Editorial Note:  A special post from Al Browne, national director & vice president, education and technology for Verizon Corporate Foundation.

Education is about teaching our children to make conscious decisions.

Stepping into the classroom each day, educators are presented with the opportunity to inspire a child, engage a mind and ignite a passion for life-long learning. Take a moment to think about what inspired you, and why you selected your chosen career path. Did you consciously decide to be where you are today?

At a very young age, I wanted to be a medical doctor, but during my junior year of high school I decided that having fun was more important, and didn't want to have to be constantly studying which I understood at the time would be required in the medical profession. Because I was focused on the present, and didn't understand that most professions requires life-long learning, I unconsciously changed my future. Looking back, I'm happy with my decision to pursue a career to become a forensic economist, and ecstatic with my current career with the Verizon Foundation.  Although sometimes I wonder what would have happened had a mentor in my life challenged me to make a conscious decision to focus on my studies in order to achieve my early passion. 

Reflecting on a recent Thinkfinity Education Speaker Series interview with Dr. Benjamin Carson, a world-renowned neurosurgeon who was the first person to successfully separate conjoined twins joined at the back of the head, I wonder how people's lives would have been different had he selected a different course in life. His life was full of challenges growing up. He was bullied, and his temper even led him to try to stab a fellow classmate in anger, but the knife broke on the other student's belt buckle, preventing any physical harm—not the story you would expect to hear about the childhood of one of the world's premiere neurosurgeons! Mentors, several of them educators, helped young Ben Carson find the strength and inspiration he needed to consciously think through his actions and make wise choices. Mentors and teachers can be powerful sources of incredible influence.

You have the opportunity every day to look into students' eyes and ask them to take a moment and pause. In that moment, ask them to reflect: What inspires you in life? How are you going to get there? Encourage them to think deeply, and with the answers, develop a strong sense of purpose and direction. Give them the chance to see what inspires you in your own life and help guide them toward a life of fulfillment. Encourage them to discover what they feel passionate about, and to figure out a way to make their lives and careers reflect that passion. Help them discover who they are, who they will be and how they will get there.  Each child receives messages differently, so find unique ways to instill a work ethic that will last a lifetime.

We have more time and power to influence others than we may think. It is my hope that as we share the Thinkfinity Education Speaker Series and other Thinkfinity resources, that we play a small part in helping you stay inspired and become more innovative in the classroom.

Al