Humans of Blair: Burned to Brave

High School Levien

Photo: Elizabeth Levien as a high school student

Elizabeth Levien as a high school student Photo courtesy of Gigi Segal.

"If something gives you meaning, do it. And if something doesn’t give you meaning, don't do it."

For Elizabeth Levien, becoming a teacher wasn't necessarily easy. She describes being burned by her aunt for going into education because she thought Levien could do more with her intellect.

Despite judgment, she believed teaching is where she could actually make a difference and spread her passion for environmental change. She describes how even when she doesn't hear it from her students, she's aware of the difference she's making in so many lives. She also says she's the only person she knows who truly enjoys their career, which illustrates how doing what you love pays off in the end.

Levien is practicing what she's preaching by following where her passions lie in the face of judgment and inner turmoil that occurred as a result. The "following your dreams" mantra is simple but meaningful advice for high school students debating what to do for the rest of their life.