essay about passion for education

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The role of passion in education: A systematic review

How do researchers define passion? What are the outcomes of passion? What variables ignite passion? To answer these questions, we performed a systematic review of studies within the context of education. After conducting a search in major electronic databases, we presented the primary findings of 13 articles from 2004 to 2013. This review indicates that the most shared features of passion's conceptualization are dedication, persistence, identification with and love for the activity. Passion research in education revealed a diversity of consequences, such as engagement, creativity, the subject's election or mastery goals, and a diversity of promoters, such as positive relationships, supportive context or an innovative cognitive style. An understanding of passion is important in fostering students' adjustment and knowledge. We conclude this review with some theoretical and meth-odological suggestions for future research.

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European Scientific Journal ESJ

Is passion important in the educational context? What are the benefits of passion? Is it possible to foster students' passion? What are the teachers' characteristics or behaviors that foster students' passion? The aim of this study was to answer this questions by a literature review, as well as to present a global and current picture about the role of passion in Education. Although research on passion is really recent and, therefore, still scarce, the literature reviewed showed a great variety of passion's outcomes, which highlights the importance it has in the educational context. We also tried to summarize the teachers' characteristics studied up to now that can foster the students' passion. We concluded by presenting the potential implications of the articles reviewed within education, and presenting the main conclusions of the review.

Gifted Child Quarterly

Jacquelynne Eccles

The Journal of Educators Online

Scott Greenberger

Humanities & Social Sciences Reviews

Firdouse R A H M A N Khan

Purpose: Passion is essential for effective and high-quality teaching. A passionate teacher is one with the updated growing knowledge inspiring the students in a classroom, by making learning excited. The objective of the study was to analyze whether the teachers were teaching out-of-field and to analyze what type of passion influences them. Design/methodology/approach: 241 teachers working in Higher Education Institutions in Oman participate in the survey. Structural Equation Modeling was used to analyze the data. Findings: The empirical results reveal that the teachers sometimes do out-of-field teaching. The Basic Passion qualities and Harmonious Passion qualities help to improve the Effects of Passion based learning in classroom teaching. It is also revealed that the teachers need to increase Harmonious passion rather than Obsessive passion as it might result in burnout or disengagement in the long run. Practical Implications: The study suggested that the teachers should make emotional attachments with the students, not to criticize anyone, rather encourage them for innovation & creativity, and should allow enough time to learn by making a conducive environment. Originality/value: The research work is of its first kind as it focuses on the impact of Passion-based teaching in the classroom using the SEM-PLS approach which has suggested means for effective teaching.

Canadian Psychology / Psychologie canadienne

Robert Vallerand

American Journal of Engineering Education (AJEE)

Quamrul Mazumder

International Journal of Social Sciences & Educational Studies

Bunyamin Celik

Journal of Educational Psychology

Noémie Carbonneau

The current research demonstrates a novel approach to investigating the role ofperceived teacher and parental autonomy support in college students’ ( N = 970 with376 males, 594 females) passion for science. Based on the Dualistic Model of Passionwhich posits the existence of a harmonious (HP) and obsessive (OP) passion, weadopted a 2 x 2 model (Gaudreau & Thompson, 2010) to test if low and high levels ofperceived parental and teacher autonomy support were differentially associated withstudents’ harmonious and obsessive passion. First, students' perceptions of high levels of both teacher and parental autonomy support rendered the highest means in HP and OP. Second, students who demonstrated high levels of only teacher autonomy support also displayed high levels of HP and OP. Third, OP levels were lowest when teacher autonomy support was low, while those from parents were high. Finally, perceived low support from both parents and teachers was not as ideal as having only support fr...

Journal of Personality

Celine Blanchard , Geneviève Mageau

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Unlocking Passion in Education

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“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” -Confucius

One thing I have come to understand with great clarity during my crash-course in the K-12 landscape is: if a student truly cares about her education (as in, genuinely desires to improve, or more importantly is genuinely intrigued/stimulated by the subject matter), she will succeed. It’s often that simple.

One part of that equation (the desire to improve) can be triggered with luck/time/effort/discipline. Students can be shown a potential life path (like politician or engineer) and be steered toward this goal step by step: if you want to be a senator, you will have to go to a good Law School; if you want to go to a good Law School, you have to do well on the LSAT and succeed in college; if you want to succeed in college, you have to... and so on. With a bit of luck and persistence, a student can be put on a path to learning success and be fueled by their end goal. I call it the Reverse-IfYouGiveAMouseACookie Theory of Education.

The other path (intrigue/stimulation) is less easily pursued. There is little space in the current education landscape for true passion, unless you happen to be passionate about quadratic equations. School curriculum has always been a regimented endeavor tied to specific sets of data that must be absorbed--and the addition of Common Core is unlikely to change this much.

But what if we set off one third of the school day for kids to become real experts in whatever they want? What if we adjusted the structure such that the students were the ones teaching the adults? Self-guided projects where the teacher gives constant and consistent feedback have the power to both latch onto a student’s true passions as well as demonstrate real world examples of the theory they spend years studying and consuming within the classroom. You won’t be asking “why do I need to learn how to calculate a derivative?” if you see calculus clearly intersecting with your hobbies and interests.

I’m a few years removed from the K-12 lifestyle at this juncture in my life, but to my knowledge topics like Physics and Language Arts are decidedly “uncool,” whereas things like race cars and acoustic guitars are likely closer to being “cool.” So, why not leverage what’s cool? After all, it’s tough to know much about race cars without having a solid grasp of aerodynamics, wind resistance, and engine mechanics. Similarly, it’s tough to give a compelling explanation as to why Jimi Hendrix put on a better set at Woodstock than Carlos Santana without proper grammar, vocabulary, and general debate skills.

Curriculum was necessarily rigid for most of our past learning experiences because the content we had access to was generally limited to the textbook we received the first day of class. Now we have Open Educational Resources (OER). We have YouTube. We have Google. We have Skype. We have myriad paths for students to explore most any discipline they desire to undertake. What we now need is a guiding hand.

If we let kids actively explore the subjects that pique their curiosity, we can surely factor some legitimate learning (Common Core Approved!) into the equation. When the script is flipped (as is traditionally the case), it’s much harder to discover and leverage passion.

This idea of latching onto passion and pushing learning accordingly is inherent in the Do-It-Yourself movement ( DIY ), but it is much more often lacking in other aspects of the learning experience. One of the hot startups in the ed-tech world of late is a website called NoRedInk . A recent graduate of Imagine K12 , the company is attempting to combat the writing/grammar epidemic currently sweeping our schools. While STEM gets all the glory as the problem child, the truth is that we have an equally troubling, if not more so, state of literacy in the country: reading, writing, grammar, and the like. NoRedInk has created a platform for students to test their grammar skills within the context of subjects they care about. When a student signs in, they are given the option of a number of subjects (Harry Potter, One Direction, or the NBA for instance), and their subsequent adaptive problems will revolve around these areas of passion.

Does this truly elicit a passionate response out of its students? Does rearranging sentence structure pique a student’s curiosity simply because the subject is “Lebron James” and the verb is “dunking?” I think the answer is something close to: slightly. But NoRedInk is just getting the ball rolling on the “passion in the classroom” front. I hope this is just the beginning, and that others will follow this pattern. I hope the coming wave of start-ups in the ed-tech community does not take for granted the power of passion in education.

The opinions expressed in Reimagining K-12 are strictly those of the author(s) and do not reflect the opinions or endorsement of Editorial Projects in Education, or any of its publications.

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How Passionate Teaching Can Inspire Students

Article Summary

• Public Agenda’s study found that 43 percent of college dropouts claimed they had to take too many classes they didn’t consider useful.|Effective learning starts with learner relevance, and every subject can prove valuable once a student sees a connection between the content and their life.|By simply highlighting students’ progress with recognition, rewards and encouragement throughout the semester, instructors add meaning beyond learning the subject matter. |When students start to see the benefits that come from doing well in class, instructors can start to connect in-class achievements with constructive feedback that can be used on campus and in the workplace.
• field_5cf83622ba22e

Understand Where Passion Starts

Without a passion for learning, students can lose focus and interest in completing your course—or worse, their education. A 2009 study by Public Agenda found that 45 percent of recent college dropouts listed boredom as a reason they decided to leave.

The good news: Your excitement can be contagious! Expressing your passion for teaching or the subject you teach , can grab your students’ attention and drive engagement.

“Love what you teach, and they will love it too.”   -Sandra Scheier, Psychology Instructor at Kennesaw State University

Research links passionate teaching directly to a student’s willingness to learn and experience new ideas. But to incorporate passion into your teaching, you must understand where it begins.

Start by reflecting on the moments that led to your career as an educator. What reeled you into the idea of teaching and drew you to your field of study? Ask yourself what you liked or disliked at first, and why you felt that way. Acknowledge important mentors you met along the way, taking time to consider what made their input so impactful. Recollect the moments where things started to come together, and you finally felt you had found your passion. Remember the excitement—because it’s that enthusiasm that can guide your students towards a meaningful career path. Your love for teaching the subject you teach, can reach students through the energy you show in class, and give students the fuel to stay the course.

“Show your passion for what you love to do. The more excited you are, the more excited your students will be.”   -Terry Weideman, Nutrition Instructor at Oakland Community College

Harness the Power of Your Students’ Curiosity

Passion begins when students explore their curiosity, but first, they must determine if the area is worthy of their time. Public Agenda’s study found that 43 percent of college dropouts claimed they had to take too many classes they didn’t consider useful. Although common, this assumption doesn’t have to seal your course’s fate. Any subject can prove useful —but getting your students to connect with the content starts with how you present the information. When challenged with students who don’t have a primary interest in your discipline, remember that every student can benefit from passion-based learning —and there are ways to link your course to their interests and skills.

Effective learning starts with learner relevance , and every subject can prove valuable once a student sees a connection between the content and their life. A musician can become a better songwriter from an English course. An athlete can perform better on the field after learning how to take care of their body in a Nutrition class. A Criminal Justice major can learn about human behavior from a Psychology professor—applying this knowledge when working on a case. Anyone can apply Accounting knowledge to spending money in the real world.

Linking concepts to local cases, current issues, news and events—especially those that impact your students—is another way to make your course more relatable and learner-centric. Constantly updating your material is key to keeping concepts fresh for students and applicable to their every-day lives.

“Show the relevance of the subject matter and make it fun and meaningful! My excitement for what I teach is obvious, and my students can see it and feel it. I believe in what I teach.”   -Sandy Keeter, Computing Professor at Seminole State College

When curiosity turns into interest, students become invested in what they’re learning and pay closer attention—processing information more effectively while developing learning strategies that make course concepts stick. Interest keeps students focused, working harder and longer and enables them to stack new knowledge upon old knowledge. The best way for a student to discover areas of strength is to delve into physical, intellectual and creative activities outside their comfort zone. The more they try, the more opportunities they’ll have to discover their passion.

You can also take it outside of the classroom, pairing students with help centers, colleagues and any other resources that align with their interests. If they’re having trouble identifying interest areas, guide them towards the multitude of personality tests and career quizzes available online.

Lead with Real-Life Examples

Authentic experiences are meant to be shared and learned from—because they make a lasting impression on students while sparking self-reflection. A study of 257 professional musicians found the most important characteristics of their first teachers were the ability to communicate well—to be friendly, chatty and encouraging—and the capacity to pass on their love of music through modeling and playing well.

Think of a moment in your career that you’ll never forget, then consider what made it so meaningful. Not every student will share your passion, but by sharing honest anecdotes from your own life, you’ll inspire conversation and query. Real experience includes success and failure, so sharing triumphs and mistakes offers lessons students can apply long after graduation.

“I’m genuinely in love with my profession: being a social worker is not just a job but a commitment to making the world a better place, and that’s at the core of who I am. I share that with my students. I give them the good and the bad: I don’t sugarcoat what I’ve experienced in this field, and students respond positively to this authenticity. I ask my students to dig deep as to why they chose this field, and what inspires them. The work we do in the classroom will give structure and understanding to what happens in the field, and I am constantly drawing parallels between the two.”   – Renee Rawcliffe, Social Work Instructor at Simmons College

Add Significance to Success

You’re challenged with helping every student—including difficult or uninterested students—because all students have something to offer, and something to gain from your course. To reach everyone—majors and non-majors, students required to take your course and those who’ve enrolled just for fun—focus on the positive outcomes that can be achieved from success in your class.

By simply highlighting students’ progress with recognition, rewards and encouragement throughout the semester, instructors add meaning beyond learning the subject matter. Use students’ breakthroughs, high scores on homework and exams, leadership skills displayed in class or group projects, extra credit work or in-class competitions to call-out your students’ wins to make learning the curriculum a positive experience. Honoring students’ achievements will get them excited to come to class and eager to participate. The more students partake in class—the more they’ll learn about course concepts—building and improving upon their critical thinking skills.

When students start to see the benefits that come from doing well in class, instructors can start to connect in-class achievements with constructive feedback that can be used on campus and in the workplace.

“I try to share multiple ways that the course content can be applied in a career setting. I also share examples of how I used the course content in my career before teaching and how I use the content now in a teaching role. I tell students to add this content to your toolbox because you never know when you might need it.”   – Donna Sue Shellman, Medical Office Administration Instructor at Gaston College

Encourage today’s learners by sharing what has inspired you throughout your profession. Showcasing your passion through teaching will connect students to the course material, stimulate their engagement and drive their achievements in class—and eventually a career.

Looking for more ways to boost student engagement in your course? Explore more faculty strategies in our free student engagement handbook .

Related articles

I am delighted to join the Global Partnership for Education  (GPE) as the new Chair of its Board of Directors.

All my life I have been driven by my strong belief that every child should have access to a high quality education. Education changes lives. I know that it changed mine. No child should be denied the transformative power of a great education.

I first campaigned for better education when I was at university. As Australia’s Education Minister and ultimately as Prime Minister, I had the opportunity to deliver reforms across our entire education system, with the aim of making quality learning more accessible and affordable to more of our citizens.

Education is my passion

I’m proud of that record and consider it a tremendous privilege now to work with the Global Partnership and its vast network of dedicated people, institutions and countries who are just as passionate about the importance of education.

Together, we will embark on a critical journey to bring not just access but quality education to the 57 million children currently out of school around the globe. We will work to lift the quality of education for children already in school. These are daunting goals, but both are well within reach if the international community works together to deliver on our promise to provide education for all.

I am looking forward to working with Alice Albright, GPE’s Chief Executive Officer, and I am honoured to follow in the footsteps of former Board Chair Carol Bellamy and Geeta Rao Gupta, who acted as interim chair over the past few months.

Funding is crucial

My first and most important priority as GPE Board Chair over the next several months will be to reach out to all of the donor countries urging them to make a strong commitment to this year’s replenishment. As part of the appeal, I will stress:

• The essential value of education . Obvious as it may seem, everyone must recognize that basic education enables countries to make progress in most areas of human, economic and social development. Indeed, education is an essential ingredient for success in global development and nation building.
• The power of the GPE partnership.  The Global Partnership for Education is the only global entity that brings all of the most relevant partners – donor nations, developing countries and experts in the education field — together around a single plan, focusing resources so they have the biggest impact, especially in fragile states and conflict countries where we risk entire generations of children receiving no formal education.
• The importance of systemic change . The Global Partnership helps nations strengthen their entire education systems , not just the individual elements that make them up. That translates into more sustainable and effective approaches that truly improve learning for more children.
• An innovative new funding   model.  Though we will have more details to offer about it in a few weeks, the Global Partnership’s new funding model represents a major breakthrough not just for the education sector but for many other aspects of global development. At its heart, the funding model provides incentives to countries to create more efficient and effective education systems, to prioritize learning outcomes, to increase domestic investment in education and to collect and use more and better data, which promotes accountability and efficacy. Stay in touch for more details on this exciting new development.
• The imperative to build on the current momentum.  Many challenges remain to strengthen the education systems in some of the world’s poorest countries. But over the last decade, we have seen tremendous gains in GPE partner developing countries, particularly many that have increasingly invested their own domestic budgets into education. It is urgent that donor countries, through replenishment, encourage those countries to do more, lest we risk squandering the hard-fought gains. That’s why this year’s replenishment is an historic opportunity to turn the tide of success .

Let’s unite for education

With a proven track record of support that has delivered results in the world’s poorest and most fragile countries over the past decade, the Global Partnership has allocated $3.7 billion to improve education in developing nations. This is a major accomplishment and we have to enable the partnership to keep up the good work.

Let us unite for the mission of the Global Partnership to galvanize and coordinate a global effort to provide good quality education to all children, prioritizing the poorest and most vulnerable.

Related blogs

May 23, 2024 by Hanna Alasuutari , Pascal Bijleveld , Kamal Lamichhane , Hannah Loryman , Suezan Lee , and Raphaelle Martinez How to finance disability inclusion in education to transform systems and leave no one behind Reflections and recommendations to enable financing of inclusive education in lower-income countries.

March 04, 2024 by Laura Frigenti Why invest in girls’ education Gender is at the center of GPE’s strategy to transform education. We are committed to achieving gender equality in and through education, and the Girls’ Education Accelerator is key to our mission.

January 25, 2024 by Arianna Pacifico Financing refugee inclusion in national education systems: What we don’t know Given the growing commitment to refugee inclusion and limited evidence on what works, it is a critical moment to question assumptions about how to finance refugee-inclusive education systems to ensure future...

Have you ever thought about writing an ebook or guest authoring on other websites? I have a blog centered on the same information you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my visitors would enjoy your work. If you're even remotely interested, feel free to send me an email.

Pretty! This was an incredibly wonderful post. Thanks for providing these details.

It just baffles me that Governments today refuse to acknowledge the discrimination held within educational systems. Hoow can a system born from the Industrial Age still be relevant for our current times?? I work with many young people who would thrive in the right educational space, however this has yet to be created as the norm and it will be my lasting legacy to see real education available to all that seek it.

obviously like your web site but you have to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I to find it very troublesome to inform the reality however I will certainly come again again.

The project is motivated by the needs of a low socio-economic context (poor & vulnerable) of metropolitan WA. I am a very experienced education practioner and support this community's venture. Your work will guide us to establish potentially one of Australia's first 'First Nations Religous (Noongar) independent schools. I believe the Institute (still developing into implementation) has incredible potential to become a showcase of a unique model of Australian Education for both local, national and international members. Would like to know if there is potetnial to link up with GPE to access your expertise/research.

Please advise.

Thanking you. Anne 0434 512 193

I'm now convinced to have one.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am an a pastor in Liberia west Africa running a Daycare/Elementary school as pastor to help those children that were affected by Ebola in Liberia in the ministry that I am pastoring. I would like to expand this program to the others kids that are not in the ministry but have similar problem in the community, the urban and the rural parts of our country Liberia. Looking at vast majority of children of the underprivileged we have now in ministry and the community west point that was highly hit by the virus during that time, would not like to do this along but would Like to fulfill this great vision or dream that God has given us under the umbrella of your good office and your ministry as well.

We are very glad and excited as your good office and ministry see reasons to be a helping hands and blessing to our underprivileged kids in ministry and communities in Liberia West Africa that has been affected great by the deadly virus Ebola. Thus Ebola has gone but left behind problems for these kids that need your involvement for the betterment of God ministry today in west point Liberia.

May God bless you. As we prayerfully await your involvement into this to have our children’s hope of education restore to them again.

Sincerely yours.

Pastor Daniel S. Walker

Monrovia Liberia

West Africa

Hello Julia, I must say, I am really glad about this article as I am also a teacher in Nigeria and I must attest to the facts written in this article. I am a Teach for Nigeria fellow with 68 pupils in my class. Everyday, I wake up to fight for my pupils to stay in school irrespective of their socio-economic background.   Well done on the work you do. I am rooting for you!  

I would like the Children in Sierra Leone West Africa to benefit a lot from #Education

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What I Love About Teaching

There's a lot I love about being a teacher. Teaching is one of those rare professions that keeps your brain young, allowing you to continue your own journey as a student and a lifelong learner. We as educators speak often about creating lifelong learners, but if we aren't buying into it ourselves, then our students don't stand a chance.

Michelle Pfeiffer once said that being an actor allows her, with every new character, to learn something new, immersing herself in a distinct universe with each project. Being a teacher is that and so much more.

Keeping It Real

Each school year brings new people into your life. Each unit and lesson brings new perspectives. Each failure, when looked at formatively, can help you solve new problems. Each success, when used reflectively, can be even greater the next time.

Sharing oneself, thinking aloud, and being honest about what's working and what isn't is not about making the environment "softer." It's about creating a classroom in which students are at their best in attitude and character. It's about classroom management being better because students want to be there, learning from a teacher who is also willing to learn from them. "The one who does the teaching is the one who's doing the learning," as they say.

Teaching is a job that encourages your own growth because to do it well requires your own continuous education. Some might say that's a bad thing, but growth is about facing your demons -- or just your imps -- and dueling yourself for greater knowledge.

Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone

I believe true growth as a person can happen only by challenging yourself with situations that are not familiar to you. Throwing yourself into a job in which you can encounter people of different ethnicities and religions and with different philosophies, learning styles, and backgrounds can only cause you to grow as a person, and public education provides that environment.

And you never know how that will eventually translate. For some, it will mean a growth in empathy. For others, the fact that your brain learns something new every day becomes a means to fight old age. Remember those nuns from Wales featured in Time magazine a few years back? This group of long-lived nuns had theories about their own longevity as it related to their active brain activities. Learning, they believed, kept Alzheimer's at bay and helped their minds stay intact even while their bodies aged.

Whatever your beliefs are, the fact is that a good teacher continues to be a student. This could mean you continue to be a student in a graduate class, or you could simply be a student of your own school community.

In my ten years of teaching, I learned more from other teachers, my students, and their parents than I learned from any class in my teacher-credential program. (True, that's not difficult to do -- but that's another post.) In turn, when they saw my own enthusiasm for learning, students were more inclined to learn from me. And that's how my own happiness and growth has translated into the success of my students.

What impact has a passion for lifelong learning had on your teaching? Please share your thoughts.

Essay on Education for School Students and Children

500+ words essay on education.

Education is an important tool which is very useful in everybody’s life. Education is what differentiates us from other living beings on earth. It makes man the smartest creature on earth. It empowers humans and gets them ready to face challenges of life efficiently. With that being said, education still remains a luxury and not a necessity in our country. Educational awareness needs to be spread through the country to make education accessible. But, this remains incomplete without first analyzing the importance of education. Only when the people realize what significance it holds, can they consider it a necessity for a good life. In this essay on Education, we will see the importance of education and how it is a doorway to success.

Importance of Education

Education is the most significant tool in eliminating poverty and unemployment . Moreover, it enhances the commercial scenario and benefits the country overall. So, the higher the level of education in a country, the better the chances of development are.

In addition, this education also benefits an individual in various ways. It helps a person take a better and informed decision with the use of their knowledge. This increases the success rate of a person in life.

Subsequently, education is also responsible for providing with an enhanced lifestyle. It gives you career opportunities that can increase your quality of life.

Similarly, education also helps in making a person independent. When one is educated enough, they won’t have to depend on anyone else for their livelihood. They will be self-sufficient to earn for themselves and lead a good life.

Above all, education also enhances the self-confidence of a person and makes them certain of things in life. When we talk from the countries viewpoint, even then education plays a significant role. Educated people vote for the better candidate of the country. This ensures the development and growth of a nation.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Doorway to Success

To say that education is your doorway to success would be an understatement. It serves as the key which will unlock numerous doors that will lead to success. This will, in turn, help you build a better life for yourself.

An educated person has a lot of job opportunities waiting for them on the other side of the door. They can choose from a variety of options and not be obligated to do something they dislike. Most importantly, education impacts our perception positively. It helps us choose the right path and look at things from various viewpoints rather than just one.

With education, you can enhance your productivity and complete a task better in comparison to an uneducated person. However, one must always ensure that education solely does not ensure success.

It is a doorway to success which requires hard work, dedication and more after which can you open it successfully. All of these things together will make you successful in life.

In conclusion, education makes you a better person and teaches you various skills. It enhances your intellect and the ability to make rational decisions. It enhances the individual growth of a person.

Education also improves the economic growth of a country . Above all, it aids in building a better society for the citizens of a country. It helps to destroy the darkness of ignorance and bring light to the world.

FAQs on Education

Q.1 Why is Education Important?

A.1 Education is important because it is responsible for the overall development of a person. It helps you acquire skills which are necessary for becoming successful in life.

Q.2 How does Education serve as a Doorway to Success?

A.2 Education is a doorway to success because it offers you job opportunities. Furthermore, it changes our perception of life and makes it better.

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The passion that lit a hundred burning passions: A teacher’s story of toil and triumph

Teaching has always been considered a noble profession that requires great passion. Being a teacher in the Philippines is a far more interesting story to tell. The challenges abound and one’s passion can truly be tested, and if one prevails, a diamond in the rough emerges.

For the past three decades, Teacher Jacquelyn Rachel L. Tapdasan has spent most of her life teaching. Starting as a classroom teacher, Teacher Jacky always believes that teaching is not just a profession, but a personal calling.

“I’m passionate about teaching because I come from a family of teachers, and I’m surrounded with passionate people. Even if I have a son with special needs, I continue to teach and use this as an inspiration to help my learners grow and succeed,” Teacher Jacky shared.

In 2003, Teacher Jacky’s normal life as a classroom teacher changed when she accepted the challenge of being the Non-Formal Education (NFE) Coordinator in the District of Naga III in the province of Cebu. Being an NFE Coordinator meant that she would leave the comforts of teaching in a classroom to provide education to learners in far-flung areas inaccessible to formal basic education system. Every week, she traveled to Sitio Cabuan, which is 14 km from the town proper, to conduct basic literacy program (BLP) to out-of-school youth and adults.

Being an NFE Coordinator in Sitio Cabuan gave Teacher Jacky the chance to meet its resident. She coordinated with the barangay officials and looked for partners in implementing the life skills trainings such as basic dressmaking, manicure and pedicure, and welding and fabrication. Her efforts paved the way for non-formal education in the remotest sitio in Naga City.

In 2008, new opportunities opened for Teacher Jacky as the DepEd Division of Cebu City was established as an interim division for DepEd Cebu Province. This development provided an opportunity for Teacher Jacky to establish a formal school in Sitio Cabuan. She communicated her plan to the District Supervisor, who conveyed her proposal to the Schools Division Superintendent (SDS). The SDS approved the request to create a primary school in Sitio Cabuan, provided that Teacher Jacky would have 75 learners and would teach five days a week. For the love of teaching, she accepted the challenge even if she knew it would be tough and would take a big toll on her personal life.

On June 29, 2009, Teacher Jacky started teaching 76 learners from Grades 1-4 and pursued the creation of Cirilo P. Selgas Primary School. Classes were conducted in the chapel for Grades 1 and 2, and in makeshift tent outside the chapel for Grades 3 and 4. Her dedication has moved the hearts of the people in the community.

In times of challenges and struggles, Teacher Jacky never gives up. She keeps the passion burning. She always reminds herself of the proverb, “Give a man a fish and he eats for a day; teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime.”

At present, Teacher Jacky serves as the District Alternative Learning System (ALS) Coordinator of Naga III. Every week, she travels to four community learning centers (CLCs) to meet her students. She has been in ALS for 16 years.

Her story is written to remind and inspire people to never give up in helping those  in need and to continue to touch hearts, nurture minds, and transform the lives of the young learners.

“The best part of teaching is seeing my students grow and to make a difference in the life of my learners,” Teacher Jacky concluded.

By:   Yvonne Burbos-Gera; 09064326538        Senior Education Program Specialist – HRDS       City Of Naga, Cebu Division; Region VII

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, what's the best way to showcase my passion in my college essay.

I want to write an essay that really shows my passion for my chosen field. Any tips on how to convey this effectively without sounding too generic?

It's essential to start with introspection when writing an essay about your passion. Think about specific moments, experiences, or projects that demonstrate your enthusiasm for your chosen field. The more specific you can be, the less generic your essay will appear.

Using a narrative format to share a story about these experiences or how you discovered your passion can also be a compelling approach. Be sure to include personal thoughts, emotions, and insights to make it relatable and genuine.

Show how you've grown and developed your passion over time by including details about your journey, citing any obstacles or challenges you faced and how they shaped your perspective. This insight can help demonstrate your determination and growth in your field.

Last but not least, try to convey your future aspirations and how they align with your passion. Colleges like to see students with a clear vision and understanding of how their interests connect to their long-term goals.

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

Home — Essay Samples — Life — Emotions & Feelings — Passion

Passion Essays

How to write a passion essay.

Your passion is your superpower, and this essay is your chance to share it with the world. We won't bore you with a step-by-step guide; instead, we'll sprinkle some tips, prompts, and a bunch of exciting topic ideas to fuel your passion-fueled writing frenzy!

1. Prompts ... Read More How to Write a Passion Essay

1. prompts to fire up your imagination.

Let's kick things off with some prompts that can spark your creativity and help you understand the essence of a passion essay:

• Describe a moment when your passion ignited like a wildfire.
• Explain how your passion has influenced your life choices and decisions.
• Share a personal story that illustrates the depth of your passion.
• Discuss the impact your passion has on your community or the world.

These prompts are like the kindling for your passion essay. They'll help you uncover the unique stories and experiences that make your passion come alive on paper.

2. Igniting the Flames of Creativity

Choosing the perfect topic for your passion essay is a crucial first step. Here are some points to consider while brainstorming:

• Authenticity: Select a passion that genuinely moves you and reflects your true self.
• Uniqueness: Avoid clichés and opt for a less common or unconventional passion to stand out.
• Impact: Think about how your passion has made a difference in your life or the lives of others.
• Emotion: Consider the emotions tied to your passion and how they can resonate with your readers.
• Storytelling: Reflect on personal anecdotes and experiences that highlight your passion's significance.

Your passion is the heart of your essay, so choose a topic that sets your soul on fire!

3. 20 Passionate Essay Topics to Fuel Your Writing

Now, let's explore a treasure trove of essay topics that can help you channel your passion into words:

• From Hobby to Lifestyle: Describe how your hobby turned into a way of life, shaping your daily routines and mindset.
• The Power of Music: Discuss how music has been a constant source of inspiration and comfort throughout your life.
• A Journey Through Culinary Delights: Share your passion for cooking and how it's become a form of artistic expression for you.
• Art as Therapy: Explore how creating art has been a therapeutic outlet for your emotions and experiences.
• The World of Sustainable Fashion: Discuss your passion for sustainable fashion and its impact on environmental conservation.
• Environmental Activism: Explain how your love for nature has led you to become an environmental advocate.
• Empowering Through Education: Share your passion for education and how it has transformed the lives of those around you.
• Digital Storytelling: Discuss your fascination with digital media and how it's changing the way we connect and communicate.
• Dance as Expression: Describe how dance has allowed you to express emotions and narratives without words.
• The Healing Power of Gardening: Explore your passion for gardening and its therapeutic effects on mental well-being.
• Exploring the Cosmos: Discuss your love for astronomy and the mysteries of the universe that captivate you.
• The Joy of Volunteering: Share how your passion for volunteering has positively impacted your community.
• Architectural Marvels: Examine your fascination with architecture and the unique structures that inspire you.
• The Art of Travel Writing: Discuss how traveling has become a form of art, allowing you to share your adventures and insights.
• Advocating for Animal Rights: Explore your passion for animal rights and the efforts you've made to protect our furry friends.
• Fighting for Social Justice: Share your dedication to social justice causes and the impact of your activism.
• The Thrill of Extreme Sports: Describe your passion for extreme sports and the rush of adrenaline that keeps you going.
• The World of Comics and Graphic Novels: Discuss your love for comics and how they've influenced your artistic pursuits.
• From Pixels to Masterpieces: Explore your passion for video game design and the creativity it unlocks.
• Preserving Indigenous Cultures: Share your dedication to preserving and celebrating indigenous cultures around the world.

These topics are like a buffet of possibilities. Pick one that resonates with your heart and soul, and let the passion flow into your essay.

4. Setting Your Essay Ablaze with Inspiring Paragraphs

Now, let's ignite your passion essay with some sample paragraphs and phrases that can set the tone for your writing:

Paragraph 1: Introduction

Passion is the fuel that powers our lives, igniting our spirits and driving us to explore the depths of our interests. In this essay, we embark on a journey into the heart of passion, where we'll dive deep into the unique and fervent flames that light up our lives. Prepare to be inspired, as we unravel the stories, experiences, and emotions that define the essence of our passions.

Paragraph 2: The Melody of Music

Music isn't just a collection of notes and rhythms; it's the language of our souls. From the haunting melodies of classical compositions to the electrifying beats of rock 'n' roll, music has the power to transport us to different realms of emotion. For me, music is not merely a hobby but a lifelong companion, a constant source of solace and inspiration that has shaped my identity in profound ways.

Paragraph 3: Sustainable Fashion Revolution

As the world grapples with environmental challenges, my passion for sustainable fashion has become my driving force for change. It's not just about clothing; it's a conscious choice to protect our planet. Every eco-friendly fabric and upcycled creation is a step toward a greener future, a future where style and sustainability coexist harmoniously.

Paragraph 4: Education as Empowerment

The power of education is immeasurable. It has the potential to uplift individuals and entire communities. My passion for education has led me to embrace the role of an educator, guiding eager minds toward knowledge and self-discovery. Witnessing the transformative impact of learning is a testament to the magic that education can bring into our lives.

Paragraph 5: Advocating for Animal Rights

My heart beats in rhythm with the paws and claws of our animal companions. Advocating for animal rights isn't just a passion; it's a moral obligation. Through tireless activism and unwavering dedication, I strive to be the voice for those who cannot speak, working to create a world where animals are treated with the compassion and respect they deserve.

Art as a Passion: Exploring Its Influence on College Students

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What I’ve Learned From My Students’ College Essays

The genre is often maligned for being formulaic and melodramatic, but it’s more important than you think.

By Nell Freudenberger

Most high school seniors approach the college essay with dread. Either their upbringing hasn’t supplied them with several hundred words of adversity, or worse, they’re afraid that packaging the genuine trauma they’ve experienced is the only way to secure their future. The college counselor at the Brooklyn high school where I’m a writing tutor advises against trauma porn. “Keep it brief , ” she says, “and show how you rose above it.”

I started volunteering in New York City schools in my 20s, before I had kids of my own. At the time, I liked hanging out with teenagers, whom I sometimes had more interesting conversations with than I did my peers. Often I worked with students who spoke English as a second language or who used slang in their writing, and at first I was hung up on grammar. Should I correct any deviation from “standard English” to appeal to some Wizard of Oz behind the curtains of a college admissions office? Or should I encourage students to write the way they speak, in pursuit of an authentic voice, that most elusive of literary qualities?

In fact, I was missing the point. One of many lessons the students have taught me is to let the story dictate the voice of the essay. A few years ago, I worked with a boy who claimed to have nothing to write about. His life had been ordinary, he said; nothing had happened to him. I asked if he wanted to try writing about a family member, his favorite school subject, a summer job? He glanced at his phone, his posture and expression suggesting that he’d rather be anywhere but in front of a computer with me. “Hobbies?” I suggested, without much hope. He gave me a shy glance. “I like to box,” he said.

I’ve had this experience with reluctant writers again and again — when a topic clicks with a student, an essay can unfurl spontaneously. Of course the primary goal of a college essay is to help its author get an education that leads to a career. Changes in testing policies and financial aid have made applying to college more confusing than ever, but essays have remained basically the same. I would argue that they’re much more than an onerous task or rote exercise, and that unlike standardized tests they are infinitely variable and sometimes beautiful. College essays also provide an opportunity to learn precision, clarity and the process of working toward the truth through multiple revisions.

When a topic clicks with a student, an essay can unfurl spontaneously.

Even if writing doesn’t end up being fundamental to their future professions, students learn to choose language carefully and to be suspicious of the first words that come to mind. Especially now, as college students shoulder so much of the country’s ethical responsibility for war with their protest movement, essay writing teaches prospective students an increasingly urgent lesson: that choosing their own words over ready-made phrases is the only reliable way to ensure they’re thinking for themselves.

Teenagers are ideal writers for several reasons. They’re usually free of preconceptions about writing, and they tend not to use self-consciously ‘‘literary’’ language. They’re allergic to hypocrisy and are generally unfiltered: They overshare, ask personal questions and call you out for microaggressions as well as less egregious (but still mortifying) verbal errors, such as referring to weed as ‘‘pot.’’ Most important, they have yet to put down their best stories in a finished form.

I can imagine an essay taking a risk and distinguishing itself formally — a poem or a one-act play — but most kids use a more straightforward model: a hook followed by a narrative built around “small moments” that lead to a concluding lesson or aspiration for the future. I never get tired of working with students on these essays because each one is different, and the short, rigid form sometimes makes an emotional story even more powerful. Before I read Javier Zamora’s wrenching “Solito,” I worked with a student who had been transported by a coyote into the U.S. and was reunited with his mother in the parking lot of a big-box store. I don’t remember whether this essay focused on specific skills or coping mechanisms that he gained from his ordeal. I remember only the bliss of the parent-and-child reunion in that uninspiring setting. If I were making a case to an admissions officer, I would suggest that simply being able to convey that experience demonstrates the kind of resilience that any college should admire.

The essays that have stayed with me over the years don’t follow a pattern. There are some narratives on very predictable topics — living up to the expectations of immigrant parents, or suffering from depression in 2020 — that are moving because of the attention with which the student describes the experience. One girl determined to become an engineer while watching her father build furniture from scraps after work; a boy, grieving for his mother during lockdown, began taking pictures of the sky.

If, as Lorrie Moore said, “a short story is a love affair; a novel is a marriage,” what is a college essay? Every once in a while I sit down next to a student and start reading, and I have to suppress my excitement, because there on the Google Doc in front of me is a real writer’s voice. One of the first students I ever worked with wrote about falling in love with another girl in dance class, the absolute magic of watching her move and the terror in the conflict between her feelings and the instruction of her religious middle school. She made me think that college essays are less like love than limerence: one-sided, obsessive, idiosyncratic but profound, the first draft of the most personal story their writers will ever tell.

Nell Freudenberger’s novel “The Limits” was published by Knopf last month. She volunteers through the PEN America Writers in the Schools program.

May 23, 2024

VCU special education major connects life, school, work and a passion to serve others with disabilities

In addition to his studies, Chad Lowery works at a local law firm that shares his perspective – and the vision of VCU’s Rehabilitation Research and Training Center.

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By Lucian Friel

As Chad Lowery continues his undergraduate studies at Virginia Commonwealth University, he also is finding his way in the working world – and proving a point.

“You need to really know a person as they are,” he said, “instead of what they look like.”

Lowery, who has cerebral palsy, is a student in VCU’s School of Education , majoring in special education. He also is a legal assistant at a local law firm specializing in disability rights and advocacy – a position he secured through VCU’s Rehabilitation Research and Training Center .

“I have a passion for helping other individuals with disabilities,” Lowery said. “I feel like people – or society, rather – doesn’t expect individuals like myself to have the desire of having a job, going to school, having a career, having a family someday. And I think RRTC is a good resource to show society you can’t judge a book by its cover.”

After graduating from high school in Chesterfield County in 2018, Lowery joined the RRTC’s Business Connections program the following year. Specialists with the supported employment service provider help Richmond-area clients with disabilities in finding competitive, integrated employment in the community and provide ongoing support.

Mallary McEvoy , an RRTC employment specialist, met regularly with Lowery to review his strengths and interests, such as advocacy for disability rights, supported employment and special education, as well as a chance to work with individuals with disabilities. And she helped highlight his potential as a job candidate, which included previous work experience as a communications and data assistant.

“We were able to create, through the support of his job coaches here, a visual résumé that played into his strengths,” McEvoy said. “One of those things was that Chad had some really awesome artwork. He had a modeling gig at one point, and we were able to put some of those modeling pictures on his visual résumé and just allow that alternative format to show Chad as a whole person. That person-centered approach helped him build confidence but also stick out as a candidate.”

The approach highlighted Lowery’s communication, computer and technology abilities, plus his strong personality, friendly demeanor, and outgoing and collaborative approach to work.

“And from the start at BeneCounsel , Matt saw possibility instead of disability for Chad,” McEvoy said.

Matt Bellinger had started BeneCounsel in 2014. The Richmond law firm, which specializes in disability benefits and legal services such as guardianships and powers of attorney, developed from personal experience: the barriers and difficulties of navigating disability benefits for his child.

“I was trying to figure out Medicaid waiver services, getting really confused, threw my pen down and literally thought to myself, ‘You’d have to quit your job and do this full time to figure it out’ – and I was an attorney,” Bellinger said. “That’s where the lightbulb went off. If I need help, so do other parents.”

In 2022, as the firm’s caseload had grown, he began searching for legal assistants. He decided to hire individuals with disabilities.

“I was thinking, I could go the standard route and hire a paralegal. But then I started thinking, well, that’s typically how you would do it, but is that really what I should do?” Bellinger said. “Why don’t I hire a person with a disability, because that’s who I serve? The more I thought about that, the idea grew, so that’s what we did.”

Bellinger was familiar with VCU’s RRTC through a family member who had used its Business Connections program. He sent the job description and application process to a number of organizations, and Lowery was among the applicants. Bellinger hired him in 2023 – and has high praise for his colleague.

“Chad is super focused,” Bellinger said. “Chad does all of our guardianship documents. Chad writes the powers of attorney and recently started doing trusts and wills. So it’s not just clerical work. We’re ahead on guardianship cases. Chad is doing the work.” 

Lowery relishes the connection that develop through his work.

“I really like collaborating with our clients or just people,” Lowery said.  “I’m very interpersonal. I like building relationships and expanding my network of people.”

Lowery uses assistive technology in his everyday work. A joystick and Bluetooth connection from his wheelchair allow him to use a dwell clicker to highlight part of a computer screen and click on items. A screen-based keyboard with some word prediction helps him type more efficiently. Lowery played a key role in establishing what technology he would need to be successful.

“He’s really on top of it with his tech, and he was able to self-advocate and say, ‘Here’s what I need, here’s what I don’t need,’” McEvoy said. “His employer was super involved in the process, which made it so much more helpful because Matt, from the start, was willing to be a part of that conversation rather than just be told what to do.”

Bellinger’s engagement on such issues reflect a big-picture perspective he brings to his work and his colleagues.

“The benefits to my organization, and I think any organization that successfully hires persons with disabilities, is that you become a better organization,” Bellinger said. “In order for it to work, you really have to focus on the employees – what are their needs, anticipate the accommodations they may need – and that has a carry-over effect on your other employees, too. If you’re focusing on your employees with disabilities to make them successful, you’re also going to be focusing on your employees without disabilities to make them successful.”

Lowery added, “I may have a disability and I may need accommodations, but it doesn’t mean you have to change the whole process and protocol or the job description. I want to normalize individuals with disabilities [being employed].”

As he continues his education at VCU and his work at BeneCounsel, Lowery looks forward to a future framed by helping others with disabilities.

“I want to do something in the area of special education,” he said. “It could be a teacher, it could be a college professor, but I know that I want to be a voice of the community.”

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Bracken’s Kitchen helps Huntington Beach chefs whip up a passion

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Bracken’s Kitchen works every day at fighting food insecurity in Orange County.

The Garden Grove-based nonprofit’s rescued food and community feeding programs are well-known and well-received. About 500,000 people in the county — roughly one in six — suffer from food insecurity, chef Bill Bracken said, a number that’s gone up since the pandemic.

Bracken never necessarily thought a culinary school would be another piece to the puzzle. He has an interesting story, as a former chef at Peninsula Beverly Hills and the Four Seasons Hotel in Newport Beach who turned to the nonprofit world to make a difference.

Bracken began to realize that a culinary training program could be beneficial, especially for at-risk young people who couldn’t afford the tens of thousands of dollars that culinary school usually costs.

“We realized that what we had been doing just wasn’t doing enough,” he said. “So we wrote out a whole curriculum and we’re running more of a school than I ever really imagined, but it works great. It’s hugely beneficial for the students, needless to say, and workforce development is really something that’s needed to give people a path out of poverty.”

The Bracken’s Kitchen culinary training program currently includes up to 16 aspiring chefs, in two cohorts. Food 4 Less/Foods Co. has donated $100,000 since last year, as part of its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste program , to support the Bracken’s Kitchen food pantry and empower through the training program.

Two Huntington Beach residents, Matt Plonski and Lukas Romero, would certainly sing the program’s praises. On Tuesday they finished the 18 weeks of training, making a final meal that would be critiqued by tasters who came in.

Plonski, 22, went with nods to his heritage, cooking two Polish dishes of cabbage rolls and nothing soup and a Mexican dish of spaghetti, with tomato sauce, sour cream and queso fresco. Romero, 21, opted to prepare spinach artichoke dip, an entree of beef Wellington and a dessert of chocolate soufflé.

The food choices, though, aren’t as important as the choice to follow their passions.

“I find such joy in seeing these students truly blossom,” Bracken said. “Obviously, so much of what we do is about more than culinary arts, it’s case management and encouragement, building up each person’s self-confidence.”

Plonski, a Marina High School graduate, has been helped by Huntington Beach-based nonprofit Robyne’s Nest since his junior year of high school, when he met their criteria of an at-risk youth.

He’s already been working at the local Great Wolf Lodge as a cook for more than a year, but the training program has helped him take things to the next level.

“This program meant a lot,” he said. “I was never good at school and I was always skeptical about my own expertise, my own cooking ability. Having them give me praise was never something that I thought would happen. To me, I kind of needed it, in the sense that I need to understand why I was so passionate in the first place. Really, I like giving to people.”

Romero struggled during the pandemic without many people to talk to. He lived with his father, who was an essential worker, so he had to keep a distance from him as well. He dealt with depression and used drinking as a way to try to mask the pain, he said.

But his cousin had worked at Bracken’s Kitchen and passed the word about the culinary training program. Now Romero has people to talk to, satisfying his inquisitive and personable nature, and he’s on a path of sobriety.

“It’s nice to be in a program that’s free and that’s helping people and that’s not wasting food and that’s paying you,” Romero said. “It’s like the dream come true of somebody who’s on a budget and trying to go to culinary school. It’s fulfilling to me to know that we get to practice our knife cuts on carrots, onions, celery, whatever, and none of it goes to waste.”

Students are provided a minimum wage salary during training. Bracken’s Kitchen will continue to pay them during a four-week externship, Bracken said, when the chefs are paired with local restaurants.

Plonski and Romero will start soon at Duke’s Restaurant, right next to the Huntington Beach Pier. Suzanne Larkin, who works there, is a longtime friend of Bracken’s.

“There’s a lot of different programs out there that give a great introduction to culinary arts, but no one walks away with any tangible skills that they can use,” Bracken said. “We’re not going to teach people pastries, we’re not showing them how to decorate a cake, we’re not showing them how to make soufflés. We want our students that graduate to be able to hang and bang, as they say, as an entry-level cook at any restaurant in Orange County.”

The hope is that Duke’s will hire the two Surf City residents at the end of their four weeks in the kitchen, Romero said.

Either way, they are set on a bright course for their futures, which is one of the reasons Bracken loves the program so much.

The first student in the reimagined culinary training program, he said, was a woman named Maria who worked a fast-food job and was living in a halfway house.

“We realized that some of these students are struggling to get by,” Bracken said. “That’s part of the cycle of poverty, when you have to work just to barely get by, and you never have the chance to learn and grow and move up.”

Three graduates of the culinary training program are now employees of Bracken’s Kitchen, he added.

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Matt Szabo is a sports reporter for the Daily Pilot. A Southern California native and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo graduate, he has been covering sports for L.A. Times Community News since 2006, most extensively water polo and tennis. (714) 966-4614

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