Saturday Visit with Vidyasagar Vudumu & Daughters

Date: April 19, 2025 (Saturday) Location: Alpha School, Austin Participants: Gary Sheng, Russ Ballard, Johnny Rapp, Vidyasagar Vudumu, Shloka Vudumu (Junior), Vidyasagar's Younger Daughter

Overview

Vidyasagar Vudumu, a software engineer at Cigna, visited the Alpha School Saturday program with his two daughters (Shloka, a junior, and a younger daughter) after hearing about it from a friend. Gary Sheng, Russ Ballard, and Johnny Rapp engaged them in a conversation about their interests, the Alpha model, and potential future involvement.

Key Discussion Points

Family Background & Interests

• Vidyasagar is exploring Alpha School for his daughters, moving away from the traditional system.
• Shloka (Junior) is passionate about Data Science and AI, sparked by AP Statistics and research on AI in education.
• Younger daughter is interested in Business and Marketing.
• Vidyasagar is passionate about fitness but couldn't get his daughters interested in his preferred sport (badminton).

Alpha School Philosophy & Vision

• Gary explained the core Alpha philosophy: follow your passion, become the best in the world at it, and connect the dots later (referencing Steve Jobs).
• Emphasized that authentic passion is key to success at Alpha; choosing projects just to impress others leads to failure.
• Discussed the importance of mentors and the network of "Alpha Activators" who help students.
• Outlined the grand vision for Alpha Schools: revolutionizing global education, creating specialized microschools (e.g., badminton, rap, skateboarding), building a media empire, and fostering youth-led initiatives like the America 2.0 Summit.
• Explained the political and financial strategy: increasing school choice vouchers to make Alpha accessible beyond the wealthy.
• Positioned Alpha as aiming to be leagues beyond traditional elite institutions like Harvard.
• Described the technology focus: leveraging AI for foundational learning ("new floor") and freeing up human guides for mentorship and connection.

Potential Opportunities for the Daughters

• Gary suggested mentorship/internship possibilities for Shloka with contacts like Matthew Brown (AI/Finance).
• Proposed that the younger daughter could work directly with Gary on marketing/scaling projects for Alpha.
• Invited both daughters to meet influential visitors (like Lael Alexander, "Black Tony Stark") the following Thursday.

Other Points

• Casual banter between Gary, Russ, and Johnny about cultural references, fashion, music, and weekend plans.
• Gary shared his non-linear career path as an example of connecting diverse experiences.
• Discussion about the importance of Texas as a hub for freedom and innovation.

Follow-up Actions

• Gary exchanged contact info with Vidyasagar.
• Vidyasagar's daughters invited to meet visitors at Alpha School the following Thursday.