A past mentor once told me that once you find your purpose in life, it’s almost impossible to quit on the life you intend to build. I’ve been searching for a deeper purpose in my life over this past year, and it’s starting to become clearer than ever. Even at 23 years old, it’s completely okay to feel unsure about where you want to be in life. Trust me. It’s normal. But I’d like to think that’s what makes life that much more of an adventure.
Last year, I published an article dedicated to a certain organization that has given me so much: Students Today Leaders Forever (STLF), and why being put in a leadership position over teenagers has given me purpose. As I said a year ago, I am insane for genuinely enjoying working with high schoolers. Of course, these years are arguably the most confusing and difficult ones of an individual’s life. However, it’s also the time in our lives where we experience the most growth.
I just recently came home from yet another “Pay It Forward” tour sponsored by STLF with a heavy heart and more great things to say about your typical 15 to 18-year olds. Once again, I was given the opportunity to plan, lead and facilitate activities alongside a dynamic college core and eager high school students while serving in different cities, such as Bloomington, Indiana and Dayton, Ohio.
*photo taken at https://www.facebook.com/Jillshousememorycare/ in Bloomington, Indiana
There’s truly something about seeing a shy 15-year-old freshman girl offer her kind heart towards a community by sorting out supplies in a humanity center or spending time with a senior citizen in a rehabilitation facility. To see teens break out of their shell after four days because you, as a leader, encouraged them and molded them makes you realize you are exactly where you’re supposed to be and doing exactly what you’re supposed to be doing.
As time went on, I often found myself questioning if I would be able to keep up with high schoolers. The older I get, the less I can relate to them. I mean, half of them literally didn’t even know what “Drake and Josh” or “Zoey 101” was. That’s not a joke! But to be able to see how much they’ve grown to appreciate themselves and those around them after being inspired by you is a complete game changer.
Like I said in the past, high schoolers deserve the same respect as adults. I’ve always believed that if you respect high schoolers and do not treat them like they are inferior, they will offer the same respect back. This was put into action this past week during my tour, and it has continued to be proven effective.
High school students continue to change my perspective on life, especially around this time of year when Pay It Forward tours commence, but it is encouraging now to know that I am exactly where I am supposed to be.