Today was one of those rare “aha!” days that seem to come out of nowhere, yet leave an indelible mark on your soul. As someone who’s wandered through various careers—biomedical engineering, adult education, cryptocurrency, and even wedding photography—finding my true calling felt like chasing a mirage in the desert. But sometimes, inspiration strikes in the most unexpected of places, and for me, it came in the form of a chance encounter with an unlikely passenger during a routine evening of Uber/Lyft-ing.
As I was driving Lyft tonight, I picked up a passenger, Rachel from Matteson, IL, an unassuming 13-year-old on her way to a friend’s house in Willowbrook. What began as small talk soon evolved into a conversation that would alter my perspective in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Rachel overheard me listening to “Sell or Be Sold,” a book on sales techniques, and her curiosity was piqued. Eager to learn, she engaged me in conversation, revealing her interests in tattooing and cinematography—two passions that struck a chord with my own eclectic journey.
As someone who once navigated the world of professional cinematography, I found myself drawn to Rachel’s aspirations. I shared with her the lessons I had learned along the way, both the triumphs and the setbacks. Little did I know, our conversation would take an unexpected turn when Rachel expressed her desire for a mentor to guide her in her creative pursuits.
In a moment of spontaneity, I found myself agreeing to be her mentor. Yet, as quickly as the words left my lips, a wave of uncertainty washed over me. Mentoring a thirteen-year-old girl seemed, at first glance, inappropriate. But Rachel’s assurance that her mother would want to meet me first alleviated my concerns.
As I dropped her off and exchanged contact information, a sense of positive energy surged within me. Could this be the purpose I had been searching for in the second half of my life? Mentoring aspiring creatives, sharing my experiences, and fostering their growth—suddenly, it all felt right. With sixteen years of training experience under my belt and a passion for the creative arts, I realized that teaching and creating were what truly fueled my soul.
This chance encounter with Rachel served as a poignant reminder that purpose often finds us when we least expect it. Sometimes, all it takes is a willingness to listen, to share, and to embrace the unexpected opportunities that come our way. As I embark on this new chapter of mentorship, I do so with renewed enthusiasm and a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing that the journey ahead promises to be as rewarding as it is unexpected.
