I want to put a ding in the universe.

Purpose and meaning are strong motivators of life. People refer to it as drive. Steve Jobs had a purpose to "put a ding in the universe" and that he did. The meaning is seen in his innovations and have transformed the daily interactions people make today as well as leaving a legacy. Regardless of the profession, having this kind of mindset is how impact in the world is made.

As educators, relationships and opportunities are what help make "dings" in a student's universe. Content is important to the goals of the classroom for a student, but connection and engagement are what help change the lives of students. To help make change in a student's life is what a ding in the universe looks like for an educator. There must be passion and grit that pushes an educator to relentlessly pursue life changing experiences for students in the classroom. When all is said and done, there are on average 181 days of school in a year and 6.5 hours a day to make the biggest and most dings in a student's universe. As revolutionary as Steve Jobs was in life-changing technology to the world, educators must be to the present and future lives of students.