Today’s Class: October 13, 2017
Today’s class began with a challenge.
Students were asked to determine our guest’s job by asking questions which he could only respond with a ‘yes‘ or ‘no‘ answer.
Today’s class was
a follow up exercise to our reading of the Life Skills textbook, “Questions“.
In other words, this class offered students an opportunity to extend themselves ‘out of their comfort zone’ to ask questions to a successful business person in front of their peers and teachers. Not an easy proposition. However, the student response was impressive.
Rosa Rodriguez Ortiz escorts Sean Larkin into today’s Life Skills classroom while Rosa’s fellow students stand as a sign of respect to our guest.
Rosa introduces Sean to her classmates
Shakira Figueroa leads the class in an individual greeting and welcome. Sean’s reaction was interesting. “Your students made me feel welcome. Good firm handshakes. Great eye contact and smiles. This was good. Helped me relax.”
Sean sat in his coveralls at the head of the class and waited for student questions to begin.
Francisco Gonzalez poses his question to Sean while Janita DeJesus, at a far table, prepares to ask the next.
Rosa waits to be recognized by Sean for her insightful question.
Jessicaliz Carrasquillo waits to ask her probing question.
Steven Garcia (far left sitting at the table wearing his ROTC uniform) was the first student to connect the dots of random answers from several student questions to identify Sean Larkin’s job – Brewmaster – Beer maker!
Sean Larkin at his Revival Brewery in Cranston, Rhode Island. Sean has been the most well known name in local beer for many years. He started brewing beer when he was an employee at Trinity Brewhouse in Providence. “My Brewmaster career creating different flavors of beer happened because I was in the right place at the right time and I was willing to step out of my comfort zone to try a new job and learn a new skill. When my boss at Trinity asked if I wanted to try brewing, I stepped out of my comfort zone and went for it. Sure I was anxious and nervous. But, at the same time, I realized the opportunity to learn something new and, soon discovered, I enjoyed doing. It was a great career move.”
Nayely Furcal Marte networks with Sean after class and asks for Sean’s business card. Let it be known, Nayely has a similar entrepreneurial spirit as Sean. Johnny Ruiz and Catherine Visono wait to network with Sean as well.
Postscript – Students initially inferred from the way Sean dressed he must be a “carpenter, plumber, electrician”; i.e. someone who makes things. Well, Sean certainly makes something, great beer! He also likes to cook. One of today’s lessons is we can’t always tell who some is or what they are like simply by the way they dress.
There is value speaking, observing, asking questions and listening intently before making an assessment of anyone.