Why Grit & Self-Advocacy are Important Life Skills for High School Students
High school can be challenging in a student’s life, demanding resilience, confidence, and self-assertion. It’s a time when students are expected to juggle academic responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and social pressures on top of their everyday lives. High school students need more than just textbook knowledge to navigate these challenges successfully and prepare for the future. They need essential life skills to ensure their opportunities are limitless. In this blog, we’ll explore why these skills are crucial for high school students, including how they are integrated into Rose Academy’s Shu-Ha-Ri-DŌ program, and how they can benefit them throughout their lives.
Grit: The Secret Ingredient to Success
Grit, a term popularized by psychologist Angela Duckworth, refers to the combination of passion and perseverance in the pursuit of long-term goals. It’s the ability to stay committed and resilient in the face of adversity, setbacks, and distractions. High school students often face a myriad of obstacles, from difficult classes and heavy workloads, to personal challenges and social pressures. Developing grit during this period can make all the difference in their academic and personal journeys.
1. Academic Success
Grit is a fundamental driver of academic achievement. High school coursework can be demanding, and students may encounter subjects that are particularly challenging for them. In such situations, having grit means refusing to give up, seeking help when needed, and maintaining a growth mindset. Rose Academy’s signature Shu-Ha-Ri-DŌ program incorporates economy simulations, group work situations, and career readiness opportunities to foster grit and practice resilience in the face of challenging circumstances.
2. College and Career Readiness
Beyond high school, grit continues to play a significant role in our students’ lives. College and the workplace both require individuals to set and pursue long-term goals. Fortitude helps students not only gain admission to their preferred colleges or workplaces, but also to succeed once they get there. In their careers, individuals with grit are more likely to face setbacks as opportunities for growth, rather than barriers to their happiness, leading to greater success and job satisfaction. The Shu-Ha-Ri-DŌ program helps students explore career readiness and leadership that align with this concept.
Self-Advocacy: Finding Your Voice
Self-advocacy is the ability to assert one’s needs, express opinions, and seek help when necessary. It’s about taking charge of one’s own education and life, actively participating in decision-making processes, and communicating effectively. High school is the ideal time for students to hone their self-advocacy skills as they transition into greater independence and responsibility.
1. Effective Communication
Self-advocacy is rooted in effective communication. High school students who can clearly express their thoughts, needs, and concerns are more likely to succeed academically and in their personal lives. These communication skills are valuable in classrooms, extracurricular activities, and future job interviews. The Rose Academy’s Shu-Ha-Ri-DŌ program integrates guided presentation and communication exercises to enhance students’ communication skills for school, life, and in the workplace.
3. Building Confidence
Self-advocacy is not just about speaking up; it’s also about believing in oneself. When students learn to advocate for their needs and preferences, they build confidence in their abilities. This self-assurance carries over into all aspects of life, from academics to personal relationships. In the Shu-Ha-Ri-DŌ program, unique leadership activities and mentorship opportunities contribute to building students’ confidence.
The Lifelong Impact of Grit and Self-Advocacy
The benefits of grit and self-advocacy extend far beyond high school. These skills are invaluable throughout a person’s life journey and contribute to college, career, and personal success.
At the Rose Academies charter high schools, we recognize the importance of grit and self-advocacy and actively work with students to help them develop these skills. Our signature Shu-Ha-Ri-DŌ program provides guidance, support, and opportunities for growth within the context of a high school education, equipping the next generation with the tools they need to thrive. We invite you to learn more about the Rose Academies with a visit to our website.
