Writing/Essay/Journal
To create her automata, Cecilia Schiller uses her experiences with theater production and her skills as a woodcarver. They are mini-theatrical productions which only need a delighted audience to make them complete. She is so drawn to her work that she feels she has “no choice.” Write about what you feel “called” to do for work. Make a list of your interests and a list of your talents and skills. Do they lead to a particular career?

Activity
Think about Cecilia Schiller’s career path. She trained as a hairdresser, costumer, theater sculptor, and finally, a woodcarver. She took years to develop each skill. Look at what you wrote about a career, and plan out some steps to help you train for it. Whether your talent is mathematical, artistic, scientific, athletic or mechanical, you can develop and train yourself so that you will enjoy your future work.