The Places You'll Go

Careers Morning at Greenwood is an opportunity for students to explore future opportunities and learn more about jobs that they may know nothing about. During this year’s Careers Morning, students heard from 29 Greenwood alumni and parents (both past and current). Guest speakers came from multiple fields, giving students insight to some of the possibilities that exist for their postsecondary experience and beyond. 

As someone who pursued a Kinesiology degree -- emphatically stating that I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but was sure that I didn’t want to be a teacher -- a quote from one or our speakers really resonated. “Your journey is unique,” said Audrey Grant ‘07. “Don’t feel like you need to be super laser focused coming out of school with a grand master plan because it will change.” Being relieved of the pressure to have a perfect plan gives students the freedom to explore more deeply the possibilities that exist. Some people know early on in their lives exactly what they want to do and set out to achieve those goals from an early age, but it is okay if you don’t. After spending summer jobs and volunteer hours working with children, my perspective on teaching shifted 180 degrees; I learned that this profession aligned with my values and aspirations, and so I set off on my own unique career path. 

Grandparents, parents, other adults and peers in students’ lives can’t help but ask them what they want to do when they grow up. Imagine being in Grade 7, just trying to figure out the day ahead of you, and having people ask for your long-term plan for 10 years from now. I’m guilty of this, and perhaps it’s a byproduct of seeing the potential and the exciting options that lie before young people. However, I continue to work at reframing that question around students’ interests and the challenges they enjoy. 

Careers Morning, combined with course selection, requires students to set some short- and long-term goals and to make some choices along the way. Our students may be faced with moments when taking advantage of an opportunity may result in less-than-optimal grades, or when achieving the required grade for a competitive program means they must sacrifice social opportunities.

To parents/guardians, I hope that many of you will consider sharing your journeys at future Careers Mornings; everyone’s unique journey is a story. Students’ stories will all be unique and that’s what makes Greenwood’s mission such an important one. We will continue to inspire and support each student, within a welcoming community, to develop the knowledge, skills and character needed to lead a fulfilling life and help each student to reach their full potential.