Exploring Bright Futures with Jeff Plaisted: Another Career Day at Hope
Written by Colin Kuker
Hope’s 10th and 11th graders were recently treated to a special Career Day session with Jeff Plaisted, who shared life lessons shaped by hard work, friendship, and perseverance.
Jeff began working at just 10 years old and held multiple jobs through his teens to achieve his goals—like buying his first car. From bricklaying in college to roles at AT&T and eventually Microsoft, Jeff’s career path was anything but linear. He described it as a “switchback,” shaped by passion and curiosity.
Jeff emphasized three core messages: build strong relationships (especially with teachers), maintain a positive mindset (“I get to” vs. “I have to”), and balance work, school, and play. He encouraged students to reflect on what they’re good at, what they enjoy, what the world needs, and what feels meaningful—pointing them toward purposeful careers.
Friendship and networking were also central to Jeff’s talk. He stressed honesty, communication, and learning from failure, reminding students that real connections can lead to future opportunities.
Jeff ended with an open Q&A, tackling questions about managing time, making friends, and learning from mistakes.
Several learners asked about friendship—how do you make a good friend? How do you deal with trying to be a friend when the other person does not seem interested? How do you know a friendship is real? Jeff reiterated the importance of keeping open communication, showing up for people, and trusting yourself.
He left students with a powerful quote from Steve Martin: “Be so good they cannot ignore you.” Thank you, Jeff Plaisted, for inspiring our learners!
Each month, students gather over Zoom and welcome a member from the Spark community to share their professional journeys. These sessions offer more than just a glimpse into various career paths—they’re creating connections, sparking passions, and providing students with the opportunity to ask real-world questions and gain firsthand insight.