Here’s one of my fundamental beliefs: we have a choice in how we grow up and how we help our children grow up.

Our new advertising campaign issues some strident challenges to Grow Up and Get Real! Those challenges, though bold, are supported by our knowledge that we enable our students to develop character.

“Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands.” — Anne Frank

Last August, I shared a post on the topic of student agency, and here, I will expand on it so we can see how growing up to be strong and courageous demands a foundation of individual ability. 

Student agency means students have the power and desire to positively impact their lives and the world. It's about setting goals, thinking about what they want to do, and then taking action to improve things. Instead of letting things happen to them, students with agency take charge and make decisions for themselves. Others do not just influence them—they're the ones who decide what to do and how to do it.

We must help, though and here’s a sample of how we do that.

1. Developing basic skills: Thinking skills, getting along with others and understanding their feelings.

2. Setting goals: At all stages, we help students consider what they're learning and what they want to achieve so they can better understand themselves.

3. Supportive learning environment: Walden students feel safe and comfortable in class. We encourage students to try new things and share their thoughts without fear of making mistakes.

4. Offering adult support: Teachers, parents, and others in the community are important in helping students make decisions and giving them what they need to learn. Our teachers especially play a big role in ensuring students feel like they can take charge of their learning.

We all aspire to be good, strong, and courageous. These are noble goals that require guidance, inspiration, and support. Character demands humility, strength pairs with perseverance, and benevolence requires a bit of everything. At Walden International School, we know this to be true. It's why we're so committed to creating good people who go on in life to do good things every day.