"What do you want to be when you grow up?"
Do you remember that question from when you were a student?
Imagine if we help kids broaden their choices and think bigger? I created this "classified ad" page to get kids (and grown up kids) pondering their futures in more creative ways.
Often kids will name a role: Firefighter, police officer, soccer player, teacher, author. Why not get them to dig a little bit deeper?
How about a firefighter whose mission was to fight as few fires as possible because their mission is to promote safety in their communities?
How about an author whose mission is to get kids interested in the environment?
The North Star (or Polaris) is part of the constellation Ursa Minor. You can think of your future in the same way. Your North Star might be your guiding role--but you have other "stars" in your constellation that--if you see the connections and weave them in--which will guide you on a much more meaningful journey.
In 1997, I wrote a book called The North Star to inspire creative thinking about crafting a meaningful future. It grew out of my own personal experience and working with educators who wondered out loud with me about what they wanted their students to leave their classrooms with after 180 spent with them. It sparked an array of answers which--when I looked at my notes--appeared to be a constellation. It also sparked a lot of questions and creative ways to inspire mindful thinking.
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| I created The North Star as a picture book for all ages. |
Here's are two "North Star" ways of asking "What do you want to be when you grow up?":
"What will your mission be when you grown up?"
"What kind of person would you like to be when you grow up?"
"WANTED: WONDERFUL NEIGHBOR. Should be generous, kind, and respectful. Willing to lend a hand, a ladder or supply a cup of sugar. Being active in the community is a plus."
If you or the young people in your life have ideas for additional "job listings" - send them my way and I will add to this "constellation" of career possibilities!
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