"Board of Directors" (PDF) ~ personal mission and mentoring exercise

The purpose of the "Board of Directors" (PDF) exercise is to provide participants with a guided means of reflection to examine life purpose and relational influences through use of a worksheet (PDF).   By examining their lives from the perspective that their life is a corporation, individuals will develop a mission statement as well as identify individuals, beliefs and/or values serving on their "Board of Directors" (PDF).   Guided analysis and reflective questioning challenge participants to be intentional in the decisions related to direction/purpose and relationships.

 

Contemplation and Discernment Retreat (PDF) ~ sample retreat schedule 

In the midst of the hectic pace of campus life, it is often difficult to find the time to "be still" and listen to the inner voice that guides us.   This retreat is designed to get students away from campus and to provide the setting, the structure and the information necessary to begin the journey of discernment.  

 

Finding Your Vocational Fit (PDF) ~ worksheet

This vocational exploration resource can be used to guide conversation in a 1-on-1 setting or to give the student for written reflection.

 

Guided Reflections for Recommitment (PDF) ~ worksheet

This resource can be used to encourage students to intentionally consider their Bonner experience.   This tool can be given to students prior to a 1-on-1 meeting late in their sophomore year and used to guide dialogue about their recommitment.

 

Hearing the Call: Listening to Your Inner Voice (PDF) ~ vocational discernment exercise

The purpose of the "Hearing the Call" activity is to provide an opportunity for reflection. The poem prompts readers to think about what it means to "be called" to do something with their lives and to explore the ramifications of that call.

 

Last Words: Reflections on My Life (PDF) ~ life vocation and personal reflection exercise

The purpose of the "Last Words" activity is to challenge participants to think, with intentionality, about what they want to accomplish during their lifetime.   While there is much emphasis on looking forward and imagining our futures, this activity engages participants in a more reflective process.   They are asked to travel into their last years and look back upon the life they have lived.   What will they have done with their years here on earth.   How will they be remembered?   In addition, participants are given an opportunity to reflect upon the concept of legacy and to consider their personal legacy.

 

Mission Possible:  Creating a Personal Mission Statement (PDF) ~ mission statement exercise

"Mission Possible" is an activity designed to guide participants through the process of writing a personal mission statement.    As individuals are guided through this step-by-step process, they will reflect upon what actions, values and causes inspire them.   These become the building blocks of their mission statement.   This exercise is an adaptation from The Path by Laurie Beth Jones.

 

One-on-One Advising: Vocation and Career Exploration Emphasis (PDF) ~ resource tool

This resource provides a variety of questions to initiate discussion with students about their "big picture" hopes and dream and foster vocational exploration.

 

River Stories: Building Community Through Sharing (PDF) ~ personal reflection and community building

This workshop provides a creative and artistic way to build community through the sharing of stories.   Its sets a foundation for participants to share their own paths (personal and professional), using the metaphor of a river to describe life experiences. This activity is designed to help build context and cohesion in a group, as well as help people practice their communication and listening abilities.

 

Road Map for Vocation and Career Exploration Activities (PDF) ~ resource guide

This resource is designed to serve as a planning tool for Bonner staff.   Using the Four Year Student Development Model as a guide, a variety of activities, books, and training modules for vocation and career exploration have been suggested for each class.

 

"So What Do You Do?" (PDF) ~ vocational and personal exploration exercise

This activity provides participants with a delightful story of how one man wrestled with an appropriate answer to the question, "So, what do you do?"   The societal habit of defining who we are by what we do is challenged.   As a result, through this exercise participants will begin to see the difference between "making a living and making a life" and to understand that a true vocational calling is an extension of who one is.

 

"The Bridge Builder" (PDF) ~ poem and reflective discussion

The purpose of "The Bridge Builder" activity is to challenge participants to think, with intentionality, about the importance of mentorship in their lives and the lives of others.   In addition, participants are given an opportunity to reflect upon the concept of legacy and to consider their personal legacy.

"The Two Choices" ~ decision-making exercise

 

The purpose of "The Two Choices" activity is to challenge participants to think, with intentionality, about the decisions they make.   In addition, participants are given an opportunity to reflect upon the impact both small and big choices have on the development of their character and personal integrity.

"Tuesdays with Morrie" ~ Reading Group Guide & Discussion List

"Tuesdays with Morrie" is a phenomenal book about youth and wisdom, life and death, having and giving, holding on and letting go.   By reading and discussing this text, each participant will have an opportunity to examine his/her life through introspective analysis.     In addition, during the discussion, a sense of community develops with participants as they share their thoughts and experiences.

 

Vocational Discernment Through Film (PDF) ~ resource tool

This is a compilation of the movies listed on the PTEV web site which pertain to vocational exploration.   It includes a brief description of the film as well as suggested questions for discussion.   The complete list can be found at http://www.ptev.org 

 

Back to Vocation Implementation Guide.