Travel the Purpose Path

[G]reat education is not only about getting a job or training for a career, and it is not about mere literacy—it is about preparing a great soul to live his or her great purpose in life. 
—Oliver DeMille, Hero Education

 Among my own people, I was called Jehanette; since my coming into France, I am called Jehanne.

 I was born in the village of Domremy. My father’s name is Jacques d’Arc, my mother’s Isabelle. As long as I lived at home, I worked at common tasks about the house, going but seldom afield with our sheep and other cattle. I learned to sew and spin: I fear no woman in Rouen at sewing   and spinning.
 
 As to my schooling, I learned my faith, and was rightly and duly taught to do as a good child   should.

 From my mother I learned “Our Father,” “Hail Mary,” and “I believe.” And my teaching in my   faith I had from her and from no one else.

 Once a year I confessed my sins to our parish-priest, or, when he was unable, to another with   his permission. And I received the sacrament of the Eucharist at Easter time. 
                           --Joan of Arc: In Her Own Words, Willard Trask, compiler and translator
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Who would guess that this ordinary young woman, Jehanette d’Arc, would one day lead the armies of France to liberation from the English and restore the French king to his throne?  She began by developing unique gifts and talents, by deciding to listen to her “angels,” by dreaming about what could be accomplished with their help, acting on that vision, and dedicating herself to “create the change” she needed to make in the world. 
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Is there a change we wish to see in the world?  Are our children or students longing to make a difference?  As we study, and apply what we have learned, we prepare ourselves to travel a path of purpose for the rest of our lives. 
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Develop
First, we choose to develop gifts and talents, skills and characteristics, of great people who have come before us.  Then we choose to go further in improving ourselves and our world.  Where do you excel?  What do you enjoy?  Who can help you better yourself?  These questions lead us to our purpose and to mentors who can help us develop the qualities we need to fulfill our purpose. 
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If you or your students are not sure about your Purpose Path, surround yourselves with a rich environment, try lots of new activities, and cultivate many diverse experiences.  What calls to you?  What makes you happy?  What are you passionate about?  What fills you with resolve and a feeling of usefulness?  These are clues to your life purpose.  Develop it.
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