Finding and nurturing your passion is one of the most fulfilling journeys in one’s life. This journey often starts with exploring different subjects, gaining new experiences, searching for more information and discovering what truly excites you. Contrary to popular belief, passion is not always immediate – it can often take time, reflection and commitment to cultivate. So, be patient with others and, most importantly, with yourself!
Passion often emerges through curiosity and experience, so if you’re unsure about what excites you, consider the following.
- Explore different interests. Take a variety of courses, attend seminars/workshops and participate in extracurricular activities. Exposure to diverse fields can help identify what sparks your enthusiasm and awakens your innate desire to learn more. My own experiences as a teaching assistant witnessing my students’ Eureka! experiences in the classroom led me into education.
- Reflect on what drives you. What topics or activities make you lose track of time? What issues or causes do you feel strongly about? Self-reflection is key to understanding your interests.
- Seek inspiration from others. Talk to mentors, professors and professionals in different industries. Talk to a KCC advisor, or Career Services, or pull aside someone and ask about their educational or training journey. Hearing their stories may provide insight into potential paths and outcomes you haven’t considered.
- Embrace challenges. Sometimes, passion develops from perseverance. Struggles and setbacks can clarify what truly matters to you. It provides you with a clarity of purpose and enables you to reduce the surrounding “noise.”
Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Your time at KCC can be a bridge to a future filled with possibilities. So, dream “Bruin” big, take risks and build a future that excites you – one that you are passionate about.
This column first appeared in the March 2025 edition of BruIN magazine. To read the issue online, please visit kellogg.edu/bruinmagazine.