through the eyes of a child

Recently I was asked to visit my granddaughter's 4th grade class on Career Day. This was a time the teacher had invited in mainly parents to tell the kids what they "did for a living" or what "job they had." I chose to take a little different approach and talk with them about what makes a career. I explained mainly that a career is a journey not a job and flowed from the "itches inside your soul", especially since I had personally done a number of different things from business executive to college professor, always considering what I was doing professionally as a calling.

I wasn't sure if I would be able to communicate with 10 yr olds because my seniors in college struggle much of the time getting what I trying to say. I found myself explaining many words like intrinsic motivation and psychology and manager, which caused me to stop and ask them questions along the way about what they understood. I was amazed at the time at what they could grasp and the responses they had to concepts I was sharing with them.

Yesterday I received a package from the teacher thanking me for my time and expressing how much the kids enjoyed my Career Day talk. That was nice and pretty much expected. What was not expected were letters the kids wrote me giving their perspective on what I was saying. On one hand they are hilarious but on the other quite surprisingly insightful. So I thought I would share a few of their comments on my blog.

"I think it is interesting that you work 2 days a week. I would really not like to have your job considering how much you work." (I think she means "how little I work", haha)

"I would not want your job because it's another time that you go to school."

"I think an interesting thing about your job is that you teach about jobs."

"I think it is very interesting that you gave us a college class when we are only 4th graders."

"I think I would not like this job because you see a lot of kids, don't you? Because you have to remember a lot of names."

"I learned that our career is like a journey. It is interesting that some of the students will come and ask you for help on certain things."

"I think it is interesting that you teach college students. I also learned you teach many subjects. I dont think I want to be a college teacher because sometimes college students are crazy."

"It was cool what you said, 'I teaching you kids college education, plus it was an hour long.'"

"I liked that you taught us all about what it was like being one (college professor)."

"I have never been good at Math like you are, but I am good at reading and writing. I also like Social Studies and Science. Do you use these skills in your job?"

"The most interesting thing about your job is you get to hang out (teach) with them. The cool thing is you go to a college. I've never been to a college."

"when I start working I want to be a prof just like you."

What was it Art Linkletter built a career on?   "kid's say the darnedest things!"

I am impressed with 10 yr olds!!  :-)