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I met Myrin on Veteran’s Day while we were both waiting for our vehicles to get repaired at Sears. He was tall in stature and had a quiet confidence about him combined with an overwhelming sense of contentment. I enjoyed our banter as we patiently waited and was quickly entranced by this 82 year old man’s epic tales of adventure that had ensued. Myrin spoke eloquently as he told me stories of the 21 cars he owned during his life, his wife Katherine, who passed 11 years earlier, his twin sister Marian who died in a tragic fire when she was 8, and his 36 years at IBM ~ 36 years!
As I listened I couldn’t help but wonder what epic tales my own children will tell when they are 82. I had images of the “Did You Know?” video going through my head of kids having multiple careers in their lifetime. It seems clear that the days of having one career over the course of 36 years are extinct.
The metaphor that helps me get my head around that kind of future is one of a white water rafting journey. Winding down an unpredictable, unstable, and somewhat uncomfortable river that require one’s full attention to not only stay afloat and navigate the turbulent waters but to be mindful of possible opportunities as well. This would not be accomplished alone, rather with a team of people that each specialize in a certain duty and yet have the flexibility to make decisions as needed. I am sure there would be times of tranquil waters, but as in any white water adventure those moments are limited and rough waters lie ahead with sudden drops and unexpected obstacles that require immediate attention.
Perhaps that is a bit a grim but I wonder are we really preparing students for this kind of future? A future where the routine is in the fact that there is no routine. A future where they will have to rely on a variety of skill sets that must be transposed over multiple areas; skills that Sir Ken Robinson, David Warlick, Ian Jukes, and Daniel Pink speak of; skills that Peter Senge, Gary Stager, Steven Covey, and Daniel Goleman and so many others speak of.
I do not claim to have the answers to these questions but I am eager to begin discussing the possibilities. I am willing to jump into the river to navigate my way down the rapids in order to eventually help others find their way as well.
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