Growing up in the 1970s, I dreamed large with Big Harry Audacious Goals (BHAG). During this computer age, Steve Jobs was changing the world in the personal computing industry.  I wanted to be part of that. Intel, Xerox, and IBM were already making groundbreaking strides in the industry, but it was Steve Jobs who had a vision. A vision for everyone to have a personal computer in their home, which seemed absurd at the time. Who knew personal computers were only a piece of the puzzle of him changing the world? He was an inspiration.

In the heart of our small town stood a time-honored establishment with a story as rich as the spirits lining its shelves. The family liquor store, once an ice cream parlor in the roaring twenties, transitioned through the years into a thriving hub for libations. My journey within its walls began at the tender age of 14, marking the beginning of a unique chapter in my life that taught me the value of hard work, family bonds, and resilience.

The 1960s was a decade defined by a cultural revolution, and against this backdrop, Junior Achievement (J.A.) emerged as a key player in nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit among the youth. This blog explores the unique confluence of human capital development and entrepreneurship within Junior Achievement during the psychedelic 1960s, shedding light on the organization's role in shaping not just business acumen but also the creative and innovative mindset of young individuals.

Goals, achievements, or priorities? It doesn’t matter what they are called; everyone should have them. Yes, even young children. Maybe it is to have good grades or something as simple as making their bed, doing choirs, or trying a new food or activity. Generally, goals are made as part of a New Year’s Resolution, but since most resolutions typically don’t last a couple of weeks, you might need some techniques to help. The secret sauce ensures the why is discussed, especially if it is a goal inspired by a parent or grandparent.

As the Greatest Generation member, my mom was technologically advanced, especially for her age. She was a wiz with spreadsheets. She created manual spreadsheets before technology caught up to her. She eagerly took to social media, even posting her version of a selfie to share with family and friends. Computer, Smart Phone, IPad, yep, she used them all. But she gladly leaned on her children and grandchildren for technology questions.

Picture this: It's a sunny September school day in a quaint little town where everyone knows your family inside and out, including your family's bustling business. It's snack Tuesday, and like clockwork, the solemn nuns take the scheduled 10-minute snack break where the opportunity to purchase a penny candy or a single-stick salted pretzel on the honor system, has just begun. The line was about to be open for their hungry guests.

Growing up with siblings can be a wild ride.

In my family, we were all girls, with three sisters born a year apart and another two born five and nine years later. Talk about 2 families! Even with the age differences, we were all born in the baby boomer generation, which added to our being vastly different in every way imaginable. The only thing we had in common? Sharing one bathroom. Needless to say, growing up was far from easy.

Decades have passed, everyone scattered from our little local community, and the wild commonality, along with the time spent together, became less and less. What do you do?

Teaching your grandchildren about spiritual capital is a profoundly meaningful and enduring gift that can leave a lasting impact, shaping their character and values throughout their lives. The process of instilling these profound principles can take various forms, and each aspect is essential in nurturing their spiritual growth.