Success, Comes from Grit and Growth Mindset
With effort and determination everyone can be successful, yet it is often hindered by a "fixed mindset"—the belief that one's abilities are limited, leading to resistance to growth. Without examples of perseverance and success, students may struggle to see the potential for improvement.
“Kru Mint” – Nonlaphan Nantiwawat, a Teach For Thailand Fellow from cohort 9, who currently teaches at Phrong Madua Wittayakom School in Nakhon Pathom, firmly believes that “with grit and the courage to try and fail, we can improve.”
She is committed to setting an example for her students, inspiring them to believe that “they, too, can improve.”
Kru Mint introduced her students to the English Storytelling competition, a subcategory of the annual Student Arts and Crafts competition. Contestants must tell a 3-4 page story in fluent English, expressing the emotions relevant to the narrative. “Kan” – Sittichai Timhom, an 8th grader, approached her with determination: “I want to participate. I want to win a gold medal.”
“He struggled with the basics, but stayed very determined. He read each single word until he learned how to spell. His persistence and courage to pursue a goal, knowing that a better future begins with self-development today, inspired me, and I set out to support him on his journey,” Mint recalls.
“At first, he was very nervous and struggled to remember the vocabulary. In his first competition, he ranked 16th, but he didn’t give up on his goal. He promised to practice even harder.”
Kan’s grit drove him to keep trying, and he gradually became more fluent, memorizing the entire story. Kru Mint then challenged him further: “When you compete, you’ll be presenting this story to an audience. Let’s practice that.”
After starting by practicing in front of her, Kan began rehearsing in front of his friends and teachers, which boosted his confidence and helped him perform more naturally.
The following year, Kan won a gold medal—a moment of pride for him, Kru Mint, and the entire school community at Phrong Madua Wittayakom.
“Many of Kan’s friends were impressed and proud of him. They also learned a valuable lesson: no matter what you may lack, determination and grit can lead to success,” Mint says.
Kan wasn’t finished yet. He told Kru Mint, “I will participate in this category again in high school. I want to challenge myself even more.”
Kan has shown his “Growth Mindset” and has become an inspiration to both teachers and students at the school, demonstrating how much a student can achieve.
“Improving a student is not an easy task, but as a teacher, it is always my goal. I’m glad to have shown a path for other students to see the importance of self-improvement and realizing their potential. If you have grit and a Growth Mindset, success will follow,” Kru Mint concludes.
Act on your aspirations and help transform Thai education by becoming a Fellow like Kru Mint at https://tft-fellowship.org.
Read more about the Fellow Leadership Program and how you can be part of the change in Thai education at www.tft.vh-projects.com.
