KidSpirit

Fulfillment Group Guide

Volume XII, Number II

Artwork by Fatima García, age 16

Fulfillment. Goals. Success. These words signify what so many of us strive for throughout our lives. As KidSpirit writers and artists set out on the path to adulthood, they weigh in on what it means to reach our full potential. Writers share diverse experiences and conceptions of meaningful lives that can spark engaging conversations about your own ideas.

1. In the Big Question department, editor Samarth Jajoo explores the differences between fulfillment and happiness, and how our desires are always evolving. In “Can You Know You Have Found Fulfillment?,” Samarth argues that we only feel fulfillment for a little while, before we need a new challenge or level to pursue. Has there ever been a time when you felt fulfilled? How did you know? How long did the feeling last? Take a few notes on your experience and be ready to share.

2. Botao Ju delves into the pros and cons of competition and its effect on one’s fulfillment and happiness in his Feature article, “Competition: Pandora's Box for Both Stress and Happiness.” Equipped with first-hand experience of an intense exam culture and strong research, he argues for a more balanced use of competition in society. Do you think school could work without grades? What about the college admissions process without exams? Is there a balance to be struck, and has your school or country done so?

3. In “To Each Their Own Journey,” an Awesome Moments article, Rajvi Shroff recounts her difficult journey taking up ballet as an older first-time student. She learns to value her own emotional and artistic expression over the judgment of others and winning competitions. Think about a time you “lost” or did poorly according to others, but still felt happy or fulfilled. If you cannot recall a specific moment, imagine a scenario where this might happen. Why do you think some people can be satisfied with what would not be enough for others?

4. Emily Esfahani Smith, a writer, editor, and speaker, contributes this issue’s PerSpectives article. In “Striving For Meaning,” she describes four pillars of a meaningful and fulfilling life: belonging (friendships and relationships), transcendence (being absorbed in a passion or pursuit), storytelling (how you think of your life), and purpose (your overall driving goal or value). In which of these areas do you excel and which can you improve? How do you think you can strengthen that pillar?

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Art by Jaden Flach, Brooklyn

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Art by Jaden Flach, Brooklyn