Judy Goldstein of American Student Assistance and I welcome Ice-T to discuss career advice for middle and high schoolers. Ice-T emphasized the importance of hard work and authentic self-reflection, and he encouraged students to consider the lifestyle they truly want and choose a career path that aligns with their values and aspirations.
Judy Goldstein
Hi, everyone. I'm Judy Goldstein, the senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications for American Student Assistance. And I am delighted to be with you today to fill in for ASA's president and CEO, Jean Eddy for this latest episode of the Youth Career Readiness, the One Question Podcast.
Michael Horn
Joining us today is Ice-T, the rapper, actor, producer, cultural icon with a career spanning four decades. Ice-T first made waves as a pioneer of West Coast hip hop, of course, but then he didn't stop at music. He's become a household name for his role as Detective Finn Tutuola on Law and Order SVU, a part that he has played for over two decades. From music to TV, from activism to storytelling, Ice-T has continually reinvented himself while staying true to his roots.
Judy Goldstein
Perfect introduction, Michael, thank you. And, Ice-T, we can't thank you enough for joining us today. Our question for you is, what advice would you give middle and high schoolers who are looking to identify their career paths?
Ice-T
I know you guys are in high school, junior high, and I mean, the best advice I can give you is to only take advice from people you admire. In life, you run into so many people that'll downplay your dreams and tell you this and tell you that. If you don't admire that person, and admiration is a big thing. It's not somebody that got a cool car, not somebody that got cool clothes. It's somebody who you really dig the way they're living, digging the way they, everything about them, all right? Don't take advice from them. You know, don't. Don't pay attention to what they're saying.
Now that you guys are in school, it's this generation that you guys live in, everybody wants to get things instantaneous, but sometimes, you know, you take the shortcut, and it ends up taking you longer than just taking the correct route, you know, so you guys got plenty of time, plenty of time to get it right and just be willing to put in the work that's necessary. You guys could be absolutely anything you're willing to be, but there's just no shortcuts. Just put in the work. And lastly, pick the lifestyle you want to live and then find an occupation that will provide you that lifestyle. You know, some people don't want to be flamboyant. Some people just want a simple lifestyle. Well, then there's a lot of occupations that will provide you that. But if you want a flamboyant lifestyle, if you want a lot of things, you're gonna have to put in a lot of work. Nothing comes easy, so just be prepared for the journey. But all you guys can do it. Anybody can do it. I did it. Okay. God bless you. Good luck.
