This section was inspired by a girl in grade three. The girl is my daughter, as we were walking home from school one day, she asked me if she was gifted. I sensed she was a little sad at the time, but not as sad as I quickly became.
My first reaction was to question why she though that she was not gifted. She told me about the letter in her hand ,that stated very coldly that she was not a candidate for a gifted program at her school; meaning that she was not gifted from the schools perspective. The letter was poorly written and had quite an effect on my little girl. The letter was referring to a school program that basically tested the I.Q. (intelligence quotient – measurable intelligence you are born with) of grade three students.
As a father, I was very quick to say that she was very gifted in many other ways than I.Q. Fortunately she is a smart student, but more importantly she is very social, athletic, good looking and gets along well with other kids. I explained to her that I.Q. is just one of many measurements of being gifted and that her gifts will take her much further in life then a little higher I.Q.
As you think about yourself, you should realize that everyone has their own unique gifts. It may be your smile, laugh, sports, music, arts, dancing, telling jokes, impersonating people etc. There are many things that make you special, therefore, don’t feel you are not gifted because someone judges you, based on a gift that you may not have.
You may not know what your gift or gifts are, but over time, you will discover them. Have confidence in yourself; in the fact that, being a unique individual makes you gifted.
Our “Self-image” section should help you understand more about accepting who you are.
Our “What’s Your Thing” section may help you discover some of your gifts.
Congratulations from TeachingKidsBusiness.com! You have taken another big step in developing your business skills and career preparation. You will find this to be a very helpful skill, as you use it daily. Don’t stop here!