Innovation in Discovery: Aligning Passion with Potential at OMS

Fifth graders at Ozark Middle School sat attentively as Craig Kondracki, OMS counselor, stood before them.

"Are you creative, analytical, adventurous or compassionate?" he asked. “Today, we're going to talk about something really important, you. Your personality, your interests, and how they might connect to your future career.”

The students pondered his questions as he explained further.

“We all have different strengths, and the world needs all kinds of people to do all kinds of jobs. Some of you might love solving puzzles, maybe you'll be an engineer,” he said. “Some of you are great at helping others, perhaps a future as a teacher or doctor awaits.”

To illustrate his point, Kondracki played a short video about aligning personal interests, passions and skills with fulfilling careers. As students imagined their futures, he handed out a questionnaire designed to help students identify traits and qualities linked to various career paths.

Recently, Kondracki toured Springfield’s SMC Packaging Group, a full-service provider of corrugated packaging and displays. He said he was impressed by the depth of careers available within the company. While speaking with a senior leader about Ozark's efforts of introducing students to career alignment, SMC leaders were eager to contribute. Together, they designed a small, branded corrugated box for each OMS fifth grader, a symbol of possibilities that students could assemble and interact with.

During a fifth-grade Tiger Time assembly, Kondracki arranged a special presentation featuring professionals from SMC, including a designer, engineer, human resource representative, and marketing specialist.

Dylon Wake, a designer from SMC, scanned the room before offering his advice. 

“Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way, you never know where it will lead,” he said. “This is just the beginning. You don’t have to decide today, but start paying attention to what excites you. The possibilities are endless!"

As the lesson wrapped up, students left the room with new thoughts swirling in their minds about what they loved, what they were good at, and what their futures could hold.