How does a child know what they want to be? Looking back in an old elementary school book journal, apparently I wanted to be a nurse. Why? I have no idea. I’m not too fond of hospitals, I get a little nauseous at the sight of blood, and I still turn my head away when I’m getting a needle. But, it seemed like the ‘right’ kind of job.
I had a secret desire to ride the Dickie Dee Ice cream bicycle around town - unlimited ice cream - but hadn’t considered what I would do for the other 8 months of the year.
I loved art and I enjoyed exploring – but I never considered that I could be a painter, or a photographer, a travel writer, or tour guide and get paid for it. Do people really get paid for something that brings them true enjoyment?!
Our guidance counsellors surely didn’t offer up those suggestions. They always focused heavily on ‘certain’ careers – accountant, doctor, lawyer, teacher, engineer, nurses…and despite my hula-hooping skills, a career with the circus was never suggested…hmmmm!
Kids are now facing a world where preconceived notions are thrown out the window and replaced with an ‘anything is possible’ mindset. Extra curricular activities abound, choices are many, and passions are explored.
Whether it’s hockey, art classes, basketball, gaming, soccer, swimming, cooking classes, or yoga…the cool thing is that there are careers that await them in one form or another if they decide to continue along a particular path.
To see these kids ‘shine’ as they follow their passions is exciting.
I recently was made aware of a program being held in Oakville – for kids and adults. Oakville Painting Studio offers art classes and is the brainchild of Ixchel Suárez. What started out as a way to teach her own children the basics of art, has turned into a place where children can learn and explore their creativity.
Friends of ours have two girls, Madison and Lauren, enrolled in the program and I have to say – wow! I’m beginning to wonder if I should put in an offer on one of their paintings now, before market demand makes it unaffordable. Great job girls!
Between running races, triathlons, soccer, skating, dance, and now art classes…it seems that the future holds some interesting options. I wonder which path they’ll take.
For more information on the Oakville Painting Studio and some of the great pieces done by other students, check out Ixchel Suarez’s blog at http://oakvillepaintingstudio.blogspot.com .
(Photo credits of the girls - Ixchel Suárez)
