This week I had the privilege of speaking at our local school to the 8th-grade class. Several of us from the community were asked to come and share our reasons for being on the career path we have chosen. Specifically, we were to share our best advice for life with these students.
It's been a long time since I've been in a group of 8th graders and it was quite refreshing. These students are our future and I came away with a wonderful experience. Here are my takeaways:
What I Learned from the 8th Graders:
- They still have a naturally inquisitive spirit. I so enjoyed hearing their questions.
- 8th graders are problem solvers. Despite their age, as I shared various business plans, they were already calculating numbers.
- They have dreams. They aren't afraid of dreaming. Many adults forget how to dream.
- The world is an open book in front of them. These students are excited to get to high school and explore the courses that will help set them on their chosen paths.
My Best Advice to the 8th Graders:
- Never allow anyone to convince you that you can't achieve your goals. I was discouraged many times and I am so glad that I ignored the people in my life who were trying to deflate my balloon.
- You will always be learning even when you graduate from high school. I shared with them how important life-long learning is for any career path.
- You are more capable than you know. If you have a dream, determine what you need to do in order to get to that dream. And, if you don't try, you will never know what you can achieve.
It was truly a delight to stand before these students and share the pros and cons of being in real estate and being an entrepreneur. The best part, however, was what I came away with and that was the promise of seeing our future leaders. If you have a chance to visit with these young people, do it. There is much hope for our future generation.
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