If you’ve discovered your calling, it’s crucial to note that it doesn’t need to be something as well-defined as “I want to be a firefighter” or “I want to be a choir director.” Sometimes people miss their calling because they’re looking for too many specifics. My calling to help others came from a life of experiences working with people who helped me.

From Parents

I grew up with a wonderful father. He left his village in Haiti for the big city and is one of the hardest working men I’ve ever known. By Haitian standards, I grew up middle class, although it would be considered lower by most Americans. However, my dad made sure I always had food, clothing, shelter, and the best private education available.

I saw many boys in Haiti who didn’t have fathers, or if they did, they were not good role models. These were the boys left to fend for themselves mostly, who received the third-rate education the public system in Haiti provides. With nobody to teach them the way, and without an education, they were starting with two strikes against them at an early age. Most earned that third strike before they reached adulthood. I always knew if not for the Grace of God, I could have easily been one of them. I was one of the lucky ones.

from relatives and mentors

My transition into an America way of life wasn’t easy. After high school, I first moved to Fort Lauderdale to live with my uncle. Learning the language wasn’t a horrible challenge, but landing a job and finding my footing in the college world was not easy. Nonetheless, many people helped me to become the American citizen that I am today. From my bosses who hired me in spite of my limited English language skills to recruiters who advised me in education pursuits to my uncle, who gave me a home in America — without them, I wouldn’t be here helping others today. Because of their help, I am fulfilling my calling to help others.

from education

After earning my first master’s degree in health administration, I interned in several prestigious organizations in the private sector. It didn’t take me long to realize that it was not the best environment for me at that time. It didn’t align with my calling. I wanted to be part of a team that was making a difference in people’s lives and could see that pushing paper was not going to be the right way. I believe it that experience helped me to understand my broader calling for the first time.

To helping others

It occurred to me that whatever “helping” meant, I wanted to work in public service to share the knowledge I gained in school. The US Navy was the perfect option, as it allowed me to serve my adopted country by helping to maintain the health of the hardworking men, women and families in our military.

I never expected it, but one of the most fulfilling parts of my job in the Navy was in mentoring young men from disadvantaged backgrounds who had recently entered the Navy and were trying to figure out the path for their lives. Sitting with these men and helping them create a strategy for their best possible lives was beyond rewarding — for them and for me.

to realization

As I worked with these disadvantaged young men, it struck me that I would work in the private sector again. I knew I would serve as a certified life coach and continue helping people looking for a life change.

Further inspiration came after helping a few people reconfigure their career goals. Most of these people were white-collar professionals and leaders in their field. I questioned if I could continue to work with the young men while I worked with professionals. Wouldn’t I have to pick one and consider that my calling?

That answer was no. A calling is not like a piece of concrete that quickly hardens after it is created. A calling can have many options for fulfilling itself, and the options can occur simultaneously.

When I look out toward the horizon, I see myself creating a foundation for troubled teen boys. My calling will eventually lead to developing a youth center where these boys can get both the emotional nurturing and practical job skills that best serve them in life. I plan to continue working with professionals, or maybe I will have moved on by then; only my heart will know the right thing at the time.

Today, I live my calling, and I offer positive assistance using my skills and experience to help anyone who feels they need to change their lives. If you’re looking for this kind of guidance, I’d like to help you.