#0088: Happy Explorations, Starts Now!

Reading time: 8.15 min

About Education Next Newsletter

Content This Week:

• Importance of Early life influences

• Our failure to understand young people

• Helping young people pursue their passion

• Future of Work

In a world filled with countless distractions and never-ending options, it's no wonder that young people often feel overwhelmed and uncertain about the path they should take in life.

From the pressure to succeed academically to the constant comparison with their peers on social media, it's easy for them to lose sight of their true selves and what truly matters.

I have often pondered whether there exists a magical formula, a set of guidelines or principles that can equip young individuals with the awareness and clarity they need to lead a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

Join me on this thought-provoking journey as we explore the notion of a "magic formula" and delve into the practices and mindset that might offer young people the tools they need to navigate the complexities of life with confidence and grace.

Jeff Bezos, the billionaire founder of Amazon, comes across as a brilliant and accomplished businessman who knows what he's doing.

However, few people know about his humble beginnings working on his grandfather's ranch in Texas as a child.

Bezos has often talks about how much he learned from his grandfather, whom he affectionately called "pap," and from working on the ranch with him.

When Bezos was growing up, his grandfather taught him how to be self-reliant by showing him how to do things himself rather than just telling him what to do.

This included fixing machinery, building things, and making a needle from scratch.

Bezos recalls when his grandfather told him to build a gate for their property, and even though he had no idea how to do it, he figured things out step-by-step until he completed the task.

This kind of hands-on experience taught Bezos the value of learning through doing and how to break down complex tasks into manageable steps.

When Bezos started Amazon, he applied the same principles he learned from his grandfather to his business.

He learned to be resourceful, to try things even when he didn't know the outcome, and to solve problems by breaking them down into smaller pieces.

He believes that allowing children to learn through doing makes them more self-reliant, creative, and confident in their abilities.

Learning to be self-reliant is an essential skill that can make a significant difference in your life, whether you're an entrepreneur, a student, or a parent.

The rise of social media has undoubtedly changed the way young people interact with the world.

It is no longer just a means of communication, but rather a whole new dimension to their daily lives.

According to Devorah Heitner, kids are constantly surveilled and tracked. From their locations to their grades, there is a sense of fear that they are continually being watched.

This constant monitoring can make them feel misunderstood and vulnerable.

Heitner suggests that we must build relationships with our kids rather than rely on technology to monitor them.

Heitner emphasizes the importance of understanding children as individual and complex beings, encouraging parents to recognize the need for privacy and independence.

• As parents and guardians, we must shift our focus from monitoring clicks to mentoring characters.

• Instead of micromanaging their online activity, let's equip them with the tools to navigate the digital world responsibly.

• Teach them the power of respect, guiding them to treat others online with the same kindness and empathy they would in person.

• When they stumble, as we all do, let's be patient guides, helping them learn from their mistakes and grow into individuals of integrity.

Billie Eilish is one of the biggest pop sensations in the world today. At just 19 years old, she has already made a mark in the music industry with six years of experience and a Grammy under her belt.

Early on, Eilish and her brother began their songwriting and recording endeavours that contributed to her passion for music.

Maggie Baird, as a mother, shared her passions with her kids, like songwriting and music, and her kids picked it up.

Maggie Baird mentions cutting down on their expenses, like having a small house, no car, and having time for her kids since she was also an actress. She still travels and works with Billie, helping her and her crew.

She points out that Billie was so open because she was not in school, and there was no peer pressure.

Maggie Baird believes that teens need their parents as much as kids do. She believes that the switch to homeschooling was not without its difficulties, but Billie and Finneas thrived with the extra time and freedom to pursue their passions.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has identified a significant trend in the job market: the rise of global digital jobs.

Implications for the Future of Work:

• Enhanced Accessibility: Individuals, regardless of their local economic context, geographic limitations, or social networks, could enjoy unprecedented access to global job markets.

• Globalization on Steroids: Talent value chains, the interconnected networks of talent across borders, could become significantly more robust and diverse.

• Economic Growth Engine: Lower-income countries with a young and educated workforce stand to benefit from increased economic activity and potential foreign investment.

This trend has opened up a whole new realm of possibilities for young people who are looking to enter the job market or switch careers.

*In the pic #MagnusGerdesKristensen with #MiraGerdesKristensen

Take a glimpse into the heartwarming scene of little Magnus assisting his younger sibling Mira, capturing the essence of a special connection that lasts a lifetime.