Developing Purpose

By Julie Strong, Ph.D., assistant head of Upper School for faculty and curriculum development
LJCDS educators provide opportunities for students to build the foundation of purpose and direction.
Effort and courage are not enough without purpose and direction. —John F. Kennedy

The news is awash with reports of the increase in childhood and adolescent anxiety and depression. A recent Pew Research survey revealed that 70 percent of teens see anxiety and depression as major problems, more so than bullying, drugs and alcohol. Addressing anxiety and depression is complex, but an important factor includes a sense of purpose in life. Our students put effort and courage into their endeavors every day, in the classroom, on the fields and in the studio. Our goal as educators is to provide opportunities for students to build the foundation of purpose and direction that will support those efforts.

The development of purpose starts where students spend most of their time—in the classroom—and the faculty works hard to create lessons that foster that growth. The shift to a humanities program in the Upper School is an important step in that process. The mission of the humanities program reminds us that “a humanities curriculum teaches students the skills and knowledge they need to read closely, analyze carefully, think creatively, and communicate clearly and concisely. Students make connections across traditional disciplinary boundaries and seek patterns in common human endeavors.” These skills and behaviors are the central pillars of shaping one’s identity and creating meaning in one’s endeavors. A move to an electives-based program in Grades 11–12 humanities allows students to construct a path that fosters internal growth and generates an external record of the student’s passions and purpose in the transcript.

Beyond the classroom, students discover their purpose and passion in areas that supplement their classes through the Flex Time activities. This dedicated Flex Time in the Upper School schedule, now in its second year, creates space for student-driven pursuits. The Perfect Pitches harmonize in one room while the Investment Club picks stocks and bonds next door. Whether dabbling or diving into a particular activity, students test the fit of new ideas and ventures, landing on those that resonate deeply with their sense of themselves and their future.

The Experiential Education program is another extension beyond the classroom, one that graduating seniors cite as a touchstone of their time at LJCDS. Growing from a one-day trip to Sacramento in fourth grade to five- or six-day offerings in Upper School, this program allows students to make connections and challenge themselves. Getting out of a daily routine, facing challenges together, making a positive impact on our community—near and far—and examining new knowledge further pave the way for students to develop their purpose. The reimagining of the Upper School program gives students more choice and a voice in how they spend that time and will further bolster the already significant impact of Experiential Education week.

The challenges of adolescence are real and varied, and a multi-pronged approach will help combat the mental health challenges our students face. As John F. Kennedy reminded us, one of our most important tools is to help our students develop purpose across all areas of their lives.
 
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