Connor James

Background

About Connor James

I’ll never forget that day. I felt so unprepared. I was confused and embarrassed. My college advisor told me I had to pick a major. She was shocked at how genuinely surprised I was. I was confident in my ability to grow and develop as a division I football player, but thinking about how my major aligned with my future was overwhelming. I didn’t know I had to pick a major. I didn't know what I wanted to do after college. I didn't know what I was good at. This was all discouraging and confusing. It caused some moments of stress and led me down of path of having to search for answers. I don't regret my journey but I must acknowledge I wasn't making educational and career based decisions with intention. THIS IS WHY I DO WHAT I DO. As an educator, I'm committed to helping students avoid the same stress and overwhelm I felt that day in my counselors office. Below are some of the ways I do this: 1) Personality and career interest assessments. If students don't have any idea what they are good at how can we guide them toward different career paths? I utilize high quality career and personality assessments to help students clearly see they have unique gifts and strengths. 2) Exposure! If students can't see it, they can't become it. I expose students to real-life professionals and real-world business/industry. These experiences with guest speakers foster student interest and curiosity. 3) Partnerships. There is more to education than what goes on inside the walls of school. I activate regional small, and large businesses to form long-term partnerships. Each partner commits to showing students the unique career opportunities that exist within their organization. I find great joy in the light bulb moments.My vision is to create guaranteed experiences for ALL students (K-12). Imagine a student being exposed to 10-12 different corporations and 40-50 different careers during their time as student. What type of impact would this have on their engagement? Would they be more confident when it comes time to decide what they want to do after high school? I believe this type of exposure and experience will help students not have to sit in a counselors office someday and feel ashamed about the lack of clarity they have about their future.