Imagine a 16 year old girl who found out she was going to live in a homeless center for the next two years.

Now imagine the typical day one 16-year-old girl set for herself after hearing this news:

• Wake up at 6
• Pack her food for the day
• Go to school
• Participate in after school clubs
• Work part time as a cashier
• Work on homework and scholarship applications until after midnight

Now imagine that she then received a full scholarship to the University of Florida, now has a PhD, is a keynote speaker, and writes math textbooks.

You would be imagining Dr. India White.

Could you guess that the topic of her PhD thesis might be grit?

​Dr. India White defines grit as a combination of determination, resilience, and time management. For first generation college students who grew up in the lowest financial quartile, grit played a critical role in whether they graduated or not. Grit is not just about working hard; it also involves maintaining a long-term vision and passion for one's goals. This intrinsic motivation fuels students' drive to succeed and helps them build the resilience needed to face and overcome academic and personal challenges.

The study suggests several ways to cultivate grit in oneself or in others, particularly for first-generation college students:

1. Mentorship: Mentors can model grit and help mentees navigate challenges, reinforcing the importance of staying committed to long-term goals.
2. Intrinsic Motivation: Encouraging students to find and focus on their intrinsic motivations, such as personal goals and passions, can help them develop grit.
3. Building Self-Esteem: Programs and workshops that boost students' confidence in their abilities can help them develop a resilient mindset.
4. Creating a Supportive Community: Peer support, study groups, and involvement in extracurricular activities can help students feel connected and motivated.
5. Setting Realistic Goals: Helping students set realistic, achievable goals and breaking them down into manageable steps can make long-term objectives seem more attainable.
6. Encouraging a Growth Mindset: Teaching students to view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles can foster resilience.

Dr. White is an inspiration. You can find out more about her from her TEDx talk and her website.