Having purpose is fundamental to cultivating a meaningful life because it connects you to the things that matter deeply to you and give your life direction. Purpose amongst teens has been shown to facilitate
identity formation, increase positive attitudes towards
diversity, attenuate
antisocial behavior and bullying, decrease engagement in
risky behaviors, and increase
academic engagement. Furthermore, interventions to promote purposeful behavior have been found to lead to significant
increases in grade point averages and overall wellbeing.
Casey Pettit is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), an adjunct instructor at Brown University and the Director of Strategic Partnerships with Project Wayfinder, an organization launched through Stanford's Design School for K-12 education innovation. She will facilitate a discussion about adolescent purpose development and provide an opportunity for educators to reflect on their own purpose journey.
