Discovering a life calling, a life purpose is what education is finally all about. Sadly, today’s mindset and educational goals revolve around achieving success. Of course success here is defined not by genuine contribution (meaning service to others), but by what kind of a career one can pursue: a Wall Street banker, an Ivy League graduate, or a doctor or lawyer. We ignore the fact that, as Walker Percy once quipped, “One can get all A’s and still flunk life.”

We need to help our children realize that life is more than getting a good job.