Topic > Reflecting on My High School Experience: Cultivating a Growth Mindset

A fixed or growth mindset can determine the results you achieve in life. My two high school life experiences dealing with math classes and college applications indicate that I have a growth mindset. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayThe article “Brainology,” created by psychologist professor Carol S. Dweck of Standard University, showcased a research study based on the psychology of mindsets and how these mindsets affect individuals. In Dweck's article, it is established that students can have one of two types of mindsets, either "...Students are afraid of challenges and are devastated by setbacks" or "...Students enjoy challenges and are resilient in the face of setbacks” (Dweck). Otherwise known as fixed and growth mindset. The author defines the fixed mindset as: “Many students believe that intelligence is fixed, that each person has a certain amount of it and that's it” (Dweck). In other words, everyone has a certain amount of intellect and there is no way to improve upon it. It is emphasized that this mentality is demoralizing for students because it makes them reflect poorly on themselves and increases their need for validation. Growth mindset, on the other hand, illustrates that students “…believe that intelligence is a potential that can be realized through learning” (Dweck). The difference in this mindset is that individuals welcome challenges, benefit from mistakes, and are more likely to thrive despite delays. It is obvious to adopt and use this mindset, as suggested by Dweck. Growth mindset allows students to be more motivated and eager to learn, while fixed mindset limits students' intellectual growth and makes them focus on their academics. Throughout high school and middle school I always struggled with math, especially when I entered high school. It has always been an obstacle to overcome even with extra support like having tutors, studying or always doing my best. My freshman year of high school I failed Algebra 2 both semesters, took my first semester online to make up for credits to graduate on time, then my senior year I only had to worry about repeating a semester of algebra. When I spoke to my counselor, she informed me that I wouldn't be able to graduate on time if I didn't retake Algebra 1 and Algebra 2, knowing that I had so many math classes to compensate for my mother and I set a goal. During the summer, I attended summer school at Diego Hills Charter to maintain my math credits so I could graduate on time and have a stress-free senior year. My determination to achieve my goal started to fade when the principal told me and my mother “it's not likely that you will be able to finish both math sessions”. When he said those words I thought to myself “how am I going to do this”? My mom talked to me and made me understand if I have something to achieve and get go get it after that speech she made me understand that I had a goal to achieve, during the summer and that's what I did. I finished both math classes on time and graduated on time with my senior class and even had the chance to graduate early. Knowing I achieved this goal when others doubted made me feel like I could do anything I set my mind to and that I can now understand. My second personal experience concerns the obstacles I faced during the, 5(3), 312-319.