 As a college adviser, I often counsel students on translating their interests into experiential learning opportunities. The most common challenge I see, are students who have some idea of the kind of industries they would like to explore, but no clear understanding on how they're supposed to get there.
While much of a student's coursework provides them with the necessary information on the subject matter they're studying, students struggle with connecting their learning to concrete experiences outside the classroom. This is especially true when their interests are at the intersection of multiple majors. I teach my students to be actively engaged in curating their own learning experiences. This includes everything from utilizing online resources to get clear about their goals; to connecting to others with similar interests, asking questions, finding mentors, and finding opportunities for experience. I instruct them to visualize what they want to learn and where they want to be, then taking small steps toward that goal. I want them to know what it's like to create a plan for success and to understand what it means to persist even when that plan goes awry. I want my students to understand what it means to keep moving forward towards their goals and dreams even when the challenge feels overwhelming and how to ask for the support they need to keep going. This is the best service we can offer our students; the ability to be resilient problem-solvers and self-directed leaders who can thrive in a variety of circumstances This is what it means to Direct Your Purpose. Directing your purpose is about directing your mission while directing your path. It's about putting passions and values into action, persisting by faith, and recovering from setbacks and changes along the way. I want my students to believe in their own abilities, to know that their success is possible, and understand that they can take action even when they can't see the entire path. It is my hope that we as educators are producing the next generation of thinkers AND doers who will understand what it takes to move ideas from inspiration to implementation. How are you Directing Your Purpose? Head over to over our Facebook page and let us know. You can also follow us on Twitter or Instagram.
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