I have referred to The Key on Edge as not being for the faint of heart. What do I mean by that? It is not a particularly fearful novel by most standards. However, the messaging can be intimidating. It describes how the creative process can bring about change. Embarking on anything new takes courage. Standing out from the crowd can feel uncomfortable.
Like so many, I have been awestruck with the physical abilities of the athletes competing in the Paris Olympics. Their skills were developed over years of intense training. They won their medals not the day of the event, but through the consistent dedication to their sport over years of commitment to be their best.
Yes, all these athletes stand out from the crowd for a reason. They do so because they made a conscious decision to work toward excellence over an extensive period of time and remained true to the commitment. That meant doing things others would not consider. It meant self-imposed inconvenience. The rewards of competing while the whole world watches make all the sacrifice worthwhile to these athletes.
A lot of similarities can be drawn to the creative process. Innovation in any form requires a certain courage to push beyond the known toward the unknown with unforeseeable consequences. It is the same human spirit that drives a star athlete. STEAM students do this every time they ask themselves if something can be done that has not existed before. They are a rare breed. They are the creators of the world of tomorrow, a better world with a higher quality of life.
The simple examples in The Key on Edge and the accompanying Discussion Guide provide actionable methods for honing the skill of creative thinking in whatever endeavor one is passionate about. The Key on Edge shows the value of teamwork and expresses the joy of discovery. Each of us can experience the same if we make the decision to do so and remain true to that commitment.
