Everyone Aspires
This is simple. We think everyone should aspire — more than just dream. We think that schools and communities must help young students along that road of aspirations. But first, a student needs to be encouraged to think about what they like, what they think they are good at, what might make them proud in the future. Our experience over 30+ years is that 4th graders know much more about what would be a rewarding career for them than they realize. It is often clearer to a 4th grader than it is to a 12th grader.
Sure, a fourth grader's aspirations are likely to change 100 times between now and then. It is less about finding the right road and more about moving along a road. We know that all students dream. We think that all students should aspire, not just those from a certain class with a certain teacher, and not just the gifted and talented. Everyone should aspire. Only a community full of aspiring youth will have a bright future. Beginning this road of aspiration in 12th grade leaves the student and the community far short of potential.
We ask all students to think about their aspirations, maybe discuss them at home or in class. and write them down. Then, working with the school and the community, we set up an Aspirations Fair so that these students can interview and get to know a professional in the shared career of interest.
This can help students with their
scholarship application essays and it can lead to involvement in ongoing
Aspirations Circles. Most importantly, it helps them along the road.