So just before the April holiday our Middle School division hosted their annual Career Day for students, and it was inspiring to see so many professionals sharing their life passions and purpose with our kids. I overheard one student say, “I didn’t know that job even existed”, and another one said, “Wow, everyone sure loves their job in our community”, which may not be completely true, but at the heart of it, it really was the exact message that we are trying to send…love your work!
It reminded me of that old saying, “Love your job and you’ll never work a day in your life!”, and honestly I believe that there is a lot of truth to that, and just before the event began I had the opportunity to talk to several of the presenters about the key message that they were eager to share with the students. I was thrilled that the enduring takeaway message for students, from all of the presenters that I spoke to, revolved around the imperative of finding meaning and purpose in your chosen field, and the importance of following your passions once you find them. There was no talk about how much money they made, or how much power they had, or how influential they have become, it was singularly focused on the idea of making a difference in the world, and becoming a positive influence in the lives of others, all while staying true to who you are. Wow!
The best part of that day for me was that I had a chance to speak to dozens of students about the inspiring and meaningful career of international education, one that we are familiar with. It was heartwarming to see so many young people interested in the idea of education, and when I asked why they decided to attend my season, the overwhelming response revolved around the opportunity that teachers have to positively impact another person’s life. Each one of them spoke beautifully about how a teacher in their lives had empowered them and changed them for the better, and how that experience had inspired them to do the same…double wow!
I gave the kids in my session the hard sell of course, connected to the meaning and purpose that educators bring to work with them every single day, and the opportunity that educators have to not only change a single person’s life, on a daily basis, but the opportunity that they have to indeed change the world…how many careers can promise that! After the sessions were over there was a palpable buzz in the hallways as students started talking about which career resonated most powerfully with them, and then, just as I was leaving to head back down to my office I heard two 8th grade students chatting. One said, “I’ll probably find a career in some profession that doesn’t even exist yet”, and her friend said, “Well, make sure you at least find meaning and purpose in it!”… nice 🙂
Anyway, it truly was a magical day, and not only was it profound to have those professionals share their experience with our students, it was also incredible to partner face to face with our community again, finally, in a meaningful way on campus. The best schools leverage their parent community to inspire, just like our Middle School did on that day, and it was even more special that (completely unscripted) their collective message aligned so perfectly and so beautifully to our stance as a school. Meaning really is the new money, and seeing so many of our students inspired by that message made me smile from ear to ear. I’m so excited to see how these young changemakers inspire our world when they enter the world of work. Our future is in good hands that’s for sure! Have a wonderful week ahead and remember to be great for our students and good to each other.
Quote of the Week…
Life is about making an impact, not making an income
– Kevin Kruse
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