Week 2 Activity - On Being a Contribution

What does it mean to be a contribution? I always used to get thrown off by this question because I always thought that it meant I should look at myself and figure out what I would bring to the world that had never been brought before. The pressure of that was sometimes too much to bear and I often came up flabbergasted and this puzzlement showed on my face. It was kind of like the "What can you bring to this establishment?" and "Tell me about yourself" inquisitions one must go through during interviews for unemployment.

And then, I read the Art of Possibility by Benjamin and Rosamund Zander and this thinking changed. Now being a contribution has taken on a whole new meaning. Contributing is not financial or something to dread being asked about. It is not a question meant to stump or undermine. I realize that being contribution means any action taken to improve the quality of life for someone else. The book also tells of how one can contribute to even the memory of someone by looking back and seeing that person's actions in a brand new light. By choosing to look back and change one's thinking, our perception of past experiences change.

How am I a contribution? I feel that I have been and will continue to be a contribution by inspiring people of all ages and walks of life to continue their education. By being supportive and providing advice towards returning to school, I am giving the person the message that I BELIEVE IN THEM. One has no idea just how important that is to someone. Too many students drop out of school at all levels because they feel that no one believes in them and that no one cares. By pushing education, I am saying "You can do it" and by being a continuing student, I am proving that I believe in the message I am sending.

I know that I have contributed to the lives of others greatly in this capacity and that is why I am headed towards the teaching career. I want to reach students at a young age to inspire them in ways that cannot be undone when they get older...just as was done for me.