Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. 

—Howard Thurman

I was at a family reunion and talking with a cousin who is a teacher. I said, “Do you know I’m a 6th grade science teacher?”

Her mouth dropped open in shock. “What?” she exclaimed, and then sputtered, “How?”

This tends to be the typical response. I understand; I felt the same way. I’ve spent my whole career in literacy and instructional coaching. I’ve written books about teaching writers. I hop on planes and deliver keynote speeches to equip and encourage educators. It didn’t make sense to abruptly hop off my career path and begin again. 

And then I started setting up my classroom. I curated a nonfiction library and sorted all of my science books according to field. I gave away thousands of books—I’m not exaggerating, but allowed myself to keep 100 middle grade fiction books I love and know I’ll be able to put in the hands of students. I began looking through the curriculum and outlining a curriculum map. I doodled anchor charts and sorted possibilities for the first read aloud book. I realized I was returning to my first love—the classroom.

I came alive. 

This is not a slight thing. 

When I realized I would be in a new position this school year, I revised my resume and included the Howard Thurman quote in the footer of my cover letter. I used this quote on my very first blog—the one I started to write about teaching writers.

Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.

It is wise advice for any of us—no matter how long you’ve been in your position. For me, I come alive teaching readers and writers—and now I’m going to teach readers and writers about science! 

What makes you come alive? It’s worth finding the answer—and then go do it.