Following Your Bliss

As an independent educational consultant (IEC), I have the pleasure and privilege of helping young people map out next steps that can change their lives.

By first engaging them in thoughtful self-reflection, I help them discover post-secondary school options that match up well with their own specific needs, abilities, interests, learning style, personality and preferences, and assist them in developing a strong, authentic admission application—their so-called “profile.” All of this serves to position them as viable candidates for admission to institutions where they’ll likely thrive.

For students to get the most out of this college exploration process, they must consciously and continually think about who they are: what makes them tick and what they do or don’t want out of their college experience. Since most are busy just being teenagers—and especially if they’re lacking professional assistance—this can be quite challenging and stressful.

My colleagues and I know that sharing our knowledge and insights with our students can be very useful. But what I most enjoy is helping them take active ownership of the college search and admission application processes so that they’re able to gain clarity and confidence as they prepare to transition from home and school to campus and college and, accordingly—in a paraphrasing of the words of the late, great mythologist, Joseph Campbell—follow their bliss. As their advocate, coach, and taskmaster, I help kids to begin envisioning the life they want to lead on the way to discovering their calling.

Unfortunately, many people don’t end up doing what they love. Some are afraid to step outside their comfort zone. Others listen to negative, nay-saying voices that put the kibosh on non-traditional dreams. Not trusting their instincts, many simply settle for the path of least resistance. Let’s face it: A lot of the time, we just do what we think we “should.”

I understand that at some point young people will need to pay the rent, buy a car, put food on the table. I know that many students are worried about the wisdom of majoring in something that might seem financially “iffy.” And parents aren’t typically keen on having their kids taking five or six years to finish their undergrad degree because they’ve switched majors multiple times trying to figure this all out.
But following your bliss doesn’t have to engender fear or seem impossible!
Working with independent educational consultants, like me, college-bound students benefit from getting this self-discovery ball rolling sooner rather than later. They don’t skip the all-important self-reflection phase, leave what needs to be done to chance or submit sloppy rush jobs.

What young people find inspiring and worthwhile is likely to change over time. But staying true to themselves now—and taking advantage of myriad learning opportunities in college and down the road—will enable them to continue experiencing growth and finding purpose and happiness in their lives.

© 2024 Sandra M. Moore/Next Step CC, LLC – For more information, contact me at 845.242.8336