Have you ever found yourself in a Baskin-Robbins (do they still exist?), marveling at the array of 31 ice cream flavors, struggling to make a decision?
Many people find it hard to pick one, or even two flavors! The amount of options are paralyzing.
…and there are only 31.
Now, picture being a teenager faced with over 12,000 different career choices in the U.S. It's no wonder many teens feel lost when trying to decide their future path.
It’s why teens can often feel overwhelmed when they search for their one thing — their “calling.”
As previously mentioned, teens shouldn’t spend a second trying to find their calling — they should though, start building one.
A calling is not discovered in a single moment. It is cultivated through experiences that shape our understanding of ourselves and where we can be most useful. Over time, we begin to see a pattern in ourselves that will help us discern the specific work we can do for the glory of God and the good of others.
Teens need experiences to reveal their gifts, express some developing skill, and expose them to new things.
So, what kinds of experiences are essential for building their calling?
While many experiences contribute, two key categories stand out as particularly impactful.
WORK-RELATED EXPERIENCES:
#1 Get a job — any job that is not being funded by mom & dad or grandparents.
Did you know that only 35% of high school students have had a job? There is a lot of value in gathering real-world work experience. The benefits are numerous — the least of which is making money.
#2 Start a side hustle business — such as mowing lawns, washing windows, nanny, etc. What a great way to develop leadership, skills, and confidence!
#3 Explore a vocational internship. (see MADE4MORE’S M13 PROGRAM)
Did you know less than 2% of high school students participate in any type of internship experience?
SERVING-RELATED EXPERIENCES:
#4 Serve at your church. There are a variety of opportunities to serve in unique ways in your local church ministry.
#5 Serve using a skill. What is something a student can make or fix— that will display love and service?
#6 Serve a local charity with a mission the student believe in, even if it’s just a one-time thing.
Each one of these experiences, combined with directed reflection, will start to build a clear understanding in students about their unique calling…and purpose.
Let’s together help students start building…
Many people find it hard to pick one, or even two flavors! The amount of options are paralyzing.
…and there are only 31.
Now, picture being a teenager faced with over 12,000 different career choices in the U.S. It's no wonder many teens feel lost when trying to decide their future path.
It’s why teens can often feel overwhelmed when they search for their one thing — their “calling.”
As previously mentioned, teens shouldn’t spend a second trying to find their calling — they should though, start building one.
A calling is not discovered in a single moment. It is cultivated through experiences that shape our understanding of ourselves and where we can be most useful. Over time, we begin to see a pattern in ourselves that will help us discern the specific work we can do for the glory of God and the good of others.
Teens need experiences to reveal their gifts, express some developing skill, and expose them to new things.
So, what kinds of experiences are essential for building their calling?
While many experiences contribute, two key categories stand out as particularly impactful.
WORK-RELATED EXPERIENCES:
#1 Get a job — any job that is not being funded by mom & dad or grandparents.
Did you know that only 35% of high school students have had a job? There is a lot of value in gathering real-world work experience. The benefits are numerous — the least of which is making money.
#2 Start a side hustle business — such as mowing lawns, washing windows, nanny, etc. What a great way to develop leadership, skills, and confidence!
#3 Explore a vocational internship. (see MADE4MORE’S M13 PROGRAM)
Did you know less than 2% of high school students participate in any type of internship experience?
SERVING-RELATED EXPERIENCES:
#4 Serve at your church. There are a variety of opportunities to serve in unique ways in your local church ministry.
#5 Serve using a skill. What is something a student can make or fix— that will display love and service?
#6 Serve a local charity with a mission the student believe in, even if it’s just a one-time thing.
Each one of these experiences, combined with directed reflection, will start to build a clear understanding in students about their unique calling…and purpose.
Let’s together help students start building…