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JD Breen's avatar

Fantastic essay, Maxim. I’ve forwarded to my own sons.

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Maxim Benjamin Smith's avatar

Thank you, JD!

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Brian Clavin's avatar

Maxim.

This was awesome. Big Thanks.

I wanted to ask if your Dad and Doug might know Tom Dyson of Bonner Private Research.

Even if they don’t, you guys should all connect.

Tom has a son, Dusty, who is turning 18.

My guess is that Tom and Dusty would be fascinated and totally into “The Preparation” as a meaningful and superior option to the ‘Costly College Quagmire” alternative.

Please check them out, and connect with them.

Good Luck with Your Journey and its Destination.

Brian

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Maxim Benjamin Smith's avatar

Thank you, Brian. Much appreciated

As a matter of fact, we did have Tom Dyson over to our house one time when we still lived in Denver. Unfortunately, I wasn't there to meet him.

I believe that my dad and Tom talk occasionally, but I'd like to meet Tom and his kids myself sometime. I know that Tom is also subscribed to my blog as well.

Hopefully we can meet!

Have a great day, Brian.

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Brian Clavin's avatar

Brilliant Maxim.

Amazing that Dad and Tom know each other.

Wouldn’t it be magic if your Journey lead to Dusty finding a better path to his future.

And…obviously..a runway for The Preparation to reach an even wider audience.

All to Play For.

Best of Luck

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Dan's avatar

Ask the question, don't be walking in front of us staring at your phone!

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Nelson Martin's avatar

Great post, thank you for sharing that experience.

It immediately reminded me of the following list of questions that I've kept in my 'Scribblings' file for years. (This file is mostly memorable quotes, but also some a-ha moments and thoughts of my own.)

Conversation starters (starters of "real" conversation):

- What is your most memorable childhood experience? (Or, tell me about "a memorable" childhood

experience.)

- What is the most intense emotion you've experienced in the last 48 hours?

- What do you aspire to? (Gibran quote)

- What do you want from life? (Rhythm of Life book)

- What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail? (Schuller interview)

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Maxim Benjamin Smith's avatar

I’m going to have to use some of those…

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Pickles's avatar

Awesome post, thank you

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Mike Ware's avatar

Fantastic essay. You’ve got me praying for your uncle, he seems like quite a man. That was some description of his “childhood”! And mother. Some really good advice from him. It’s amazing sometimes what the human spirit can overcome. Thanks for posting about your educational adventures and I wish you all the best success with all of it.

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Maxim Benjamin Smith's avatar

Thanks, Mike!

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Mike Ware's avatar

Anytime. And keep that pedal on “Maxim”!

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Ursula  Ivonoffski's avatar

Your essays are so well thought out - you are a prize example of a young person from whom we folks who are older, can learn ! I look forward to them !

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Klaus Hubbertz's avatar

👍👍👍 🔥🔥🔥 🧨🧨🧨 !!!

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