Callings

1. Pursuing Your Calling: A Journey of Passion and Purpose

"If there's one thing that my nena gave me, it was a desire to learn and to succeed in school."

Discovering your path. Many individuals featured in the book found their callings through a combination of passion, circumstance, and perseverance. For some, like Vito de la Cruz, who became a public defender, the journey began with a childhood experience that sparked a desire for justice. For others, like beekeeper Ted Dennard, it was a chance encounter that ignited a lifelong passion.

Embracing the unknown. Pursuing one's calling often involves taking risks and venturing into uncharted territory. Dr. Austin Chen, for example, left a comfortable life in Taiwan to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor in the United States. This willingness to embrace uncertainty and face challenges head-on is a common thread among those who found fulfillment in their chosen paths.

2. Overcoming Adversity: Resilience in the Face of Challenges

"You have to work in sync when you're picking up the garbage: bend together, lift together."

Facing obstacles head-on. The stories in "Callings" demonstrate that adversity is often an integral part of finding and pursuing one's life's work. Sanitation workers Angelo Bruno and Eddie Nieves, for instance, faced physical challenges and societal stigma but found pride and camaraderie in their work.

Turning setbacks into opportunities. Many individuals featured in the book used setbacks as catalysts for growth and change. Congressman Jim Clyburn, for example, lost multiple elections before finally winning a seat in the U.S. Congress. His perseverance in the face of defeat ultimately led to a successful political career.

Key strategies for overcoming adversity:

• Maintaining a positive attitude
• Seeking support from mentors and colleagues
• Viewing failures as learning experiences
• Staying committed to long-term goals

3. The Power of Mentorship and Encouragement

"You hit the jugular, man. I'll never forget it my whole life."

Shaping futures through guidance. The book highlights numerous instances where mentors played crucial roles in shaping individuals' careers and lives. Science teacher Al Siedlecki's encouragement of his student Lee Buono, for example, led to Buono becoming a successful neurosurgeon.

Paying it forward. Many of those who benefited from mentorship went on to become mentors themselves, creating a cycle of support and encouragement. Employment counselor Darlene Lewis, for instance, used her experience to help ex-offenders like James Taylor find employment and rebuild their lives.

Characteristics of effective mentorship:

• Active listening
• Providing constructive feedback
• Offering emotional support
• Sharing knowledge and experiences
• Encouraging personal growth and development

4. Finding Fulfillment in Unexpected Places

"I feel good. And so as long as I'm still healthy, I'll put in another good ten years. That's going to be fifty years of vending."

Discovering joy in everyday work. Many individuals in the book found deep satisfaction in jobs that might be considered mundane or undesirable by others. Beer vendor Clarence "Clancy" Haskett, for example, found fulfillment and purpose in his work at baseball stadiums, developing a strong connection with fans over decades.

Creating meaning through service. Numerous stories demonstrate how individuals found purpose by focusing on how their work benefited others. ICU nurse Michelle Alore, for instance, found profound meaning in supporting patients and families during critical moments, even in the face of loss and tragedy.

Ways to find fulfillment in unexpected places:

• Focusing on the impact of your work on others
• Developing strong relationships with colleagues and customers
• Continually learning and improving your skills
• Finding creative ways to approach routine tasks

5. Breaking Barriers and Pioneering Change

"I was very naive politically, so I felt like it was simply a matter of fairness and equity and right and wrong. It wasn't forbidden by law, and therefore I did it."

Challenging the status quo. Many individuals featured in the book broke new ground in their fields, often facing significant opposition. County clerk Clela Rorex, for example, issued some of the first same-sex marriage licenses in the United States in 1975, despite intense backlash.

Persevering in the face of resistance. Pioneers often faced skepticism, discrimination, and outright hostility. Barbara Moore, one of the first female bricklayers, had to prove herself in a male-dominated field and overcome numerous obstacles to succeed in her chosen profession.

Strategies for breaking barriers:

• Standing firm in your convictions
• Building alliances with like-minded individuals
• Educating others about the need for change
• Maintaining professionalism and excellence in your work

6. The Impact of Family Support and Sacrifice

"You know, as youngsters, a show came on TV called Star Trek. Now, Star Trek showed the future, where there were black folk and white folk—all kinds of folk—working together. I looked at it as science fiction—that wasn't going to happen, really. But Ronald saw it as science possibility."

The role of family in shaping aspirations. Many stories in the book highlight how family support and encouragement played crucial roles in individuals' success. Astronaut Ronald McNair's family, for instance, fostered his curiosity and ambition from a young age, leading him to become one of the first African American astronauts.

Balancing family and career. The book also explores the challenges of maintaining family relationships while pursuing demanding careers. Entertainer coach operator Arnie Knapp, for example, had to navigate the difficulties of being away from his family for long periods while still maintaining strong bonds.

Ways family support impacts career success:

• Providing emotional and financial assistance
• Offering encouragement during challenging times
• Serving as role models and mentors
• Helping to maintain work-life balance

7. Lifelong Learning and Adaptability

"I still have a whole lot to learn from bees. I'm more of a honey salesman now; I sold a few jars of honey to one store, then other stores called, and it's been sort of an avalanche of sales since then."

Embracing continuous growth. Many individuals in the book demonstrated a commitment to lifelong learning and adaptation. Beekeeper Ted Dennard, for instance, transitioned from beekeeping to running a successful honey business, constantly learning new skills along the way.

Adapting to changing circumstances. The ability to pivot and adapt to new situations was a common trait among successful individuals. Salmon slicer Leonard "Len" Berk, for example, transitioned from a career in accounting to find fulfillment in the art of slicing lox, demonstrating that it's never too late to pursue a new passion.

Strategies for lifelong learning and adaptability:

• Staying curious and open to new experiences
• Seeking out opportunities for skill development
• Networking with professionals in diverse fields
• Embracing technological advancements in your industry

8. Creating Positive Change in Your Community

"I feel very blessed to be able to make a living doing something I absolutely love to do. I went through some horrific situations in my life, but I realized that there was something beautiful that survived—something to build on."

Making a difference locally. Many individuals featured in the book found ways to positively impact their communities through their work. Ink removal specialist Dawn Maestas, for instance, used her skills to help survivors of domestic violence reclaim their bodies and lives by removing tattoos associated with their abusers.

Addressing unmet needs. Several stories highlight how individuals identified gaps in their communities and took action to fill them. Grocer Burnell Cotlon, for example, opened the first grocery store in New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward after Hurricane Katrina, providing a vital service to his recovering neighborhood.

Ways to create positive change in your community:

• Identifying and addressing local needs
• Volunteering or offering pro bono services
• Mentoring youth and aspiring professionals
• Advocating for social justice and equality

9. The Importance of Human Connection in Any Profession

"You know, I was dressed for the role as an authority figure: you're wearing the uniform, you've got that big star on your chest, and you've got the gun on. And there's a certain power that comes along with that costume. But I also had to find a way to get past the star and the uniform and all of that, to communicate, 'What can we do here?'"

Building relationships beyond job descriptions. Many stories in the book emphasize the importance of human connection in various professions. Policewoman Pat Hays, for instance, found that her ability to connect with people on a personal level was crucial in her work, often diffusing tense situations and building trust within her community.

Empathy as a professional skill. The book highlights how empathy and genuine care for others can enhance one's effectiveness in any job. Subway conductor Paquita Williams, for example, turned a potentially frustrating situation of a stalled train into a positive experience for passengers through her empathetic and humorous approach.

Ways to foster human connection in your profession:

• Active listening and showing genuine interest in others
• Practicing empathy and compassion
• Going beyond job requirements to help others
• Recognizing and celebrating the humanity in colleagues and clients

10. Leaving a Lasting Legacy Through Your Work

"I would want my father to know that the moment he stepped into any one of my classrooms, my students would instantly know him by the principles that they learned from me and that I learned from him."

Creating impact beyond your lifetime. Many individuals in the book were motivated by the desire to leave a positive legacy through their work. English teacher Ayodeji Ogunniyi, for instance, found purpose in passing on the values and principles he learned from his father to his students, ensuring his father's legacy lived on through education.

Inspiring future generations. The stories in "Callings" demonstrate how one's work can inspire and influence others long after they're gone. Video game inventor Jerry Lawson's innovations, for example, paved the way for the modern video game industry and continue to inspire his children and others in the field.

Ways to create a lasting legacy through your work:

• Mentoring and nurturing the next generation in your field
• Documenting and sharing your knowledge and experiences
• Innovating and pushing the boundaries of your profession
• Living and working according to strong principles and values

Last updated: March 28, 2025