Marlborough College Summer School: Discovering your Ikigai

Discovering your Ikigai

357 TUTOR: Jenny Quinlan (Dip)

In the exciting journey through adolescence, finding ones true purpose can be both thrilling and challenging. This course is your guide to uncovering your 'Ikigai', a Japanese concept that represents the convergence of passion, mission, vocation and profession. Drawing from the realms of psychology, self-discovery and personal development, we'll embark upon a transformative exploration to help you identify your unique gifts and passions. Through engaging activities, self-reflection and mentorship, you'll gain insights into what truly ignites you and help you to shape a purpose-driven life.

Course Notes

Day 1 - Introduction to Ikigai and self reflection

The group will explore the four pillars of Ikigai: passion, mission, vocation, and profession. Recognising the interconnectedness of these elements will help students in shaping a purpose-driven life.

By cultivating self awareness it's much easier to deepen understanding of inner motivations and personal needs. Engaging in introspective exercises to identify personal interests, values, and strengths, we will also reflect on past experiences and achievements to uncover patterns and themes.

Day 2 - Identifying passions and talents

Simple facilitated activities such as group work or individual tasks can help to explore diverse interests and talents. We will look at how broad the scope is to enjoy your passions whilst pursuing a fulfilling career and discuss how different strengths can be utilised across many sectors.

Building on self awareness, we will also work to identify things that students find challenging (such as focus, attention, tapping into creativity, procrastination, lateral thinking, physical tasks etc) and work on finding solutions to these.

Day 3 - Clarifying mission and values and exploring vocational paths

Using inspiration from various sources, students will work through guided exercises to articulate their personal values and aspirations. We will examine societal needs and global challenges to identify potential missions aligned with individual values. Students will craft a personal mission statement that reflects personal purpose and contribution to the world.

With an introduction to different career fields and industries, students will see how to align their vocational aspirations with personal passions and mission.

Day 4 - Developing professional skills

Today will focus on building essential skills such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, and adaptability. Each student will also have a 121 mentorship and coaching session to provide guidance and support in skill development.

Day 5 - Creating an action plan

To end the week we will synthesise insights gained throughout the course into a cohesive action plan. Students will set short-term and long-term goals aligned with Ikigai principles and establish accountability measures and strategies for continuous growth and self-improvement. They will be given the tools to cultivate a purpose driven life by learning skills to integrate Ikigai principles into daily routines and decision-making processes, fostering a growth mindset and resilience in the face of challenges and learn how to celebrate progress and achievements along the journey towards purposeful living.

By the end of the course, participants will emerge with a clearer understanding of their passions, values, and aspirations, equipped with the tools and confidence to pursue a purpose-driven life aligned with their Ikigai.

Course Tutor

Jenny Quinlan

Dip

About Jenny

Jenny Quinlan is an award-winning architectural interior designer renowned for her expertise in high-end and sustainable residential design. Trained at the esteemed KLC School of Design in London, she has a rich background working in several prestigious design studios across London and the South West before founding Studio JQ in 2016. In addition to overseeing large-scale projects for private clients, Jenny is deeply engaged in education, delivering inspiring keynotes, hosting workshops, and mentoring new graduates in the field. Beyond design, Jenny is a qualified care farmer, leveraging her smallholding near Devizes to empower children and young people facing challenges, nurturing their confidence, empathy, and skills for a brighter future. Passionate about fostering creativity and making a positive impact, Jenny is dedicated to empowering students to excel in interior design, offering a blend of industry insights, practical skills, and mentorship to support their journey towards success.

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Teenagers 13 to 17 yrs

Discovering your Ikigai

Course Notes

Course Tutor

Jenny Quinlan

Dip