Growth Mindset:
The belief that we can grow and better ourselves every day and that intelligence, aptitude, and resilience are not something that are fixed at birth. A necessary ingredient of Growth Mindset is a willingness to make the effort required for a life of learning.
Empathy:
Awareness of the feelings and emotions of other people. Empathy goes far beyond sympathy, which might be considered ‘feeling for’ someone. Empathy, instead, is ‘feeling with’ that person, through the use of imagination.
Action:
Doing what’s required to achieve our goals. Sam did not use his Progeria as an excuse for inaction. Instead, he overcame barriers and was an active leader at school and in his community.
Responsibility:
The willingness to take on and fulfill obligations that contribute to the betterment of our community as well as ourselves.
Each GEAR will be defined and explained through real-life examples, as well as discussed and practiced by students through various activities. When used together, these components provide the GEARs that will start the process of building true leaders.
