The speaker, who initially aimed for a career in the medical field due to cultural expectations, discovered her passion for working with kids through tutoring. As she spent more time with kids, she realized the disparity in the quality of education they received compared to her own. This realization led her to make a significant career pivot from pre-med to focusing on education and human development. The key lesson learned is to take personal curiosity seriously and not ignore genuine passions or interests, as they can lead to fulfilling and impactful career paths.