ISSUE 20: Proximity is Power: How Your Tribe Shapes Wellbeing
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Week Ten - November 8th, 2024
Mr Lewis Griffiths
Mr Lewis Griffiths
Head of Student Wellbeing
Head of Student Wellbeing
Ms Alisha Muir
Ms Alisha Muir
Head of Student Wellbeing
Head of Student Wellbeing
"Success leaves clues. Proximity is power. Love your family. Choose your peer group" – Tony Robbins.This quote by Robbins emphasizes a truth that is particularly relevant in the context of school communities like GEMS International School (GIS): the tribe we choose to surround ourselves with significantly impacts our wellbeing and success. For students, especially, the people they interact with daily can either lift them up or pull them down. Understanding this dynamic can help us all—students, educators, and parents—foster a positive and supportive environment within our school community.Research consistently shows that peer influence plays a vital role in shaping adolescent behavior, attitudes, and emotional wellbeing. A study published in Developmental Psychology highlights that peer influence becomes especially strong during adolescence as young people seek acceptance and approval from their social circles (Brown & Larson, 2009). At GIS, we aim to leverage this natural inclination by nurturing a school culture where students can make positive connections that reinforce our core values of respect, trust, and ambition.Positive peer influence can support students in multiple ways. Surrounding oneself with a like-minded tribe who are motivated, kind, and resilient can enhance personal growth, academic performance, and even mental health. According to research published by the American Psychological Association, students who are in positive peer groups report higher levels of motivation, experience greater satisfaction in school, and develop more effective coping strategies for stress (Wentzel, 1998).The proverb “you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with” speaks to the importance of choosing the tribe that reflects the qualities one hopes to embody. For GIS students, being intentional about connections isn’t about exclusivity; rather, it’s about aligning with people who are respectful, supportive, and goal-oriented. Surrounding themselves with such peers can help students grow and keep them grounded in the values GIS promotes.Teachers and parents play a crucial role in guiding students to recognize the power of proximity. This might involve conversations about what healthy relationships look like, how to identify supportive behaviors in others, and why it's important to set boundaries. By fostering these skills, we empower students to take ownership of their social lives in a way that aligns with their personal and academic aspirations.At GIS, our commitment to wellbeing extends to the way we encourage students to engage with one another. Initiatives like peer mentorship programs, group projects, and ECAa provide opportunities for students to connect with others who share similar goals and interests. When students participate in these environments, they not only broaden their peer group but also reinforce a culture of positivity, kindness, and ambition.
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