Have you ever looked for a sign during your life? Something, anything, that gave you a little nudge forward, vote of confidence, or speck of hope? Something that said you’re on the right track and doing what you’re meant to do? Well, I sure look for them and I find them, often in unexpected ways and unique circumstances. In those moments, I am reminded that regardless of the circumstance, I should never give up on my dreams. I should always pursue my interests and endeavor to reach my full potential.

A few years ago, I was flying home after onsite work with a client. Normally, I am not the most chatty person on a flight. I tend to be quiet and introverted. Also, when you’re a road warrior, the flight can sometimes be an opportunity to catch a bit of rest and relaxation. On this particular flight though, the gentleman sitting next to me was pleasant, had a really sweet nature, and we ended up having quite a bit in common. He told me all about his family, so I told him about myself and shared all the details on my pet project, the vision embodied in my educational support program for students. At the time, I was working through a setback and it was weighing on my mind.

What followed was unexpected. I thought I would get the typical nodding of the head and smile or some statement of encouragement. I got neither. The gentleman, a grown man probably in his early forties, started to cry. He wasn’t sobbing or anything, but tears came to his eyes and he sort of stared ahead for a few moments. Then he said to me, “I wish someone like you or a program like yours existed when I was in high school.” He proceeded to share his story, the one shared by many other students, and it gave me confidence when I needed it. His was a story of a student that fell through the cracks, struggled, and didn’t get a glimpse of his potential until much later in life.  These are the stories I hope to help rewrite.

Many similar moments occurred over the past several years and I haven’t given up. If I do, I would be giving up on millions of bright students who I am certain have much to offer. In my last blog post, I talked about the setbacks I’ve had as an entrepreneur and young professional, but just as many wonderful people and experiences provided phenomenal support throughout this journey. Many believe as I do, that education should inspire our students and any effort to do just that, is worth a bit of toil.

In my last blog, I also promised to share the facts and figures that inform the philosophy behind Education Planning Partners (EPP) and our program. It’s all detailed in my book, 10 Things I Wish I Knew in High School, but I am going to hold off on fulfilling my promise just yet. I’ll start the new year off with a series of blog posts that reveal all, but tonight, on this Christmas Eve, I want to share something else. I want to share my Christmas wish.

I hope that every student connects with and holds fast to their dreams, pursues their interests with purpose and alacrity, and recognizes the potential within. I hope they never give up on themselves and find encouragement in the fact that with a bit of focus and determination, they can make their education what they need it to be. They can achieve all they are meant to achieve. I hope that EPP can be a sign, a little nudge forward, a vote of confidence, and source of hope, that puts them on the right track and on their way to something wonderful.

Merry Christmas….here’s to a wonderful 2014!