Providing a Framework for Growth and Success

The following remarks were delivered to The Middle and Upper School Community during Opening Convocation:

Each year, our administration reflects on our mission and guiding principles, on societal influences, and on our personal reaction and responses to the world. The theme for this year is Authentic Learning. Bold Thinking. Compassionate Community. Our annual theme is intended to amplify a portion of our work with our students. For my part, I will begin by sharing what Authentic Learning might look like.

 

Have you ever felt the thrill of adventure? Think for a moment about a time when you felt excited and alive because a new adventure was about to happen. I believe authentic learning is just that. Authentic learning creates a feeling inside yourself of excitement, a moment when growth happens, and a desire for such moments.

There are three specific times in my life when I can identify rather clearly when I felt the thrill of adventure and knew something authentic was happening, something new, providing me with a moment of growth. We all have had a time when a brand-new activity is about to happen. In those moments, we just know something real and original is about to take place. A new activity that stretched me a few years ago was when I traveled to China with Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, Mr. Hardman, Ms. Du, and several students. Everything was new – the language, the food, the streets, and the customs. The feeling of adventure was every minute of every day.

Many of you will have an opportunity this year when you travel with the school on Winterim, Washington D.C., and NYC. There will be no doubt in your mind that you are experiencing the “real thing” when you eat food from a different culture, see new landmarks, or hear a language that may stretch you a bit when trying to understand others. I had many new feelings on my travels to China. I felt excited, nervous, and super tired; I had to be attentive, alert, mindful, and careful. I was certain I would make many mistakes. All of that was true, including the mistakes, but I will always speak of my time in China as life changing. Learning something completely new used so much energy, but I would never trade it for an easier experience.

A less obvious time when I experienced authentic learning was when I was doing one of my common, every-day activities but then by surprise, I was introduced to a new way to consider it. Many years ago, I skied on the weekends with Mr. Cutler. Both of us were experiencing a typical day of skiing, both doing what we love, and maybe finding it a bit easy. We had that carefree feeling. Then, one Saturday Mr. Cutler showed up early on the mountain donning one ski. Really? I thought? One ski? What happened to the other one, I wondered? Just when I thought we had mastered all the hard stuff — you know the blues, blacks, and double black diamonds — Mr. Cutler offered a new challenge. Exploring a new way of thinking about and using the edge of one ski offered me the challenge of a new way to bring skiing up a notch. I felt intimidated by this, but not Mr. Cutler. He swept the slopes with the same ease and passion, and I thought “wow, he’s crazy.” I wanted to think about it for a while, and while I never achieved it myself, I learned how the activity I knew all so well could offer a new dimension and challenge if I ever had the desire and strength to try. I understand that Mr. Cutler has a video of him doing this so just ask him about it!

 

My third example of learning that pulled me out of my comfortable place of expertise was when an old activity offered me a new perspective. This summer I became a grandmother. Now, this I knew how to do. I know how to take care of a baby. Afterall, I have raised two kids, and for over 40 years, I have educated tens of thousands of kids. What could I possibly learn that’s new, right? From the moment I stepped into this new role, I learned rather quickly that a lot has changed in thirty-three years. Not only did I have to learn new ways and methods, but I also had to unlearn old patterns. I had to be a better listener, trust my grandson Hugh’s mother and father, and offer my help in a new and different way. I quickly found myself feeling eager to listen, watch, and understand. Just when I thought I might be an expert on something, I discovered there is still so much more to learn, and it is sure to be fun and exciting.

Leaning into a new adventure and feeling the thrill is at the heart of authentic learning. Yes, we can use AI to give us answers, to frame our words to get an assignment done, and submit the facts — as long as those facts are checked — that will get us the good score. But I can promise you, AI and other similar tools will never give you a thrill of adventure that authentic learning can do. Whether you are learning something for the first time, discovering a new idea on an old subject, or accepting a challenge when you thought you had fully mastered and accomplished the work, the examples I have offered you are real, original, life-fulfilling moments. This school year will offer you this choice, but the decision is yours. Do you want to feel that moment of adventure, or will you take an old path that feels safe, and may I say perhaps a bit common?

What is your China, single ski, or new role? When those opportunities present themselves, I hope your answer is a loud and bold “yes” and you are real, original, true, and genuine.