We are starting this season with a powerhouse.

At this stage of your life, you may have a direction and that’s incredible, but one day you could find yourself in an industry that you don’t even know exists yet.

Meet Dr. Rumeet Billan — learning architect, entrepreneur, author, educator, and humanitarian.

Back in high school, Rumeet didn’t know she could or would become an entrepreneur. What we learn from her is that not every career is going to be an A to B straight line. Through self-confidence, and being open to new experiences, you can follow your purpose and move mountains.

In this episode, we chat about topics including but not limited to

• Being open to different directions
• How to find a meaningful mentor
• The importance of following purpose over passion
• The value of time and self-confidence

How are you motivating students in YOUR classroom to be open to new experiences and to follow their purpose as they progress into their professional lives?

Let us know on Twitter by using the hashtag #CompetenciesPodcast

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Reflection Prompts for Your Students

Use the prompts below to have your students reflect on what they heard in the episode and consider how Rumeet’s advice can be applied to them.

1. Rumeet believes that while having a direction of what you want to do after high school is great, being open to different experiences is important. Why do you think being open to these different experiences is so important? How can you develop this mindset while still planning and preparing for life after high school?
   
   
2. Why do you think it’s important to start making diverse connections while still in high school? Make a list of people whose stories and experiences interest you. How can you start building connections with these people right now?
   
   
3. In the podcast, Rumeet shares a failure she experienced and how it helped her to reevaluate what she needed to do to reach her potential. What’s a failure you’ve experienced? How did you feel? Looking back at this failure, what did it teach you? Why do you think it’s important to experience failure?
   
   
4. Consider what Rumeet says about giving back. Why is giving back so important? What does it teach you?
   
   
5. Why is self-confidence an important competency to develop? How does it impact different areas of your life?

Helpful Links

• Learn more about Rumeet and her work at www.rumeetbillan.com
• Follow Rumeet on Twitter
• Connect with Rumeet on Linkedin
• Rumeet’s book — Who Do I Want to Become
• Book Recommendation: The Power of Habit
• Book Recommendation: Focus