Guiding The Builders Of A Better Tomorrow

I was recently honored with an invite to talk to Souhegan sophomores about my career and give them insight into the field of communications for the high school’s career day.

[Read more about Souhegan High School's Sophomore Career Day]

There is nothing I enjoy more than talking to youth about the right steps to build their futures. Nurturing the curiosity and drive of our nation’s future is the most important step we can take to ensure a better workforce, economy and culture. These are the Builders of Tomorrow.

Teachers can do a great job at guiding our students towards the better tomorrow we all strive for, but not every teacher is in the classroom. There are so many different individuals out there that have deep resources of knowledge to bring to the table.

Anyone and everyone can be an educator that leads a student on the path to success. A young man or woman can learn the value of achievement from a local soccer coach, or the reward of hard work from a neighborhood business owner. Even a passing comment from a stranger has the potential to completely change a grudgingly-held worldview in these young minds.

I learned much from the many educators who have honored me with their instruction and insight both inside and outside of the classroom. This news editor owes much to his teachers, parents, friends, journalism role models, interviewees and anyone else who took the time to open my world up just a bit more.

My career path wouldn’t be the way it is without a word of encouragement from a few choice professionals, as my values have been shaped by those I admire and respect.

That is why I applaud Souhegan High School for growing their efforts to bring the vast wealth of knowledge in the outside world into their classrooms. One crucial piece of advice from one of these professionals can stick with a student for life and guide them on or off of their expected career path to better things.

We all worry about what our future will look like, but some don’t take an active role in shaping that uncertain tomorrow. The other 42 individuals who joined me at Souhegan that day and talked to students are the guides for the ones who hold our future.

Many of us have established ourselves and hold the proof of our efforts in our careers, our life accomplishments and our families. Lets make sure we offer the same opportunities to the future Builders of Tomorrow.

Are you an aspiring journalist looking for advice or guidance on the world of news and information? Feel free to email me at Robert.Michaelson@patch.com.