Hello, and welcome to “The Education Blueprint: Honest Advice for Families.”
I’m Markis Gardner, and today’s episode is all about getting to know what this podcast is about. We’ll dive into the Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How—so you know exactly what to expect moving forward.

Who

First, Who am I?
As I mentioned, my name is Markis Gardner. I’ve been an educator for 19 years, teaching in both high schools and universities. I’ve also been a tutor for 30 years. For the past 10 years, I’ve also worked as an education consultant, helping families navigate the complexities of education. My goal? To help you provide your child with the best opportunities, no matter your budget.

What

What’s this podcast about?
“The Education Blueprint” is designed to guide you through every step of your child’s educational journey—from choosing the right extracurricular activities to picking subjects that align with their strengths. We’ll talk about affordable ways to ensure your child is prepared, not only for college but also for life, whether they decide to pursue higher education or enter the workforce directly.

When

When should you start preparing?
The answer is simple: Now.
Whether your child is in elementary school or nearing graduation, it's never too early (or too late) to lay the groundwork for their future. Starting early gives them the best chances at success, and it’s often less costly in the long run.

Where

Where can your child find the best educational opportunities?
We’ll explore all the different avenues—whether it’s traditional schools, vocational programs, or other resources. And if college isn’t the right fit for your child, don’t worry—we’ll also cover how to prepare them for the workplace without needing a degree.

Why

Why did I become an education consultant?
It all started when I saw firsthand how some consultants exploit families. One school consultant bragged about making money off students while steering them toward colleges that paid him—instead of what was best for the students. That wasn’t right.
So, I became certified through PIER and ICEF, determined to do things differently. Over the years, I’ve helped families across the globe, and while it’s been a challenge, especially in places like China where schools had their own deals, I’ve always been committed to giving honest advice.
That’s why I started this podcast—to give you the tools and information you need for free.

How

How can you prepare your child, no matter your situation?
In future episodes, I’ll walk you through practical steps you can take today—whether your child is in elementary school or approaching university. I’ll also have live sessions where I can discuss your personal concerns in real time, so feel free to reach out if you’d like to participate.

I hope you enjoy the podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe, and if you find it helpful, please share it with your friends so we can help more families together.

Thank you very much and have a nice day.

Guest:
If you would like to be a guest on my podcast to cover your child's specific case, please contact me.

Tutoring:
Do you need a math tutor for your middle school or high school student?
Do you want help preparing for the SAT/ACT?
Do you want help getting ready for math competitions AMC 8/10 or Kangaroo Math?
Do you want specific help in getting the best education?
Would you like your family to move to another country?

Contact me at info@goingabroadtostudy.com.
Note: While my website is mostly for students studying abroad, I can help you even if you are staying local.