featured image for podcast episodeMentorz: A Second Generation FI Success Story | Ava wettrick

Mentorz: A Second Generation FI Success Story | Ava wettrick
Episode 244

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Episode Guide

The episode features a compelling conversation with Don Wettrick and his daughter Ava, who have transformed the educational and entrepreneurial landscape. Ava's initiative, Mentor Z, showcases her quest to redefine mentorship for her generation. The discussion highlights the importance of seeking authentic role models beyond the typical celebrity culture. Ava\u2019s journey, alongside her father's insights on entrepreneurship and the Start It Up Foundation, illustrates the critical aspects of learning, growth, and the value of experiences over traditional paths. They delve into the ongoing debate about college versus entrepreneurship, emphasizing personal development, the impact of literature on their lives, and the significance of community and innovation in shaping future leaders.

Episode Timestamps

ChooseFI Podcast Show Notes

Episode Title: Transformative Education and Mentorship with Ava and Don Wettrick

Episode Summary:
Ava Wettrick and her father Don join the ChooseFI podcast to discuss the revolutionary work of the Start Ed Up Foundation, which aims to transform the educational landscape by fostering an entrepreneurial mindset in students. Ava highlights her own podcast, 'Mentor Z,' where she challenges the idea of conventional mentorship. The conversation explores college education perceptions, the significance of personal growth, reading, and mentorship, while emphasizing financial literacy and the realities of college decisions.

Key Topics:

  • Introduction Podcast Intro:

  • Ava's Story & Mentor Z Podcast

    • Ava discusses her experiences and motivations for starting the Mentor Z podcast, driven by her father’s influence.

  • The Impact of Reading & Learning

    • "You are a product of what you consume." - Emphasizes the importance of consuming positive content for personal growth.

  • College Decisions & ROI in Education

    • Considerations for evaluating the ROI of college choices. Ava and Don stress having a strategic plan before pursuing higher education.

  • Ava's Experiences in College

    • Reflections on the balance of independence and personal growth while attending college.

  • The Role of Mentorship

    • "Your life does not have to be this way." - Mentorship as a tool for navigating life's challenges and pursuing improvement.

  • Conclusion Podcast Extro:

Key Insights:

  • Consumer Choices Shape Outcomes: The information and mentors you are exposed to profoundly affect your mindset and decisions.
  • Evaluating College ROI: Consider the financial implications and long-term benefits of your chosen major before enrolling in college.
  • Intentional Learning: Engage in deep and purposeful learning through reading and mentorship to inform your life choices and career path.

Actionable Takeaways:

  • Invest time in understanding what you consume—books, podcasts, and mentors matter.
  • Have a clear plan when considering college education.
  • Create a supportive environment to promote positive habits.

Related Resources:

Speaker Highlights:

  • Ava Wettrick: Hosts the 'Mentor Z' podcast, emphasizing the importance of young entrepreneurs in reshaping mentorship.
  • Don Wettrick: Founder of the Start Ed Up Foundation, focused on revolutionizing education to foster entrepreneurship.

Discussion Questions:

  • What impact has mentorship had on your life or career?
  • How do you evaluate the ROI of educational investments?

Action Items:

  • Explore different mentors and seek out individuals who inspire you.
  • Assess your financial literacy and consider how it informs your life choices.

Contact Information:

Feel free to share these insights to help others understand the importance of financial literacy, mentorship, and the evolving educational landscape.

Unlocking Your Potential Through Mentorship and Intentional Learning

Understanding the importance of mentorship, financial literacy, and personal growth is crucial for today's youth. In a recent episode of ChooseFI, Ava and Don Wettrick highlighted the transformational work of the Start Ed Up Foundation. This nonprofit organization seeks to instill an entrepreneurial mindset in students, aiming to reshape the education system for the better. Their conversations offer profound insights that can guide you in navigating your own educational and financial journey.

The Power of Mentorship

Mentorship can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth and development. Ava Wettrick, who hosts the Mentor Z podcast, emphasizes that the right mentorship can change lives. Instead of succumbing to societal pressures and conventional expectations, seek out mentors who inspire you. These mentors should challenge you and help you grow, offering perspectives that transcend the misleading images presented by social media.

  • Actionable Insight: Identify and pursue mentors who resonate with your goals and aspirations. This might include those who have taken unconventional paths or who have achieved success based on principles you admire.

The Role of Reading and Lifelong Learning

Ava and Don agree that what you consume—be it books, podcasts, or education—significantly shapes your life. Don Wettrick notes that his daughter's success is largely due to her voracious reading habits. Reading allows individuals to learn from others' experiences and broaden their horizons, promoting personal and intellectual growth.

  • Actionable Insight: Develop a reading list that aligns with your interests and goals. Commit to reading regularly to enhance your knowledge and understanding of subjects that matter to you.

Evaluating College Decisions: ROI Matters

The discussion surrounding college education is evolving, with many questioning its value. Ava Wettrick shares her perspective on assessing the ROI (Return on Investment) of college education. While she acknowledges that some degrees offer clear paths to lucrative careers, she stresses the importance of a strategic plan.

  • Actionable Insight: Before deciding to pursue a college education, conduct thorough research on your prospective major. Investigate job prospects, starting salaries, and market demand to ensure that your investment is worthwhile.

Crafting a Supportive Environment

Ava highlights how her environment plays a significant role in her productivity and personal development. By intentionally crafting her living space in college, she maximizes her ability to focus on her goals and build positive habits.

  • Actionable Insight: Assess your current environment. Remove distractions and introduce elements that support your personal growth, such as books, organizational tools, or inspirational quotes.

Embracing the Journey of Self-Discovery

Navigating the complexities of youth—college decisions, career aspirations, and financial independence—can be overwhelming. Don Wettrick supports Ava's exploratory mindset and encourages her to embrace the opportunity to learn about herself.

  • Actionable Insight: Allow yourself the grace to explore various interests and career paths. The journey of self-discovery is crucial during your adolescent and young adult years; be open to new experiences and failures as part of learning.

Implementing Financial Literacy

Financial literacy emerged as a significant theme in the discussion. Understandably, the ability to manage finances is essential for achieving independence and a stable future. As Ava noted, the notion of financial responsibility extends beyond mere budgeting; it's about informed decision-making regarding investments—be it education or day-to-day expenditure.

  • Actionable Insight: Enhance your financial literacy by seeking resources that teach you about budgeting, investing, and saving. This knowledge will empower you to make smart financial choices for the future.

Conclusion: Designing Your Future with Purpose

In the pursuit of your aspirations, remember that your life doesn’t have to follow the traditional road. You can design your own path, take control of your decisions, and embark on your unique journey towards financial independence and personal fulfillment. The insights from Ava and Don Wettrick reinforce that mentorship, intentional consumption of knowledge, and strategic planning are integral to success.

Start today by evaluating your mentors, environment, and educational paths. Reclaim your power and take actionable steps toward the future you desire—your journey towards financial independence begins with you.

Key Quotes to Remember

  • "Your life does not have to be this way." – Ava Wettrick
  • "Invest in your future with a strategic plan." – Don Wettrick
  • "What you consume shapes your journey!" – Ava Wettrick

Embrace these teachings and apply them as you carve out your path in life.

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Ava Wettrick

What You'll Get Out Of Today's Show

  • Who do young people look up to today? The lifestyles marketed on MTV and social media not exactly something to aspire to, but where can the next generation go to find something different?
  • Inspired by the work of her father, Don Wettrick, and feeling like she needed to take charge of the issue, Ava Wettrick created MentorZ, a platform designed to introduce great people to Generation Z.
  • As a young child, Ava thought her dad was the smartest guy in the world. It wasn't until she got older that she realized he wasn't necessarily smart, he just read a lot. She's witnessed his transition from teacher to owning a non-profit and embrace the experience.
  • Being a voracious reader, it didn't take much pushing from her dad to begin consuming content from the likes of Tom Bilyeu, Simon Sinek, and Victor Franco and having an influence over her peers.
  • Since getting to know several entrepreneurs, Ava questioned whether or not college is worth the time and expense. She was surrounded by highly successful people telling not to go to college, but she is attending college and has found it helpful to have the financial support of her parents and scholarships while growing, learning and choosing the information she wants to consume.
  • Don acknowledges that for some majors, college is still relevant, and for those who have the money should go, but have a plan. He thinks the best thing students can do is to start doing the thing they might love and begin to shadow people to determine if it is a good fit.
  • Majoring in entrepreneurship at Ball State, Ava is learning about accounting, marketing, running a business, and being a CEO which has only accelerated her drive to make the podcast a success and provides quality content and great messages.
  • Interviewing guests for her podcast has been a significant personal learning experience and changed her perspective on the power of an interview. She waited a year to release the episode recorded with Tom Bilyeu because she feared it wasn't good enough and yet people think it was one of her best. And following her interview with Dov Baron, she received feedback that he believed in her and wanted to mentor her.
  • While there are ways of doing things to make them appear more important than they are, "fake it til you make it" can have its drawbacks. Don believes humility can be key when it comes to Imposter Syndrome.
  • When it comes to second generation FI, Don says it happens by osmosis. His kids have been raised under a frugal lifestyle.
  • Since his last appearance on the podcast, Don left his teaching job to take the non-profit to the next level, growing both the team starting chapters in co-working spaces and tech hubs.

Resources Mentioned In Today's Conversation

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