When the Light Bulb Goes ON! Helping Teenagers Find Their Life's Passion

Show Guest: Paul Otis

Whether we remember them or not, we have all had an “aha” moment, a time when things just clicked or we finally understand something of importance to our lives. Maybe it was as simple as a math problem, perhaps it was when we made big decisions such as where to go to college or what career to pursue. Regardless of how it came about, everyone has had an “aha” moment that has shaped our lives.

Anyone who has worked with adolescents knows that they often become lost when they are not motivated towards meeting personal goals. Paul Otis, Associate Head of School and Science Teacher at Lake Tahoe Preparatory School, explains, “Many times, those of us who are in the educational trenches, come across students who have experienced an “aha” moment. As a result, we observe them transition from a negative mindset to a positive self-direction one.”

In our interview, Paul shares how those questions resulted in their own “aha” moment as a group. Rather than leaving it to chance, perhaps they could develop ways to more intentionally promote these moments of epiphany in our students. The outcome was the implementation of an interdisciplinary and holistic approach to promote student self-actualization, increase personal self-efficacy, and help them discover their life’s direction.