Late Afternoon Conversations & Introductions at Alpha School

Date: April 18, 2025 (Friday Late Afternoon) Location: Alpha School, Austin Participants: Gary Sheng, Mahaveer Dharmchand, Emily Villa, Johnny Rapp, Noble Grant, Chris Schaas

Overview

A series of overlapping conversations and introductions took place late Friday afternoon. Gary Sheng continued discussions with Mahaveer Dharmchand, introduced him to guide Emily Villa, met with student Noble Grant about his projects, and strategized with guide Chris Schaas about documenting student success stories.

Key Discussion Points

Conversation with Mahaveer Dharmchand & Emily Villa

• Gary introduced Mahaveer to Emily, highlighting her high agency and proficiency with AI tools.
• Discussed next steps for Mahaveer's potential collaboration with McNeil High School, specifically needing marketing materials from Alpha to present to the school administration.
• Emily acknowledged the request and the need to follow up (implicitly with marketing/Jason).

Conversation with Noble Grant

• Gary met Noble Grant, a student focused on AI CAD design.
• Noble outlined his ambitious multi-stage vision: AI CAD -> Military AI applications -> Sensory research / BCI for "sculpting" code.
• Gary suggested Noble connect with his creative friends who are skilled at manifestation.
• They exchanged contact information.

Conversation with Chris Schaas

• Gary met Chris Schaas (referred to as Schaas), presumably a middle school guide.
• Gary tasked Schaas with identifying 10 middle school students who have shown significant growth and helping Gary interview them for case studies.
• They agreed to coordinate this effort the following week after the school break.
• Gary offered Schaas ongoing support for technical needs or removing process friction.
• Gary connected Schaas briefly with Noble Grant.

Other Interactions & Points

• Johnny Rapp was present, interacting briefly with Emily and Gary.
• Discussion about potential future guests like Rick Rubin and John Monopoly.
• Gary shared his philosophy on focusing energy and avoiding "lukewarmness."
• Gary reiterated his offer to Mahaveer to potentially bring his daughter into Alpha programs (like the Saturday program mentioned by Chris Locke earlier).
• Gary shared a personal anecdote about feeding MacKenzie Price an açai bowl he received from Mahaveer, seeing it as a moment of "god flow."
• Continued informal discussion about music, culture, and plans for the weekend.

Follow-up Actions

• Emily Villa/Carson/Jason to provide Mahaveer with marketing materials for public school outreach.
• Gary to follow up with Noble Grant regarding connections.
• Chris Schaas to identify 10 middle school students for case study interviews with Gary the following week.
• Potential pool hangout at Gary's apartment on Saturday.