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Your future

Home Your future Discovering your interests and talents

Discovering your interests and talents

Taking the time to think about your interests and abilities is the first step toward discovering what it is you want to do now as a teen, or even later when you become an adult. You can start by asking yourself the following questions:

• What are some subjects that interest me?
• What special skills or talents do I have?
• What would I like to learn more about?
• What would I like to change in my community or in the world?

Everyone has different answers to these questions. What’s most important is that you think about how your answers reflect you as a person and what you really want to do. If you are having trouble thinking of areas that reflect your interests, here are some ideas to get you started:

• Your favorite subject in school (math, science, writing, history)
• Hobbies you have (writing poetry or short stories, making jewelry)
• Sports interests or activity
• Activities you are involved in (music, dance, acting, art)
• Languages you speak or want to learn
• Issues you care about (homelessness, the environment, human rights, politics)
• Ways you want to help people (teaching others, helping someone who is sick or disabled)
• A career or job you would like to have when you grow up

The My Future worksheet can also help you figure out your interests and talents. Complete the worksheet before seeing your school guidance counselor.

Content last updated June 23, 2008

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