Your Purpose

Becoming a Lifelong Learner

Learning is not a linear process; it is dynamic and unpredictable. In order for our students to get the most out of their educational experiences, we have committed to an approach that is grounded in models of experiential learning. We believe that through a cyclical process of experiencing, reflecting, discussing, and applying, our students will strengthen the fundamental skills of perceiving and processing that is associated with being lifelong learners.

Curiosity and exploration are crucial components to the discovery of an individual’s interests and purpose. By encouraging students to think outside the box and actively coaching them to step outside their comfort zones, we see our students gather more information about what it is like to experience a given environment. Ideally, because of this our students become proactive and investigative learners excited by the prospect of doing something new.

As we work to help expose students to a wider range of opportunities, we challenge them to develop confidence and resiliency that will benefit them long term. The conclusions they draw about their interests and purpose are anchored in their lived perspective, not abstract ideas of what a college or career might be like. Not all students grow up with the same level of access to opportunities like volunteering, job shadowing, traveling, and academic enrichment. Part of our role is to help those we serve identify and connect with experiences that were previously unavailable to them.

Simply having a new experience is not enough, though. The final piece of the puzzle involves comprehensive reflection and consideration of those experiences. What conclusions can a student draw from what they did, saw, felt, and learned? Even talking students through what they take away from those experiences which they did not enjoy can be equally illuminating. In prompting the students to consider these dimensions and pushing them to explore why they are coming to those conclusions we support them in achieving a depth of introspection that ultimately leads to self-discovery.