TOPIC:

Rags to Riches: Is it Just a Dream?

RESOURCES NEEDED:

A copy of the movie “The Pursuit of Happyness”

LEARNING OPPORTUNITY:

Young adults are thinking about their future and how to become financially independent. It is important that they understand that success requires hard work, determination, and self-confidence. They should not be afraid to take a risk and be prepared to learn from their mistakes. This movie provides an opportunity to discuss with your son or daughter what it takes to achieve success and what defines a successful person. Based on the true story of Chris Gardner, this is a rags-to-riches tale about a man whose job is not going well. His wife leaves him and his son. When he sees a person driving a sports car and asks how he did it, Chris decides to become at unpaid trainee stockbroker. Eviction from their apartment and sleeping on the streets are just two of the hardships Chris and his son face on the road to success. He rises above his obstacles to become a Wall Street legend.

THE ACTIVITY:

• Ask your son or daughter if they know what the term “The American Dream” means.
• Ask your son or daughter if they think dreams can come true. What would it take for a person to go from rags to riches?
• Suggest to your son or daughter that you watch the movie together and then discuss what character traits Chris had that helped him to become successful. Ask your son or daughter what they think makes a person successful. Does this person have to be rich?

FOLLOW-UP IDEA:

• See what an entrepreneur looks like at:
  http://cfee.org/resources/entrepreneurial_or_enterprising_person.html

WEBSITES:

• The most sought after skills in Canada in 2015
  https://hiring.workopolis.com/article/viii-skills/
• Employability Skills 2000+
  https://www.conferenceboard.ca/edu/employability-skills.aspx