In August 2017, I attended my first International Maxwell Conference in Orlando, Florida to complete my certification as a John Maxwell speaker, coach, and trainer. I was 39 years old, the owner of a thriving education company, the head of operations for a non-profit K-12 organization, and a prominent member of the Colorado Workforce Development boards. Things were going well. We’d recently expanded our programs in three new states, increased our reach to more than 20,000 students, and launched on-line tutoring services.

My first session blew me away. Paul Martinelli, the President, shared how he, a high-school drop out,  generated over a quarter a billion dollars in revenue, and trained more leaders than anyone else in the world.

On my Flight Back to Colorado, a Question Came up that Would Change my Outlook and my Life

“Where do I want to see my kids 10-15 years from now, and what key factors will lead to their success?”

It was shocking.

My company, After School University, had students outperforming peers in ACT/SAT tests, in the toughest subjects, helped many to jump one-two grades ahead, skip years in college, and gain acceptance into Ivy League schools. 

Listening to Paul and the other highly successful speakers challenged my belief system. I realized there are key factors that unite all successful people. Academic achievements and top universities were far from being the common denominator.

After School University Was Created out of Desperation and Determination to Help My Daughter who was Failing in School and Loosing Her Confidence

In October of 2010, when my oldest daughter was failing in school and her confidence was plummeting, I started my own education company out of desperation and determination to help her and all kids falling through the cracks of the education system (on both sides of the curve).

An immediate philosophy became to surround kids with people who endlessly believe in them and build the strongest academic foundation to propel kids forward.

Dr. Anatoliy Glushchenko, a brilliant educator, innovator and world-renowned physicist had recently joined the team. His deep knowledge about the significant gaps in the way math and science are taught in the United States compared to Europe and Asia, led to the creation of a new, amazing K-12 math and science program and became a cornerstone of our STEM education.

Our students’ academic results, critical thinking, and confidence skyrocketed. Now the question was, "How can we maximize the value we bring?"

The Story Behind the Story:

I grew up in communist Russia, where opportunities were very limited. It didn’t matter how smart and amazing you were. If you didn’t belong to a party or an elite group of people with the “right” connections, your future was limited. I grew up thinking that having the best education at the best universities was the only guarantee for success.

When I came to America, I experienced what it means to be able to do and be what you put your mind to. As I learned English, I was surprised to continually hear the phrase: “In order to succeed, you have to be in the right place at the right time.” As if success is a function of luck and has nothing to do with you!

As I learned the statistics of depression and suicide at top universities, met so many people with prestigious degrees that didn’t translate to high results in life, watched people settle into jobs they hate, consulted Fortune 500 companies on accelerating team performance, I began to question my personal believes and assumptions. 

 Success Leaves Clues

The successful people in life are leaders who’ve mastered the art of unstoppable: they “think and grow rich,” know exactly what they want and are passionate about it, and value people and add value to people. They apply their uniqueness and strengths, master sales and communication skills, and are comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Don’t get me wrong - they still possess specialized skills in their areas of expertise. Many of them may not have been in universities or even finished school, but are self-learners. They excel at how to think rather than what to think, make small possible steps towards impossible, and act without hesitation. 

The Biggest Advantage of Making an Investment in Your Child Through After School University’s Program

You'll see an immediate improvement in grades. You’ll also see rewards and improvement in their emotional attitude, personality and character. The biggest win though is that our program will increase your child’s capacity for good. The wider and deeper their foundation of personal growth is, the bigger their field of possibility is, and the more capacity they’ll have to excel beyond limits.

My team and I look forward to partnering with you in helping your children become unstoppable.

Maria Feekes
Think Big. Start Small. Act Now.