President Baber Publishes Article in the Greenwich Sentinel on the Power of Courage and Confidence

November 12, 2024

President Baber's article on the power of Courage and Confidence was recently published in the Greenwich Sentinel. Please enjoy reading below!

Building Bold Minds and Brave Hearts: The Power of Courage and Confidence

In today’s rapidly changing world, filled with both challenges and opportunities, it is essential that young women are exposed to learning environments where they can cultivate courage and confidence. These traits are not only vital for personal growth, but also crucial for the development of future female leaders who can navigate uncertainty, make values-based decisions, and stand firm in their convictions. From early childhood through high school, girls must have the opportunity to harness these qualities to thrive, especially during adolescence, a formative period when self-awareness and identity begin to emerge and take shape.

Courage and confidence are nurtured in girls through experiences that encourage them to step outside their comfort zones. These qualities are also deeply rooted in spirituality, which provides a guiding compass—helping young women discover what truly matters, offering strength during difficult times, and fostering a connection to something greater than themselves. As they grow, girls learn that courage is not merely about fearlessness, but about standing up for what is right and that confidence is built on a foundation of self-worth, reinforced by the understanding that they are part of a larger community.

Small Acts, Big Impact on Young Learners

In the early years, a young girl is naturally curious, and it is during this time that the foundation for courage and confidence must be laid. Courage might manifest as introducing herself to a new friend or daring to answer a question in class—seemingly simple acts that require bravery. Educators play a crucial role in teaching her that her feelings are valid and that trying new things—academically or socially—is an integral part of her growth.

Moreover, a Lower School student practices courage by helping others. Through service projects, she learns that courage is not solely about personal achievement, but also about having the confidence to act for the greater good. Confidence, at this age, comes from positive reinforcement when trying new things—whether successful or not. Celebrating effort, persistence, and resilience fosters a strong sense of self-worth. With this support, she learns that she is capable, even when tasks are challenging, allowing her to grow into a confident learner and contributor to the world.

Middle School: Encouraging Courage and Confidence During Change

As a young girl transitions into adolescence, courage and confidence must continue to evolve. Middle School is a time of rapid emotional, social, and cognitive development, and she needs exposure to situations that encourage her independence, helping her form opinions and navigate complex social dynamics. Encouraging engagement in public speaking, group discussions, and student-led presentations empowers her to voice her beliefs. These experiences reinforce the notion that her voice matters and that expressing herself requires courage.

Middle School students also need opportunities to take on leadership roles through clubs, sports, and extracurricular activities. Educators are essential in guiding students through these experiences, helping them reflect on their successes and failures, and supporting their growth into confident young women.

At this stage, confidence stems from recognizing and valuing her unique talents. A Middle School student benefits from a space where she can discuss her emotions, challenges, and triumphs, fostering a sense of self-assurance. 

High School: Empowering Young Women to Lead with Courage and Confidence

As young women reach high school, the development of courage and confidence must be further advanced as they embrace increasing academic and social challenges. A focused leadership curriculum and hands-on experiences—such as presenting at assemblies, leading retreats, and mentoring younger students, are critical for her growth. At Sacred Heart Greenwich, students in the Upper School are equipped to face real-world challenges that require them to be prepared for bold decision-making, whether it’s navigating college choices, leading a service project that fosters empathy and a deeper understanding of marginalized communities, excelling in a rigorous Linear Algebra course, conducting research in the National Science Research Program, delivering persuasive speeches in debate, mastering world languages through immersive experiences, developing innovative solutions in engineering and robotics, or performing in advanced arts and music ensembles.

Courage and confidence are rooted in self-awareness, persistence, and the resilience to overcome obstacles, and she must be supported as she builds the confidence to chart her path forward, demonstrating her ability to make thoughtful, independent decisions.

A Lifelong Journey

The development of courage and confidence does not conclude upon graduation. At Sacred Heart Greenwich, we see the benefits of an all-girls education in our alumnae, who are empowered to pursue their unique passions. Throughout their careers, at home, and within their communities, our graduates draw upon the courage and confidence they cultivated in school to take bold steps to lead with empathy and strength.