Hello! My name is Larry, and I’ve been an educator my entire adult life and an entrepreneur for also nearly that long. I have a lot of strong beliefs about education and innovation, but a lot has changed since I became a parent four years ago. Specifically, I’ve been growing disillusioned by the prevailing culture of “go big or go home” that emphasizes shining achievements and the constant need to be outstanding. Seeing my kids grow and learn has given me a lot of perspective on what learning naturally looks like.
I believe that the college entrance process has become toxic where students are pressured to either take shortcuts (ie. “How to get a 5 on AP exams with minimal studying!”) or hit home runs (ie. “Launch a venture-backed startup that changes the world!”). There’s so much more to preparing for college than test scores, trophies, and accolades. There’s growing up, becoming a responsible adult, and figuring out who you are and what your place is in the world. The college journey is rich with opportunities for growth and self-actualization, but these require a different kind of guidance and mentorship. I started Tiny Prep with the mission to help students become happier, healthier, and more capable by building themselves up one small step at a time.