Inspiration Everywhere

One of the very best parts of my work is getting to be around Purdue Students. They are so smart, so hardworking, and so different than me. 
 
They've helped me understand a bit about what makes Gen Z tick; they've challenged me to go deeper on my research (and even given me some ideas about what tools to use); they've taught me about the challenges of getting through 'No Bones' days.  
 
Usually, they teach me through their questions. Earlier this week, a student called because he had a business idea but couldn't figure out how to make it profitable and scalable.  
 
 He was very specific in his concept: bringing Visual Assistive Technology to emerging markets.  
 
His questions were brilliant: How do we make this technology affordable? Who's already doing this? How do I network in this space? I didn't have a lot of immediate answers about this niche, but I was certainly willing to help him find answers. 
 
I needed these questions to remind me of the power of impact. Too often, we run into the challenges of the businesses we'd like to build, but the logistics stop us.  
 
But this is the power of social entrepreneurship: 

• It calls us to think deeper beyond the challenges that stymie most people and forces us to be highly creative to find the solution we know must be there.

• It allows us to believe there's a collaborative opportunity or existing solution that we just haven't found yet.

• It allows us to follow our passion, do the research and indulges us with the chance to inspire ourselves. 

 
The best part of the conversation? This student wasn't even in my social entrepreneurship class. 
 
Hats off to the caregivers of Gen Z. They. Are. Wonderful.