Kids across the country and world share deep passions for solving problems.
But if you put them in the same room it’s unlikely they would discover their mutual passion. They might make small talk, or let the conversation fizzle. What’s needed is a lightly facilitated experience where passion is the leading topic of discussion, not a weird taboo.
Connecting over a passion could be a powerful experience for a young person. Not only does it make for great conversation, but it lets you know that you’re not alone. To know someone thousands of miles away cares about what you care about takes away the loneliness of a passionate life. Oftentimes young people with specific curiosities feel alone in the apathy contest that is many high schools.
Make passion more known. Use it to connect young people with the peers and causes they care deeply about. Loneliness is real and so much of it exists because we’re not up front about what we care about and then we come to believe no body cares.