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Show Notes
"I had to make a decision because I knew that if nothing changed, I was just gonna fail out of EECS. I remember EECS actually sent me a letter where they were like, 'Hey, if your GPA continues this low, you will be kicked out next semester.'"
In part one of our conversation with Alfredo Andere, we delve into his journey from Mexico to the prestigious EECS program at UC Berkeley. Alfredo shares his early fascination with technology, the challenges of adapting to a new educational system, and the pivotal moments that shaped his academic and personal growth.
Raised in various cities across Mexico, Alfredo's passion for technology was sparked by reading biographies of tech leaders like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk. His entrepreneurial spirit emerged early when he organized a forum that attracted high-profile speakers, including former Mexican presidents, to his all-boys Catholic high school. Despite initial struggles with calculus at Berkeley, Alfredo's determination and commitment to his studies ultimately led to his success in the competitive EECS program.
Key topics covered:
- Upbringing in Mexico: Moving between cities and experiencing different cultures
- Early tech inspiration: Impact of reading biographies and following Apple keynotes
- High school innovation: Creating a forum with 4,000 attendees and notable speakers
- Transition to US education: Challenges of applying to and choosing Berkeley
- Academic resilience: Overcoming initial struggles in EECS through intense dedication
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Resources & Articles
Excedr Leasing Program: https://www.excedr.com/leasing
Unreasonable Hospitality: https://www.unreasonablehospitality.com/
The Everything Store: https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Store-Jeff-Bezos-Amazon/dp/0316219266
Steve Jobs (Biography): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Jobs_(book)
Man’s Search for Meaning: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man%27s_Search_for_Meaning
Organizations & People
Apple: https://www.apple.com/
LatchBio: https://latch.bio/
UC Berkeley: https://www.berkeley.edu/
Green Apple Books: https://greenapplebooks.com/
Waze: https://www.waze.com/
Chez Panisse: https://www.chezpanisse.com/
11 Madison Park: https://www.elevenmadisonpark.com/
Loom: https://www.loom.com/
Uri Levine: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uri_Levine
Steve Jobs: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Jobs
Jeff Bezos: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Bezos
Victor Frankl: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viktor_Frankl
