At 24, you were probably overwhelmed, knee-deep in work at your first real job post college. Maybe living with 3+ friends in a crowded apartment that functioned more like an extension of a sorority or fraternity house than an adult living situation. At 24, I was in a band playing small shows at local songwriter nights singing about heartbreak, and trying to figure out my place in this world, unsure of just about everything.
Meet Karim Abouelnaga. At 24 years old, Karim serves as CEO for the organization Practice Makes Perfect (since he was 18), writes for Entrepreneur and Forbes, is an Echoing Green Fellow, and has been named to both Forbes’ 30 under 30 list in Education and Magic Johnson’s 32 under 32 list. Most recently, he was ranked in the top 5 most powerful young entrepreneurs under 25 in the world by Richtopia. If you’re like me, your list of life accomplishments by 24 probably looks a little different than Karim’s. I had the opportunity to speak with Karim about his organization, life as a young millennial change maker, and his goals for the future. Hint: he hates the word “goals”!
Describe Practice Makes Perfect and why you created it.
KA: Too often, schools don’t have the time or the bandwidth to plan or operate during the summer since the programs typically starts within two weeks of the end of the academic year. PMP serves to provide additional capacity to engage students, K-8, while working with school leaders to further design and operate their programs. Raised by single mom on government aid, I went to struggling NYC public schools myself. I witnessed the inequalities and the harsh reality that not everyone gets the same education. There are many factors that contribute to the achievement gap, everything from poor health conditions to a lack of positive role models. However, research suggests that 2/3 of the achievement gap could be attributed to unequal summer learning opportunities, making summer the single largest driver of the achievement gap. I felt there was an opportunity to redesign summer school to help close that gap.
Describe the achievement gap.
KA: The achievement gap is the disparity in academic achievement between poor students vs their affluent counterparts and white students vs nonwhite students. It is the term most commonly used to describe the disparities in test scores and academic outcomes.
What millennial characteristics do you believe have made you a good leader?
KA: I am passionate about the issue. Like other millennials, I look for purpose in my work and the alignment between my personal and professional missions has been a huge asset. I’m cognizant that I’m young but aware that I am learning as I go. I’ve made it a point to search for mentors and advisors as I’ve been building PMP, which has definitely made a difference.
How do you feel when people note your age as a negative, based on experience?
KA: I’ve been working on PMP for 6 years. Yes, I started at 18 which is younger than most, but hopefully if time spent equals commitment, then that argument is put to rest. Many of the millennial stereotypes have actually helped me. I’ve lived in the communities I am working in and understand the feelings that PMP students are experiencing because I was there only a few years ago.
What are your personal goals and ideally what do you want to be known for?
KA: After speaking with a mentor, I actually adopted a philosophy outside of goal setting. I realized that my biggest fear was dying and not being remembered, which led me to the Jewish notion of legacy and creating a vision of what that looks like for me. Rather than making decisions based on goals, I instead ask myself if the opportunity that arises brings me closer to the legacy I want to create or if it drives me further away. I want to be remembered as a prominent business person (ex: Warren Buffet, Bill Gates) who influences social change (ex: John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr.).
Millennials and the next generation have a drive unlike others to want to change the world. How do you suggest they get started?
KA: Make sure that you find a problem that you’re uniquely qualified to solve AND that you’re passionate about. Here are the six purpose finding questions I often suggest:
- Why is what you’re working on important?
- Why is what you’re working on important to you?
- Why are you the right person to be working on this? Skills, time, experiences, etc.
- Why is what you’re working on important right now?
- Why is what you’re working on important to you right now?
- Why are you the right person to be working on this right now?
The addition of the words “right now” creates a sense of urgency, which is important to get others to support the work you’re carrying out. If you can answer these questions, you’re going to speak with more conviction and confidence regardless of what you do. If you want to change something, you have to start with yourself.
For more information on Practice Makes Perfect, visit their website at http://practicemakesperfect.org/
