114. Our Future is in the Hands of Changemakers, Vama Kothari and Sophia Dietrich

Frankfurt International School (FIS) student, Sophia Dietrich has an international background that includes being born in Denver, Colorado, growing up in France, then growing up again in Germany. A senior at FIS, she has already developed an international mindset and, interestingly, a passion, dare I say, for Japanese culture and its values of harmony, tranquility, purity, and respect. It is safe to say Sophia is a globalist who has a broad and deep understanding of the world, and education. And, she aspires to be a teacher. FIS student, Vama Kothari was born in India, but carries an American passport. She has lived half of her life in Germany, and is a junior at FIS. She has also lived in China, and, briefly, in New Jersey. She has traveled extensively to Asia, Africa, the Middle East and other parts of Europe. With her family, and in part because of her place of birth, she celebrates many Indian festivals and eats Indian food almost daily. She is an avid reader and tennis player, and as I learned during an FIS, February 2023 symposium on AI, well versed in what’s happening in the world. What you are about to hear is a gesture of respect on my part, meaning I pulled no punches with my questions, despite the fact I was talking to two high school students. In the end this is a marvelous conversation that ranges across a multiplicity of topics, including purpose versus passion, all things generative AI, the value of a deep sense of self when one is a young learner and much, much more. As I have done with previous episodes involving more than one guest, I spoke to Vama first, then, after the first break, I spoke to Sophia. After the second break I brought these two awesome change makers together for some reflections and final thoughts. My huge thanks to Jessica Russo Scherr at FIS, Vama's and Sophia's teacher, for helping to arrange this episode. Our theme music comes from master pianist and recording artist, Michael Sloan. Find Michael's music at Spotify and Apple Music. Please leave us a review and a supportive comment wherever you find your podcasts.