Eighteen-year-old Ava Wettrick turned down the celebrity role models MTV pushed on her—and built Mentor Z to find authentic ones instead. Ava, daughter of education innovator Don Wettrick, joins Brad and Jonathan to discuss her mission to redefine mentorship for Gen Z, the unconventional path she chose over traditional college, and how reading shaped her identity. The conversation explores the ROI of college, learning through experience rather than lectures, and what happens when entrepreneurship becomes a family value. Don weighs in on the Start It Up Foundation and why creating meaningful experiences beats conforming to traditional education. Key Topics Ava's Background and Mission [00:02:35] Ava launched Mentor Z to spotlight relatable role models beyond celebrity culture, documenting her search for authentic mentors worth emulating. Importance of Reading and Learning [00:04:40] "You are a product of what you consume." [00:05:31] Ava emphasizes that quality reading material shapes identity and personal growth. The College Decision [00:19:05] Ava navigated societal expectations while weighing her entrepreneurial ambitions against traditional education, ultimately prioritizing personal growth and experiential learning. Ava's Podcast Experiences [00:27:54] "Your life does not have to be this way." [00:28:33] Ava reflects on how mentorship influenced her journey and her aspiration to mentor peers. Learning by Osmosis [00:39:22] Ava describes college as teaching lessons beyond the classroom—knowledge absorbed through environment and experience rather than formal instruction. Environment and Accountability [00:43:05] "If you can control your environment, there's no excuse." Creating spaces conducive to productivity eliminates barriers to success. Sustainable Income and Freedom [00:44:01] Ava's biggest financial lesson: "My biggest financial mistake is not having a sustainable income." She recognizes income as the foundation for freedom and flexibility. Action Items Read at least one personal development book [00:04:40] Identify a mentor in your field of interest [00:28:00] Related Resources Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill [00:07:42] Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl [00:42:05] Related Episodes Episode 087: Dominick Quartuccio and Start It Up Foundation [00:47:01]