Growing up we all have dreams of what we want to be when we grow up. Considering the lack of princesses and Jedi Knights running around, few actually realize their childhood career ambitions. More helpful for society, less so for our inner child. It seems almost an impossible request to ask children, even teenagers, to choose a path so early on. In fact, many university students change majors like changing clothes. Is this because, as a society, we’re indecisive? Or, is it more likely that our options are so vast at that age that we’re unsure of how to transfer our prowess on the Xbox into a lucrative career path?
(WATCH: School Alumni: Scott Malcolm.)
Scott Malcolm faced a similar quandary as a RIM executive. He realized that where he’d ended up wasn’t where he wanted to be. He started thinking, “I’m not necessarily using the things that I’m best at. I’m not necessarily as fulfilled as I might want to be,” says the Sterling Hall graduate. So he forged out on his own and started The Redwood Project, a leadership program which helps students discover their strengths.
Scott Malcolm helps students discover their talents and strengths.
The goal was to harness these strengths and positively motivate students so they would be better prepared to make decisions for their futures. Malcolm empowers students with the knowledge of what they can contribute, a foundation that will help them realize their career paths sooner. “How do we broaden that definition of what success really is?” Malcolm says.
Related:
Helping My Kids Reach Their Full Potential
Encouraging Kids to Improve: Why You Shouldn’t Praise Your Kids
About Wendi Percival
