I have always envied individuals who history remembers as “world-changers”. My undergrad experience as a Sociology major inspired me to see social issues as an opportunity to change things in the world around me. I consider myself to be a great storyteller and have always found comfort in traditionally ‘creative spaces’. So naturally, in my first career I gravitated towards an occupation that combined these experiences. I attempted to find my footing as a pastor  for years before I realized I needed to reevaluate my goals. I realized that my personal convictions were incongruent with the beliefs of many religious organizations. This setback created an urgent need for me to find another career path, whether it was fueled by passion or not. I began searching for high-paying jobs in a field with a great quality of life. I assumed that the technical and skill-based roles that I was searching through would not require as much creativity as a pastor that creates experiences and forms connections. I started to think that the creative side of me would not be utilized and would therefore atrophy. However, the introduction chapter in the Kelley and Kelley book helped me to see that creativity is present ANYWHERE there is innovation. Through this literature, I was able to realize that every innovation (new-to-the world thinking) is the product of factors outside of an innate ability to be ‘creative’. For instance, I could assess the desirability, viability, and feasibility of any solution to any problem and be an innovator. Each step of the process requires collaboration and out-of-the-box thinking to create solutions. I see now that innovation and creativity are more than buzzwords. Rather there are practical steps and methodology to changing the world that don’t belong to any specific profession. In short, we ALL have access to creative confidence; we just need to strengthen that muscle. This new perspective will allow me to frame the work that I do. I can begin projects with a sense self-efficacy and determination with the assurance that I can create a solution to anything. Additionally, I can use iterative design thinking principles to collaborate with learners and stakeholders to create the best possible solution to the issue; I’ll know that whatever I create in a project can always be improved upon. I want my people-centric approach to design to yield the best possible learning experience for students. I believe that education (in any and every form) holds the key to our society’s future. If we can spread the concept of considering others in everything we do, the sociologist in me believes that the world will continue to change for the better.

Kelley, D., & Kelley, T. (2013). Creative Confidence. Crown Business.