The Path to Purpose
“As a college admissions consultant, I begin a relationship with a teen client by probing that young person's interests, passions and long-term goals. I am often struck by an absence of purpose, even from students with remarkable talent. So Professor Damon's book truly resonated for me. I once thought that my role with teens was mostly about the "HOW" (i.e., getting into college); Damon's book helped me realize that, as an adult who cares about young people, it is my responsibility to help my adolescents with the "WHY."
I call this book an antidote for the Race to Nowhere, based on a recent film about the pressure placed on high school students today to get into college, without any real vision of where they are really going in life or why it matters.
This book will change you, whether you are a parent, teacher, tutor, coach, extended family member, shrink, or policymaker. Its call to action is to help our society's young people shift in a positive direction along the continuum of categories from disengaged to purposeful.
Damon does not just curse the darkness; he lights a bright candle by making positive suggestions that parents (and other adults) can put into practice on a daily basis with the teens with whom they interact.
Rather than stealing Damon's thunder, I suggest reading this book and internalizing his suggestions. The first is: "Listen for the spark, then fan the flame" whenever the opportunity arises....”
I call this book an antidote for the Race to Nowhere, based on a recent film about the pressure placed on high school students today to get into college, without any real vision of where they are really going in life or why it matters.
This book will change you, whether you are a parent, teacher, tutor, coach, extended family member, shrink, or policymaker. Its call to action is to help our society's young people shift in a positive direction along the continuum of categories from disengaged to purposeful.
Damon does not just curse the darkness; he lights a bright candle by making positive suggestions that parents (and other adults) can put into practice on a daily basis with the teens with whom they interact.
Rather than stealing Damon's thunder, I suggest reading this book and internalizing his suggestions. The first is: "Listen for the spark, then fan the flame" whenever the opportunity arises....”
