Don’t be afraid of a challenge.
I could not say where I first heard this. A parent? An educator? A coach? It may have even been paraphrased in my memory. Anyone of these influences in my life could have sent this message. Regardless of where I first heard it, I am regularly reminded by those who inspire me now, likely without even knowing it: TVS learners.
This session’s Writer’s Workshop challenge is to write a speech aimed at inspiring our community by sharing a lesson that has helped them through their journey in Discovery Studio. In an effort to not spoil any surprises, I am restraining from sharing parts of those, as learners continue to craft and revise. You will just have to hear them for yourselves at the Discovery Character Rock Ceremony! However, many of them reflect on this willingness to face a challenge and how they grow when they do.
Even in the beginning of the year, they understood the importance of facing challenges. In session one, this mindset was so highly regarded that it is reflected in the Discovery Studio Contract as the promise to “learn from mistakes and failure and never give up.” Throughout the year, learners honored this promise in many ways. It may be the disappointment of trying a Unit test in Khan and missing just one question. Or, the failure to earn even a single badge in a session. Even the breaking of the Studio Technology Contract and resulting loss of tech for a week. No matter the challenge, Discovery learners found ways to face it. They learned from their mistakes by retaking that unit test, sometimes several times. They rose above the failure by earning a badge in every category the next session. They refused to give up by showing up all week and setting tech free goals. Knowing how to face challenges is one thing, seeking them out is something else entirely.
“Our multiplication chart is only within 10. I am making one to 20.”
“What continent is most challenging? That is what I want to map!”
“Can I map two continents instead of just one?”
“I have learned to do what is hard.”
“I did that country last year, so I am going to pick somewhere new to learn about.”
“I know I got all the facts right but I think I can be faster.”
“I learned that hard work equals being proud.”
These are only a sample of the innumerable statements heard around the studio and read in session reflections that are evidence of how learners each live this lesson. Recently, I received a call inviting me to return to another learner-centered institution and train to be the next director. The opening and/or running of a school with the same mission of putting children first by giving them agency in their own education, has long been a dream of mine. Yet, when this opportunity called, I hesitated because of all the challenges I saw: moving again, learning a new role, potentially failing, and of course leaving TVS. The thought of leaving was challenging enough. However, it is ultimately the actions and words of our TVS learners that encouraged me to chase my own challenge. In my first blog post I remarked on the differences between students and learners. How, in the studio, every learner is a guide in their own right, sharing wisdom with peers and taking an active role in the creation of their community. I used to think I was there to support them through that journey of growth. Now I know they’ve been guiding me too.
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