At age 7, I dreamed of being a movie star — Marilyn Monroe, to be exact. While I didn’t have the looks for Hollywood, I briefly imagined myself as an actress who could sing and dance. Painful shyness soon ruled out the stage.

Three years later, everything changed. 

I fell in love with learning thanks to a teacher who saw something in me beyond shyness. She could see creativity and expression. Her encouragement sparked a lifelong journey: a bachelor’s in education, a master’s in education and policy studies, a doctorate in Educational Leadership, four university professorships, a letter of superintendency. 

One inspired moment turned into decades of purpose.

When do children begin to imagine their future paths? How early should parents begin talking about college, trade schools, military or other options?

Earlier than you might think. Early childhood is about planting seeds. When a child shows interest in animals, mention veterinarians. When they draw nonstop, talk about design, architecture or animation. 

Casual conversations build awareness.

University of Akron student tour guide Elizabeth McCrea explains residence hall life for a campus tour group on Monday, Aug. 18. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)
University of Akron student tour guide Elizabeth McCrea explains residence hall life for a campus tour group on Monday, Aug. 18. (Ryan Loew / Signal Akron)

By late elementary school, children begin connecting passions to careers. This is a great time to introduce paths to shadow professionals, to internship and apprenticeship programs, to study abroad.

Middle school is ideal for deeper conversations: what excites them, what kind of learning do they enjoy, what environments help them thrive. High school? They’ll be prepared to explore options that fit their dreams and developing identities.

The college conversation isn’t one talk — it’s a series of open, encouraging moments that grow alongside your child.

You can’t underestimate the value of a kid’s dreams. 

Signal background

I overcame a shy and unassertive persona to become a lifelong performer — under a different set of lights. I donned my metaphorical top hat, cane and tap shoes every day. My stage was the classroom, and my audience was a rotating cast of curious minds who I hope never forgot to love learning.

Who knows? After more than six decades in education, it might just be time to get on a stage that doesn’t require lesson plans and lunch duty.

Patricia Sheahan is a professor, student teacher supervisor, installation artist, educational consultant for the integration of the arts across all disciplines and a freelance writer. Sheahan enjoys more than four decades of education experience at K-12 schools in New York and Pennsylvania and higher education at Seton Hill University, the University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, Penn State and most recently the University of Akron. Her favorite courses to teach are Social Justice Through the Arts, Ethics, Introduction to Critical Education, Classroom Management and Integrating the Arts K-12. Interests include visiting the Akron Art Museum, Akron Library, Civic Theatre, walking downtown to view murals and window light installations plus the stunning flower and plant arrangements, antiquing, especially from her own vendor space at The Brothers North Antiques in Medina. She also frequents Akron restaurants and local boutiques, travels and spends time with her family; a daughter and her newly blended family in North Canton, a son and his family in San Diego and a son in Dallas.