"Imagineers" - that's what Disney calls its engineers. Somehow, "imagineering" sounds like so much more fun than "engineering". It's another example of how attitude makes all the difference. Walt Disney and the Disney empire have long been experts in making people feel good. A few weeks ago, I had the wonderful opportunity of accompanying our exceptional band and orchestra on their trip to Disney World. We visited most of the parks, and even though I have been many times before, I was again taken by the sheer magnitude of the creations. While we were there, one of our students said, "You know what's really cool Mr. Bearden? People get paid to work here." That is cool...
As our seniors prepare to graduate, I wonder what is in store for them. We repeatedly hear (and tell them) that many of them will work in careers that aren't currently in existence. I just spoke with our seniors this week to go over end of year materials, dates and expectations. One of the things I tell our seniors every year is that it is really important to know what you are passionate about doing, and then use school to figure out a way to make a living at it. I'm guessing that some of those Disney imagineers loved going to Disney as kids, became fascinated with the experience, and then used their natural, creative and technical aptitudes to contribute to its majesty. It is "really cool" that people can make their living as adults doing what made them feel most alive as kids.
My son is currently playing Little League baseball. He's at a stage that I remember well, when every boy believes there is really a chance that he can play in the Major Leagues. Unfortunately, most of us don't have that skill. What can happen though, is that people with a passion for baseball can find other careers connected to the game - broadcasting, marketing, ticket sales, stadium design...the list is endless. Too often we forget to tell our kids that being creative and finding ways to have fun in what they do is an awfully rewarding way to live life.
As our seniors prepare for graduation, I hope that you will join me in encouraging them to find that place where their passion meets their skill set. That's where true happiness and lifetime fulfillment lies.
P.S. If Dave Dombrowski is reading this, I still think there's an outside chance I could play for the Tigers...
The Principal's Office is a blog created by Tim Bearden, Chief Academic Officer and Upper School Director at Detroit Country Day School, an independent school in Beverly Hills, MI. While content will sometimes be specific to Country Day, the majority of posts are specific in scope to issues concerning teaching and learning in the 21st century.
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