This morning I was asked to speak in my son, Benjamin’s, 5th grade class. It was career day and it was my true honor to speak in front of such a fabulous group of inquisitive, interested students. Their school is highly focused on what they call “Career Paths.” The students are learning about the college education experience as well as career goals and the paths people take to get there. Ben’s fantastic teacher, Mrs. Smith, really encourages them to think outside the box and is engaging in a way that makes the students truly enjoy the learning experience. Ben and his classmates are so fortunate to have such a committed and dynamic teacher.
I was able to share my experience about choosing a major in undergrad and about attending law school and business school. I shared how I worked for the company I now own prior to it being acquired by Intuit. I shared my experiences of working in a law firm environment, transitioning to corporate America, and then my story of how I bought my company out from Intuit. My most proud “share” was the part about how I was able to purchase MyCorporation out from Intuit and, more notably, how this afforded me the gift of entrepreneurship. This really seemed to resonate with the 5th graders – my son was smiling (hopefully with pride), and the rest of the kids were nodding and engaged. I discussed how my first priority is my family and how our family shares in the entrepreneurial mindset. I shared how entrepreneurship is so rewarding because I am able to spend time with my kids and be an involved mom as a “mompreneur.” I also noted that because I own my own business, I reap what I sow.
The kids asked awesome questions. They asked about my biggest competitor in business. They asked about my customers. They asked what I am best at and what challenges me the most. My son asked me to talk about my internships and tell my experience about how I decided on my own career path. They asked me about “turning a company around” and if it was similar to buying a distressed business (which is what one student’s parent does). The questions were thoughtful, and showed they listened and cared. The experience was wonderful! I’m pretty sure I got more out of it than they did! Isn’t that often the case with children, though? In so many cases, they teach us more than we teach them. Thank goodness owning my own business allows me to enjoy this part of their lives; it is so, so meaningful.