Understanding Your “Why”

By Will Deyamport, III, Ed.D. Candidate

Yesterday, I came across Understanding Your “Why” by Stephanie Chandler. I was so inspired that I was moved to write my own post.

When it comes to discovering one's niche, calling, or career path,

most people look at their interests, passions, strengths, etc. We focus so much on the tangible traits that we can list or check off of a job listing, that we lose sight on the energy or feeling we get from doing the work. And so, in keeping with Stephanie Chandler's post, I started thinking about my Why and the reasons digital media speaks to me. 

Until sitting down to write this post, I couldn't put a finger on why I have had such a difficult time with finding my career path. Just now it dawned on me. My happiest, most successful jobs have been about me engaging and interacting with people. Starting with my first job as a retail sales associate to my time as a program coordinator to my time as a conversational tutor for adult ESL students to my time as a recruiter for a nonprofit organization. Yet, I have spent the last four years looking at my educational background and skill sets, as opposed to thinking back to the times in which I was energized and renewed from my work.  

I have always been social. Ever since I can remember, I have always enjoyed meeting new people, and felt a sense of  wonder and excitement from being surrounded by people. I am drawn to people's stories - their beliefs, successes, experiences and dreams. Nothing rejuvenates me more than dialogue.

I need discussion and interaction in my life. I derive tremendous satisfaction from being around people. What excites me the most or what I find most thrilling is connecting and the exchanging of ideas. I enjoy being a part of a larger conversation. This clarity has given me the insight I had been searching for, and lit a fire in me to pursue a career in higher education teaching educators the many educational applications of digital media. That is my Why.

After reading this, I challenge you to discover your Why. What stirs your soul? What excites you? What ignites your sense of possibility?  

Please leave a comment. I'd love to discuss your Why. 

Will Deyamport, III, is an educational digital strategist, online content creator and Ed.D. Candidate at Capella University. He has been featured on Jobs.aol.com and writes a monthly piece for myFootpath.com. Will started his blog,peoplegogy.com, in 2009. Peoplegogy is a continuing education blog whose aim is to assist adults in improving both their personal and professional lives. Via timely and engaging articles and vlogs, peoplegogy.com’s mission is to empower individuals to live the kind of lives they want for themselves. Currently, Will is working on his dissertation, which focuses on using social media to individualize professional development for educators. Follow him on twitter @peoplegogy