Initiative is taking action to help ourselves and others without being asked. Many of our students have brilliant and creative minds. They need to be encouraged to take initiative and utilize their talents to help themselves and others.
Over the next few weeks, we will recognize the contributions of African Americans to society. It’s an opportunity to connect how initiative coupled with innovation leads to new developments in art and science.
One of my favorite scenes from the movie Hidden Figures is when Dorothy Vaughn, played by Octavia Spencer, decides to learn about the IBM computer to save her job and the jobs of the ladies in her department. Rather than allow her lack of knowledge regarding FORTRAN and limited opportunities to dictate her future, she decided to take control and position herself and others for the perfect opportunity. Her initiative saved jobs and helped re-launch the US space program.
As you go through the month of February, consider ways to cultivate initiative in your scholar by helping them face and overcome challenges.