On April 12th, 2025, Reliance College brought our latest one-day immersion event—Reliance Day—to Dallas, Texas, at the Cooper Hotel.
This was not your typical college fair or academic workshop. Instead, attendees found themselves immersed in a dynamic learning experience that challenged them to think independently, reason critically, and engage deeply with the kinds of questions that prepare people not just for school or work, but for life.
From the start, the day emphasized active inquiry over passive listening. The morning began with a collaborative Socratic discussion on the Pledge of Allegiance, encouraging participants to wrestle with the meaning of patriotism, identity, and civic responsibility.
This was followed by a spirited discussion of a selection from Plato’s Meno, which sparked conversation around the nature of knowledge, learning, and the role of inquiry in personal growth.
These weren’t theoretical exercises—they were foundational practices for cultivating the habits of mind that every successful entrepreneur and leader needs. Critical thinking, persuasive communication, self-direction, and adaptability are not just academic skills; they are life skills, and they’re essential for anyone looking to carve their own path in a rapidly evolving world.
At Reliance College, we often say we’re not just teaching knowledge—we’re teaching the capacity to think for yourself and act with purpose. That entrepreneurial mindset was on full display during our interactive art session, where attendees explored how observation, interpretation, and imagination can be applied not only to art, but to business and innovation. Learning to “see differently” is a core entrepreneurial trait, and it’s exactly the kind of cognitive flexibility that Reliance fosters in every student.
During lunch, we shared stories from The Great Connections Seminar, our flagship summer program held in Chicago, which for 15 years has helped students from across the country build the clarity, confidence, and purpose to take charge of their lives.
These programs are not only academically enriching—they’re transformational. Students regularly report improved decision-making, stronger communication skills, and increased resilience. And that’s not just anecdotal—participants in collaborative Socratic programs have shown up to an 84% improvement in cognitive skill development. Michael Strong extensively discusses these results in The Habit of Thought: From Socratic Seminars to Socratic Practice.
One of the most moving moments of the day came from Cesar Martinez, a military veteran and an upcoming graduate of Southern Methodist University. After participating in the day’s sessions, he shared that he now hopes to pursue a master’s degree at Reliance College. His story embodies the kind of individual Reliance seeks to serve: someone who values rigorous thought, personal responsibility, and the freedom to forge their own path.
That’s what our programs are ultimately about—developing entrepreneurs of their own lives. Whether students go on to start businesses, lead in their communities, or pioneer new ideas in science, art, or policy, Reliance equips them with the mindset and tools to lead with reason and integrity. In a world increasingly shaped by AI, automation, and decentralization, the value of being able to think originally and act boldly is only growing.
Whether attendees came to Dallas Reliance Day seeking college preparation, career inspiration, or personal growth, they left with more than they expected—and a deeper sense of what’s possible through a Reliance education.
If you missed this event, we warmly invite you—or a student in your life—to join us in Chicago this summer for the Great Connections Seminar, held July 26–August 2 at the University of Illinois at Chicago. It’s a week that can launch a lifetime of purpose-driven achievement, intellectual discovery, and entrepreneurial thinking.
Curious what makes The Great Connections Seminar so transformative?
We’ve just released a free webinar that takes you inside our flagship summer program—so you can see how one week in Chicago can unlock a lifetime of confidence, clarity, and entrepreneurial purpose.
