On Fridays, the students humor me by letting me expound on topics of my choice during Community. Faculty have jokingly referred to this as “Rick’s Soapbox.” This week, I shared some thoughts about the importance of embracing the growth mindset. Most credit Carol Dweck with the popularization of this concept, which ultimately is predicated on the idea that one’s traits are not fixed. In other words, despite having different innate strengths and weaknesses, all individuals are capable of improving themselves.

As we finish up the opening weeks of the school year, it is important to remind ourselves of this notion, as students will start to experience struggles for the first time. Perhaps a test won’t go as anticipated, or a new acquaintance may do something that frustrates, it is important not to ascribe labels. The individual that struggled on the test is not “dumb”, nor is the frustrating individual a “jerk.” Each is capable of change. By keeping our minds open to the possibility of change and growth, we can see the best in ourselves and others.

At BHS, we can see the direct connection of the growth mindset to principles set forth in the Foundations of Community. One of our core ideas in the Foundations is Aspiration, and in that principle, it is agreed that “we understand that it is always possible to improve our communities and ourselves.” Thus, a growth mindset is actually the bedrock upon which our Foundation is built.

In the most practical of ways, a community that embraces a growth mindset is one that is generally positive and hopeful. This optimism is just one more reason why students at The Beech Hill School thrive.