What do you want to be when you grow up?

We sat down at a friend's wedding reception recently and started visiting with a nice couple and their kids. My son was asked how he liked his school. His response sounded something like this, "I really love my school, but because it's a private school, they don't receive as much government assistance as public schools. So we're currently fundraising to help buy a new freezer for the cafeteria."

As a professional who has spent the last 15 years in fundraising, development and philanthropy, I was secretly thrilled that all the discussions and explanations I shared about my job had sunk in, but quickly said a small prayer that my son wouldn't continue his innocent pitch and ask these very new acquaintances for a donation to his school.

Since my son was very tiny, he has had a lot of questions about what I "do" for a living. It's reasonable, considering his first-year calendar marked "baby's first ribbon cutting" alongside his first word and first steps. As a mom who really enjoys her career and is passionate about the work of nonprofits in the community, I have welcomed these questions and loved the conversations that have challenged me to think about how to explain my job in new ways to him and his step-sisters; breaking down not only the "what" I do, but the "why" and purpose I find in my work.

I remember being asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" and having a very limited perspective on the myriad of careers in the world. It wasn't until much later in life that I realized the answer to that question was less about the actual definition and choice of a career field, but so much more about knowing my own strengths and finding work that gave me a sense of purpose.

When these questions come up with our three elementary-aged kids, we try and approach the opportunity with three things in mind.

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