Finding purpose is no easy task, especially for young people navigating a world full of distractions, pressures, and uncertainty about the future. That’s why the Path to Purpose: Making a Difference Interactive Journal is here to help middle schoolers reflect on who they want to become and how they can make the impact they want on the world.
“Middle school is a troubling time for a lot of young people. Cliques start to develop, and they’re also starting to think about what they’re going to be doing later on.”
Developed by Interactivity Foundation President Emeritus Dr. Jack Byrd Jr. and Assistant Director of Finance & Operations Stephanie Cooper, Path to Purpose is filled with activities designed to foster self-reflection and build critical skills that help young people develop their purpose. Whether used for individual reflection or in small group discussions with friends or classmates, the journal aims to start students on a lifelong journey of growth and meaning.
“The journal really has two purposes,” explains Byrd. “One is to get middle schoolers thinking about the purpose they can achieve in their lives, and the other is to build their self-awareness and reflection skills.”
This journal isn’t just theory—it’s grounded in real experiences. During an early trial, students explored their purpose within church confirmation classes, leading to powerful discussions that revealed how even the smallest actions can make a difference. Byrd has been running similar activities with college students for years, observing that “it’s remarkable how they seem to get a lot more out of self-reflection assignments than they do out of traditional assignments.”
“The ability to do reflection and have self-awareness is a really critical trait for anybody.”
Path to Purpose goes beyond surface-level self-help. It’s designed to help young people find their path by prompting deeper thinking and empowering them to make choices that align with their values. Instead of asking, “What are you going to be when you grow up?” the journal encourages students to consider, “What impact do you want to make on the world? What will be your purpose in this life?”
Perfect for classrooms, youth groups, homeschooling, or personal reflection, the Interactive Journal engages students in a way that feels fresh and relevant—inviting them to take ownership of their journey and think critically about their impact on the world.
Don’t miss the chance to help young people discover their purpose and start making a difference today. Order your copy of the Path to Purpose: Making a Difference Interactive Journal now and begin the journey.
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Learn more about Dr. Jack Byrd Jr. and Stephanie Cooper. Read about how the Path to Purpose was used to support youth preparing for Catholic Confirmation here.
