“What Makes Us Human?” Joshua Mesnik on Purpose, Creativity, and Thriving in the Age of AI
Recorded at: SXSW EDU • Guest: Joshua Mesnik (Open Future Institute / The Question Project)
At SXSW EDU, we sat down with Joshua Mesnik from Open Future Institute to talk about big life questions, college paths that don’t go in a straight line, and how students can stay true to their values while using new tools like AI.
About The Question Project
Joshua works with Open Future Institute, which offers a class called The Question Project. It helps students explore five pillars: choice, purpose, fearlessness, interconnectedness, and the bigger picture.
“The Question Project… explores big life questions… choice, purpose, fearlessness, interconnectedness, and the bigger picture.”
College Isn’t Always a Straight Line
Joshua studied Communications (Advertising) at Florida State University, but his path shifted as he discovered leadership, dialogue facilitation, and creative communities.
“I was a communications major… then explored leadership studies… that led me to facilitate dialogue groups and to the Question Project.”
Two experiences shaped him: a study-abroad month with the Kichwa community in the Amazon and joining an improv/sketch comedy troupe—both pushed him to embrace curiosity, courage, and community.
Agency, Community, and the “Boat” Metaphor
Joshua uses a simple image to help students see their power and supports:
Rudder = your choices; Anchor = what grounds you; Compass = your purpose; Sails = the experiences you catch with your community.
“Your sails catch the wind… If you’re not catching experiences… you could get blown over by life. Sails often require more than one person to operate—community matters.”
Creativity, Craft, and Careers
For students who love the arts but worry about “starving artist” myths, Joshua’s take is practical and hopeful: respect your creativity and build your craft.
“Learn the craft of people in that industry who make money… Over time your version of the craft becomes your own—and your creative side and craft can combine.”
Mentors: How They Feel Matters
When you look for a mentor, notice your intuition and whether they meet you where you are.
“A good mentor challenges you… but you’ll feel they have your best interest at heart. Ask yourself: how do I feel around this person?”
“Hop Off the Porch”: Abundance and Synchronicity
Feeling stuck? Joshua suggests tuning into the many kinds of abundance around you—people, chances, moments—and being awake to “synchronicities.”
“Synchronicities are a form of abundance… they’re free—but you have to be listening.”
AI + Values: Add Your Fingerprint
Tech is changing fast. You can still lead with your values: use AI as a tool, not a shortcut.
“Always add your fingerprint… You’re trying to reach a human—people can tell when the human essence is missing.”
Pro tip from Joshua:
“Ask AI how to ask AI.”
His “meta-prompt” approach: share deep context about your task, then ask the AI to write the best possible prompt for you to copy-paste back in.
Hybrid Creativity: Film + AI
Joshua sees opportunity in “hybrid” storytelling—live-action plus generative tools—especially for budget-limited creators. He encourages students to keep experimenting, stay current, and seek festivals that welcome AI-assisted work.
To His High School Self
“It’s okay to be weird… Just be yourself.”
Next Steps for Philly Students
Plan your path: Explore majors, programs, and college fit with our resources.
Find money for college: Apply early and often—big and small scholarships add up.
Build your crew: Look for mentors, join a community, and practice your craft.
Start here: PhillyGoes2College Scholarships • High School Checklists • Events & Workshops
Credits
Conversation recorded at SXSW EDU with Joshua Mesnik (Open Future Institute / The Question Project).
