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So I graduated from high school in 2007 and took a trip to Tanzania. Where I met this wonderful young man named John. He told me he wanted to become President of Tanzania which I thought was awesome. But I learned shortly thereafter that he actually couldn't afford to go to high school. You just kind of take a lot of things for granted like I took the fact that I could go to school for granted, that I could go to college for granted. That's what made this experience of meeting John so shocking to me. And then from there I was inspired to create the School Fund, which is a nonprofit that connects people with student in the developing world that just need a bit of money to continue their education. So one of the things that I think is really awesome about being a young person is, we don't always see all the roadblocks that other adults might see. So here I saw this kid John and I was like, wow this is a big problem, let's do something about it. And I didn't necessarily see all the road blocks of, oh we have to register as a non profit and yadda yadda yadda. We just threw it out there and kinda got going with something. I think it's important that everyone of all ages finds a way to give back, so spend a little time figuring out what you're passionate about and what you enjoy doing and don't be afraid to just jump start and get going with something. 

My path was winding, and that's ok. Look for people who can teach you new things and expand your worldview. Try to work on projects, products, that align with your values.

I do partnerships for some of Google's earliest-stage products and initiatives and I also serve as Chair of the Board for The School Fund, an international nonprofit raising scholarship money for secondary school students in the developing world. 

Matt Severson

About Matt

Matt Severson

About Matt

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