Callings: The Purpose and Passion of Work

Neurosurgeon Lee Buono speaks with his eighth-grade science teacher, Al Siedlecki. As his teacher, Al encouraged Lee in his love for science, leading him to become a surgeon. Years later, one of Lee’s patients told him he should thank that teacher for his inspiration, so Lee called Al. Al was in class at the time, teaching physics, but he answered the phone and cried when Lee thanked him.

Lee explains that Al made science fun. His enthusiasm for the subject was infectious and brought the class to life. Al remembers that Lee was enthusiastic as well and talks about when he stayed after school to dissect the brain and spinal cord of a frog for class. Impressed by his meticulous work, Al told Lee that he could be a neurosurgeon if he wanted.

Al says that “there are magic moments that happen in a classroom, like [Lee] with that frog, when all of a sudden a student realizes they might be directed toward their passion” (180). Finding those moments is what drives him.

Sol Aramendi, an artist and educator, talks with her student, Cyntia Gomar. Sol recalls moving from Buenos Aires to New York and having difficulty adjusting to her new home.