Last January 3, Forbes released its sixth annual “30 Under 30” list, recognizing 600 leaders across 20 different industries who are “challenging the conventional wisdom and rewriting the rules for the next generation.” Expert judges chose from more than 15,000 nominations, accepting less than 4% into these top echelons of entrepreneurs who are inspiring change through new solutions.
Among them, Sieva Kozinsky, CEO of StudySoup, is one of 30 “edu-preneurs” featured in the Education category. StudySoup–an online peer-to-peer marketplace that connects top students with those looking for a little extra help in the classroom–works with a community of more than 500,000 students across more than 150 schools.
Kozinsky ’08 credits his time at International High School of San Francisco with preparing him for where he is today, particularly the school’s International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
“Overall the IB program was a transformative experience,” said Kozinsky. “By every measure, it was very challenging. You had no choice but to work hard and earn it. But you were surrounded by people who were all going through the same struggle and offered you support along the way. Though it was a tough program, in the end it was very rewarding.”
Kozinsky also acknowledged the support and instruction he received from his teachers. He recalled math teacher Netta Maclean imparting an early and valuable lesson in leadership to him. “[Maclean] was my math teacher for two years, and she left a tremendous impression on me. She was firm but made it very clear that she believed in her students, and people loved her for that. She knew exactly how to read people, and would subtly make you push yourself to work harder and be a better you,” said Kozinsky.
He also discovered his passion for public speaking and debate, skills that he has found essential in his current role, through his experiences in Debate with Dan Harder. “[Harder] volunteered to teach in the basement of our school twice a week. Class would start at 7am, before the school had even unlocked,” recalled Kozinsky. “He was very engaging, and the class was so much fun that I remember actually being excited to get up early and lug myself to this class!”
In Forbes’ lists, readers will see names they recognize, such as YouTube star Tyler Oakley, White House Strategic Communications Director Hope Hicks, and Olympian Michael Phelps. Among them hundreds of entrepreneurs–working tirelessly to make a difference in Energy, Healthcare, Science, and more–were also recognized.
Check out the full list of “30 Under 30” at www.forbes.com/30under30.
The post International High School Alum Named to Forbes 30 Under 30: StudySoup CEO Sieva Kozinsky Chosen as Leading “Edu-preneur” appeared first on StudySoup Blog - Peer to Peer Learning.
