This week, I chatted with a truly inspirational Auburn student, Shelby Tate Major, about her most recent passion-related endeavor. The Passion Project is what Shelby describes as “a way for people to share their passion with [her] and hopefully eventually the world.” Shelby is a philanthropist and an empathetic young woman who hopes to help others by learning more about them. Before making assumptions about others, Major says she needs to “try to understand different points of view and why people think the way they do.” In short, she feels that asking people what their passion is is the most effective way to discover where their heart lies.
The Passion Project is a classic example of something that started as just an idea and is now having a ripple effect. The blog has been accessed by viewers in 11 countries in just its first week. Shelby began the project by talking to passersby in Charleston, SC. However, since she was unable to share their stories after these brief conversations, she decided to take it one step further. Today, Shelby posts the stories people send to her on her blog.
What Shelby finds most interesting about the stories people share is how everyone interprets the question, “What are you passionate about?” differently. Some reflect on the past, while others look to what they hope for in the future. In addition, Major has found that although two people may have seemingly similar passions, the root of their enthusiasm is always unique.
As far as Shelby’s future goes, I can assure you she will work to bring The Passion Project to new heights. While she is taking the project one day at a time, she hopes to someday turn it into a non-profit organization. She loves reading about what inspires others and aspires to help people work with their passions in hands-on environments. Shelby loves to travel, and is considering joining the Peace Corps after college. “I’m a big believer that you can only do so much talking, eventually action has to be taken,” she says.
To read what individuals are passionate about, or to contribute your own passion to Shelby’s blog, visit http://thepassionpro.wordpress.com/.