Some conversations deserve to be heard again. This week, we are re-releasing one of the most meaningful episodes in the history of the Disrupt Education Podcast in memory of our friend, educator, mentor, and extraordinary human being, Jen Sharp. Jen tragically lost her life on June 14, 2026, while doing what she loved most: serving others through the sport of skydiving. As the United States Parachute Association's Director of Technology, a longtime instructor, examiner, mentor, and former drop zone owner, Jen dedicated her life to helping people grow with confidence, purpose, and humility. For Alli, Jen was much more than a guest. She was a mentor, evaluator, and friend whose influence continues to shape not only her skydiving journey but also the way she approaches teaching and learning. When we aired this conversation in December 2024, we couldn't have known it would become such an incredible time capsule. Listening back today, Jen's words feel timeless. She reminds us that:Learning happens by doing.Great teachers know when to step back.Making mistakes isn't failure—it's where learning begins.Growth comes from embracing change instead of fearing it.Sometimes the simplest ideas become the most transformational. Using powerful stories from thousands of skydives, Jen draws remarkable parallels between education, leadership, fear, curiosity, and purpose. Whether you've ever considered jumping from an airplane or not, her perspective will challenge the way you think about teaching, learning, and living. If you've never heard this episode, we hope you'll discover why Jen left such a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her. If you listened when it first aired, we invite you to hear it again. Her wisdom carries even greater meaning today. Jen believed that education should never stop, that curiosity should always win, and that we're all capable of more than we realize. Her legacy lives on in every student she inspired, every instructor she mentored, every skydiver she encouraged, and every life she touched.Thank you, Jen.Blue skies and forever grateful. For donations and celebration of life information please visit https://www.jenlallosharp.com/Powered by YouScience Brightpath.YouScience Brightpath, the next generation platform helping students make personalized decisions as they move from education to career. If you are serious about connecting students to real opportunities, head to youscience.com/disrupteducation-podcast. Request a demo and let them know you heard about YouScience right here.
