Perspective

Finding Your Genius

Dear Pi Phis,

The mission of our organization calls on each of us to develop women of intellect and integrity, and I’m lucky enough to witness that development every day. Not only do I see my fellow Pi Phis striving after this noble goal in their own lives, but I see them instill that value in those around them.

Personally, I instill that value in my children. With daughters in high school and middle school and a four-year-old son, I see the opportunities that lie before them as they undertake educational and personal development. Because of their age range, I also see the differences in the opportunities presented to them as teaching and learning styles continue to progress. Nowhere is this more evident than in the areas encompassed by the umbrella term STEAM: science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

My own experience with STEAM education is even more disparate than that of my three children. While the term wasn’t in use when I was in school, I gravitated toward those subject areas. I will be quick to say I am not a writer; frankly, that isn’t how my brain best operates. My avenue for success and stress relief is through math, science and other STEAM areas. Thankfully for me, that includes the crucial connection between the sciences and the arts. I like to think I’m a walking example of the importance of that connection, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to learn the way I did before this relationship was widely recognized as integral to a well-rounded education.

I’m also grateful for the ways I see my children and other young learners engaging with their education and discovering their personal passions. My older daughter has her eyes set on a career in medicine, while her sister has been inspired by her teachers to help mold young minds and foster passions in future generations of students. They both have such different goals and paths, but I’m proud to see how they’ve come to find their geniuses.

In recent years, I’ve learned everyone has a working genius; a set of natural gifts which enable us to thrive in our work and lives. My genius is discernment, or the skill of evaluating ideas and problems from a variety of perspectives to propose an efficient and effective solution. My work—both professionally and through volunteering with Pi Phi—requires me to think on my feet, evaluate situations and propose solutions. Presenting a solution and getting people on board with the plan fulfills my discerning genius, and I would live in that all day if I could.

I implore all of you to think about your personal genius, whether it connects to areas of STEAM, the humanities or anything in between. I know Pi Phi has played an integral role in helping me refine and embrace my geniuses, and that’s my greatest wish for each of you. You are women of intellect and integrity, and I cherish the opportunity to bear witness.