interview Requests: [email protected]

Hello everyone, and welcome to the Student-Tutor Podcast!

What do you really need to know to be an entrepreneur? Are there resources out there? How do you know you've found the right mentor?

Bryan Cockel has been on the faculty for Camp BizSmart since 2009, leading sessions as a Camp Director at Stanford and Santa Clara Universities in the US and the Indian School of Business in Hyderabad.

For the last few years, Bryan has focused on teaching middle and high school students visiting from China about entrepreneurship. Camp BizSmart is a two week, team-based entrepreneurship and innovation program and competition.

In this special 1-hour extended episode, Bryan and Todd discuss key issues plaguing the current education system, and critical details entrepreneurs of any age should be aware of!

Time Stamped Show Notes:

[1:30] - Todd Intro

[5:15] - How Brian got started, bootstrapping & a test for new entrepreneurs

[13:15] - Adapting to a constantly changing economy

[18:45] - Learning to work collaboratively

[23:15] - The skills needed for success in business and life

[28:00] - Things kids can do TODAY to get started

[33:00] - Standardization, structure, and its effects

[46:00] - A lack of failure in today's education system

[57:15] - Brian's #1 actionable advice for parents and teens

[65:00] - How to connect with Brian and get involved

3 Key Points:

1. Don't count on the education system!

Today's education system is OUTDATED! Don't rely on it to teach you everything you need to be successful!

Go out and explore new things, and build an education path that's right for YOU!

2. Be willing and excited to fail!

If you've never failed at anything, you've never really tried! ALL entrepreneurs experience failure regularly, as a teenager, GET USED TO THIS!

The more you try, the more you'll fail AND learn!

3. Don't wait until after High School to start!

As a high school student, you have more time than ever to explore your curiosities and begin learning what you truly want to do in life!

Don't waste this opportunity!

Resources:

Bryan Cockel on Linkedin

Camp Bizsmart

"Let's Spark Bright Futures" Facebook Group

Let's Spark Bright Futures!

Student-Tutor Mastermind Program

Academic Tutoring

SAT/ACT Prep Tutoring

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The Student Tutor PodcastCopyright © 2017 by Student TutorProduced by: Todd VanDuzer & Cody MackRecording by: Todd VanDuzerMusic & Editing: Cody MackSponsorship & Interview Requests: [email protected]

Hello everyone, and welcome to the Student-Tutor Podcast!

What happens when you spend years building a sustainable business centered around your passion, but later realize that the routine "work" portion of it literally SUCKS the creativity and fun out!?

Student-Tutor Mastermind Mentor, Jesse Driftwood, is a videographer that after starting a successful wedding video company found himself losing passion, and seeking a way out.

However, after a fun little side-project, Jesse found himself on the cutting-edge of a new social media opportunity... Instagram stories!

As a leader in this new content form, Jesse has found himself being presented with new and exciting opportunities - all from a curiosity he explored!

Time Stamped Show Notes:

[1:30] - Todd intro

[2:30] - Introducing Jesse Driftwood

[4:30] - Displacing time to focus on goals

[5:45] - Using a hobby to create new opportunities

[8:30] - Using social media as a tool instead of a distraction + 2 ways to grow a massive following

[12:15] - The value of standing out.

[13:30] - Dropping the pursuit of perfection in favor of completion.

[15:30] - Jesse's roots, skateboarding and film making.

[17:15] - Doubling down on strengths & self-awareness.

[19:15] - Beginning a career filming weddings.

[21:00] - Expanding beyond pursuing passion for profits.

[23:00] - The success/happiness paradox.

[24:45] - Jesse's #1 piece of actionable advice.

[26:30] - Questions from Student-Tutor Mastermind Students!

[32:30] - Outro

3 Key Points:

1. Break the mold and stand out!

To get noticed, you've got to become either the best at something that already exists, or, find something new and bring it to the forefront.

Neither is EASY, but either can get you the recognition you're seeking.

2. Drop your image of perfection!

Getting hung up on the details can slow or completely halt progress!

By accepting yourself where you are now and enjoying the process, you'll complete more projects, and be more aware of the progress you're actually making.

3. Double down on your strengths

Practicing self-awareness and identifying what it is you're truly GOOD at will allow you to double down on your strengths. When it comes to areas of weakness, Jesse recommends using your strengths to complement those areas and become more well-rounded.

Resources:

Jesse Driftwood Instagram

The Driftwood - Wedding Photo/Video

"Let's Spark Bright Futures" Facebook Group

Let's Spark Bright Futures!

Student-Tutor Mastermind Program

Academic Tutoring

SAT/ACT Prep Tutoring

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The Student Tutor PodcastCopyright © 2017 by Student TutorProduced by: Todd VanDuzer & Cody MackRecording by: Todd VanDuzerMusic & Editing: Cody MackSponsorship & Interview Requests: [email protected]

Hello everyone, and welcome to the Student-Tutor Podcast!

Is a "Career" a long-term thing? Once you find something you're GOOD at, do you focus on that? What if you find something you ENJOY, but you're not good at it...

The commitment and responsibility associated with determining a "Career Path" can be nerve wrecking.

Considering you'll spend years (even a decade) learning a craft and establishing a establishing a reputation, it's apparent why people prefer to get it right the first time!

But...

What if you do all of that and you find its not for you... You just don't enjoy doing it anymore.

Maybe it's the level you're at? Some careers are simple and straightforward at first, but get exponentially more challenging and complicated as you go through the ranks.

Maybe something has gone terribly wrong and you've lost a key reference or a lot of money! What do you do when you hit the bottom? Keep digging until you see it through, or find a new hole to dig?

This week, we're joined by Student-Tutor Mastermind Mentor, Hiten Nainaney, as he shares his experience of multiple devastating financial losses, career path dilemmas, and an unexpected strategy for partnering with C-level executives at companies like Intel.

The possibilities are endless! So, we feel it's best you learn from someone that's made it through a FEW of the struggles life likes to throw in our face!

His perseverance and willingness to take risks allowed Hiten to become a master at key areas of balance in life. In this episode, you'll learn more about creating these essential balances, and build a path that's right for YOU!

Time Stamped Show Notes:

[0:00] - Previews & Show Intro

[2:30] - Meet Student-Tutor Mastermind Mentor, Hiten Nainaney!

[4:30] - Leaving finance to find a career worth working for.

[7:30] - What happens after you lose $45,000?

[9:30] - Using a side-gig you're passionate about to slide into big money conversations.

[12:00] - One client loses Hiten $200,000 in a day.

[14:15] - A hard decision to leave a lucrative job in finance.

[15:00] - Realizing it's Now, or Never!

[15:45] - Short musical break.

[16:30] - Hiten's successful new business.

[17:30] - Curiosity, and the balance that ties it all together.

[20:15] - Voluntary solitude, and What ** is excited for in the next 5-10 years.

[23:15] - Hiten's greatest advice for teenagers, and his best book suggestion.

[28:00] - Actionable advice to help students Spark Bright Futures - Grab spiders!

[30:45] - Questions from Student-Tutor Mastermind Students!

[42:30] - Wrapup and review of Todd's notes

[44:00] - Outro

3 Key Points:

1. Step outside your comfort zone!

As Hiten mentioned in the episode, if you get too comfortable, you'll stop growing!

Constantly challenging yourself and finding opportunities to do new things will make your life a lot more interesting, and allow you to continuously build new skills.

2. Focus on balancing what you like to do, and what you're good at!

With every career, there will be parts you like, and others you don't. What you're good at and what you like doing are both VERY important things to consider when choosing a career path.

Play towards your strengths, but allow yourself the opportunity to grow in other areas too!

3. Take time for yourself!

Voluntary solitude gives you the opportunity to dive deep within yourself, explore curiosities, and build skills that are important to you.

Hiten recommends doing this at least once per week!

Resources:

Orikami Lab

Connect With Hiten Nainaney on Linkedin

"Let's Spark Bright Futures" Facebook Group

Let's Spark Bright Futures!

Student-Tutor Mastermind Program

Academic Tutoring

SAT/ACT Prep Tutoring

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The Student Tutor PodcastCopyright © 2017 by Student TutorProduced by: Todd VanDuzer & Cody MackRecording by: Todd VanDuzerMusic & Editing: Cody MackSponsorship & Interview Requests: [email protected]

Hello everyone, and welcome to the Student-Tutor Podcast!

Does the thought of starting a new business from scratch and figuring it out as you go just not sit well with you? Would you prefer to travel along a proven and much more secure path instead?

As fun and exciting as entrepreneurship can be, it's certainly not for everyone. Some people prefer the more "traditional path" where after high school they go to college, obtain internships, and land themselves a modest salary working for a major corporation.

This week, we're joined by Student-Tutor Mastermind Mentor, Blake Riedlinger, as he shares his experience taking, and dominating this previously described "traditional path."

With a resume featuring positions at multiple fortune 100 companies like 3M and American Airlines, Blake has the knowledge and experience required to properly advise students considering a career in big-business after high school!

Time Stamped Show Notes:

[0:15] - Intro

[0:30] - Episode Previews

[1:30] - Todd introduces Blake Riedlinger

[3:00] - Blake's come up in the corporate world

[4:15] - Entrepreneurship vs the corporate route

[5:45] - Insights from visiting 22 countries in 2 years

[6:30] - The consequences of ignoring warning signs

[8:45] - Following your curiosity and intuition

[9:30] - Blake's best advice on winning arguments

[13:00] - Defining value - Blake's big Aha!

[15:30] - The habit of introspection in an ambiguous world

[16:30] - Short musical break

[17:15] - Planning, backup planning, and the risk of EVERYTHING working

[18:00] - The #1 book all teenagers need to read

[19:15] - Staying humble and investing in yourself

[21:45] - The dangers of becoming complacent

[23:00] - Questions from Student-Tutor Mastermind Students!

[30:45] - Why you need to start exploring your curiosities NOW!

[31:45] - Outro

3 Key Points:

1. Constantly be thinking of how you can provide VALUE!

Identifying opportunities to give to others in the form of products, services, or other exchangeable means, will provide you the ability to create win-win situations. These win-win situations are what creates long-term success and happiness.

These win-win situations are what creates long-term relationships, success, and happiness.

2. The best way to win an argument... is to AVOID it!

Creating tension, especially in the corporate environment is not good for anyone! If you recognize a conflicting plan or idea from someone who's also responsible for making an important decision; approach them, and settle the conflict before the decision needs to be made.

3. Start exploring your curiosities TODAY!

As you grow older, you only gain MORE responsibilities. Being in high school, you have time on your side and need to leverage it to your advantage! Spend at least an hour each day exploring something you're curious about. It doesn't have to immediately turn into your life's purpose... but who knows... it might!

Resources:

Connect with Blake on Linkedin!

How Students can make $110,000 per year

"Let's Spark Bright Futures" Facebook Group

Let's Spark Bright Futures!

Student-Tutor Mastermind Program

Academic Tutoring

SAT/ACT Prep Tutoring

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The Student Tutor PodcastCopyright © 2017 by Student TutorProduced by: Todd VanDuzer & Cody MackRecording by: Todd VanDuzerMusic & Editing: Cody MackSponsorship & Interview Requests: [email protected]

Hello everyone, and welcome to the Student-Tutor Podcast!

Do you feel that a student's performance in school has a direct correlation or impact on the success they will have in life? If they get poor grades, are they doomed to be poor and unsuccessful forever?

This week we are joined by Jeff Solomon, a living example of how success and happiness can be created, even if you finish high school with mostly C's and D's.

In this episode, Jeff takes us through the story of how he went from struggling through high school to discovering entrepreneurship as a young adult... and he managed to become one of the BEST in the business.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

[0:15] - Intro

[0:35] - Episode Previews

[1:40] - Todd introduces Jeff Solman

[3:30] - Jeff tells us his WHY

[4:45] - The skills and knowledge that changed Jeff's life forever

[5:40] - Jeff's first job making various plastic products, and his big "Aha!" moment

[8:15] - Jeff describes how you can use failure as a tool to overcome fear

[9:45] - The irony of Jeff's new teaching job

[10:40] - The reason Jeff's bad grades didn't stop him from becoming successful

[12:15] - Short musical break

[12:45] - The pitfalls of standardization in today's schooling system

[13:45] - Jeff goes to business school... and gets an F!

[14:15] - Dropping business school and persevering

[15:05] - Getting started at a shady internet startup

[16:00] - Making 100 grand at 23, the big head that came with it, and the failure of Jeff's first business

[17:30] - An old friend help Jeff reinvent his company

[19:00] - Todd's key question

[19:45] - Jeff's greatest advice for students

[20:30] - Wrap-up and how to connect with Jeff

[21:30] - Outro

3 Key Points:

1. Don't be afraid to go off the "standard path."

Students need to try new things! Don't worry whether or not you'll like it, or be good at it, or if it'll increase your chances of getting into college.

2. It's not about grades, it's about what you DO.

Focusing solely on grades can seriously affect a student's confidence and self-worth. Students need to understand that grades are not what's going to determine the rest of their life. Instead, doing what they can with what they have is what will create lifelong success and happiness.

3. Understand that it's OKAY to fail.

Failure is one of the greatest teachers in life. It's better to make mistakes and learn from them, than miss opportunities due to a fear of failure or rejection.

Resources:

Amplify.la

Connect with Jeff: Linkedin + Twitter

"Let's Spark Bright Futures" Facebook Group

Let's Spark Bright Futures!

Student-Tutor Mastermind Program

Academic Tutoring

SAT/ACT Prep Tutoring

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The Student Tutor PodcastCopyright © 2017 by Student TutorProduced by: Todd VanDuzer & Cody MackRecording by: Todd VanDuzerMusic & Editing: Cody MackSponsorship & Interview Requests: [email protected]

Hello everyone, and welcome to the Student-Tutor Podcast!

Have you ever been faced with a decision that has left you SO uncertain, that you end up taking NO action? Has pressure from family or friends ever sabotaged the momentum towards your dreams?

This week we are joined by Hanna Leinonen, a Student Tutor Mastermind program mentor.

In this episode, Hanna describes how she was able to overcome fear and break free from the uncertainty that may have otherwise stopped her from becoming one Australia's top chefs.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

[0:15] - Intro

[0:45] - Episode Previews

[1:30] - Todd intro

[2:30] - Metting Hannah in a random Australian Hostel

[4:00] - Hannah's accomplishments and introduction

[5:30] - The origin of Hannah's passion for cooking

[7:45] - The effect of mentors on Hannah's career

[10:15] - Scuba stories from Hannah

[14:00] - Courage, Determination, and Drive... by 25

[16:15] - Short musical break

[16:45] - Eagerness to learn and follow your curiosities, regardless of circumstances.

[18:15] - Steve Job's "redundant" calligraphy class and relating to your "WHY?"

[19:30] - Hannah's thoughts on preparing students for the digital age, social media, and the Finnish education system

[21:00] - The #1 thing Hannah wishes she had learned in High School

[21:30] - Questions from the Student-Tutor Mastermind students

[28:00] - Todd wraps up the episode and shares his 5 main takeaways

[30:00] - Outro

3 Key Points:

1. Be willing to learn from anyone and be willing to ask for help. If you're willing to listen, people will be willing to help.

Look for the benefits of everything you're learning, even if it seems trivial. You never know when it might come in handy.

2. Fear is a waste of time.

Sure, bad things can happen. However, you don't have to let the fear of danger stop you from living life to the fullest!

3. School and formal education only teach you so much... nothing compares to on the job experience.

If you have the opportunity to gain experience or work with a mentor in the field you're interested in, DO IT!

Resources:

Sixpenny Restaurant

Hanna Leinonen Instagram

"Let's Spark Bright Futures" Facebook Group

Let's Spark Bright Futures!

Student-Tutor Mastermind Program

Academic Tutoring

SAT/ACT Prep Tutoring

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The Student Tutor PodcastCopyright © 2017 by Student TutorProduced by: Todd VanDuzer & Cody MackRecording by: Todd VanDuzerMusic & Editing: Cody MackSponsorship & Interview Requests: [email protected]

Hello everyone, and welcome to the Student-Tutor Podcast!

Are teenagers really just young and inexperienced, or do they ALL have hidden, but unlockable SUPER POWERS?

This week we are joined by Jules Schroeder, a Student Tutor Mastermind program mentor.

In this episode, Jules explains how to activate the super powers hidden deep within us all. She explains further how EVERY teenager has enormous potential within them, and how they can bring it to light.

Time Stamped Show Notes:

[0:15] - Introduction / Episode Previews

[1:30] - Todd introduces podcast & guest Jules Schroeder

[6:05] - Jules discusses finding Win/Win partnerships is a game changer

[9:00] - Jules explains how being a teenager is actually an ADVANTAGE, and how to connect with ANYONE.

[12:40] - Musical Break

[13:10] - Todd shares his experience on LISTENING.

[14:20] - Jules shares the most important skills for the Digital Age.

[16:40] -Why are there 20+ people in Jules' house?

[18:50] - Mastermind students ask Jules THEIR questions

[22:30] - Jules shares her near-death experience and how she started writing for Forbes Magazine.

[24:00] - How to get in contact with Jules

[25:30] - Key points / Student take aways.

[27:30] - Wrapup / Outro

3 Key Points:

1. Be honest about your skill level, and ask to learn.

Even if you don't have well developed skills or experience, people will be willing to teach; if you're willing to listen.

2. If it feels like a "hell yes" then it's a yes, and if it doesn't it's a no.

Avoid getting stuck in decisions for maybe and obligated decisions.

3. Don't wait, get started NOW!

Put yourself into opportunities to find peers like yourself with similar interests.

Resources:

Jules Schroeder Official Site

Unconventional Life Podcast

"Let's Spark Bright Futures" Facebook Group

Let's Spark Bright Futures!

Student-Tutor Mastermind Program

Academic Tutoring

SAT/ACT Prep Tutoring

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The Student Tutor PodcastCopyright © 2017 by Student TutorProduced by: Todd VanDuzer & Cody MackRecording by: Todd VanDuzerMusic & Editing: Cody MackSponsorship & Interview Requests: [email protected]