Watch & Subscribe on YouTubeIn this episode of I’ll Meet You There, our host Paige Nolan sits down with Jeff Livingston, an education expert and former Harvard student, to explore the transformative power of education as a pathway out of poverty. Jeff shares his journey from small-town South Carolina to becoming a leader in education innovation, drawing from his own experiences and family history.Their conversation touches on the evolving landscape of higher education, the importance of diverse experiences in college, and the potential of AI to revolutionize learning. Jeff challenges conventional thinking about college majors and career paths, emphasizing the need for adaptability and lifelong learning. His reflections provide a thoughtful examination of how technology can democratize education and create more opportunities for all.What We Explored This Episode05:23 Jeff's South Carolina roots and family history12:09 Grandmother's impact on education values24:27 Jeff's journey from Wall Street to education29:04 College attendance vs. graduation rates37:32 Privilege and inequality in higher education46:38 Developing durable skills for an uncertain future52:51 Aligning passion with natural abilities56:32 Optimism about AI and technological revolution1:01:46 Hope for future generations and progressMemorable Quotes"That faith in something she knew she was denied, that faith that I could acquire it, I would get it – did you get your lesson, Jeff – that’s what created this life for me. Understanding how important education is to those who have been denied it has been driving my career forever."“I think that education, a good education, leading to college and a well-paying career is the one proven, scalable, repeatable pathway out of poverty I have seen.”"The gift of college is to live really close to people who are not like you, go meet some people different from you and in those connections that we begin to create the kind of community that makes this American experiment of democracy possible.”Connect with JeffWebsite: www.edsolutions.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-livingston-8812a91  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sahjeff/ Connect with PaigeWebsite - https://paigenolan.com/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/paigenolanwriteFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/paigenolanwriterLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paige-nolan-0932751/️Music by Boyd McDonnellCover art photography by Innis CaseyPodcast production & marketing by North Node Podcast Network