Provo High’s Careers in Education class, taught by the fabulous Kristin Pierce, explores all the various paths and careers within the educational realm. Today, the class had the opportunity to hear from Utah Valley University President Matthew Holland, who shared several delightful anecdotes and words of wisdom based on his experiences in education and life in general.
Holland himself has Provo roots, including being born in Provo, and then later attending Provo High. At the core of his upbringing was the belief that life requires hard work, a significant point he reiterated throughout the class discussion. In addition to hard work, President Holland advised students to let passion guide their life pursuits, not money. “Follow what you love, and it won’t feel like work,” he counseled, adding that this will also help buffer the less positive aspects of a job. He explained that this is true in any field of employment, not just education, though he did discuss at length the wonderful rewards of a career in education. “To shape minds and turn someone on to a subject you’re passionate about… that’s a great life,” he said. He mentioned the long-lasting impression that educators leave on the minds of their students, noting that while he couldn’t tell you the name of his first banker or realtor, he could tell you the names of each and every teacher he has ever had. President Holland elaborated on the influence of educators as being one that not only affects the individual, but society as a whole. “Education is the great unifier… the common thread of our society. Education is key for everybody to pursue their [own] kind of dream, and to live together as a country.”
We are grateful for President Holland taking time to share his insights on education and the importance of hard work in moving towards personal goals, educational or otherwise!