Student Voices Confirm What the Research Shows: The Power of G.R.I.T. Over the last 2–3 weeks, I had the privilege of leading students through a deep dive into G.R.I.T.. They completed the G.R.I.T. Assessment, worked through the entire G.R.I.T. Workbook for Students, and engaged with the four pillars of the framework—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—developed from my TEDx research, The Power of G.R.I.T. The results were inspiring. During our closing activity, a reflection game I call “ Gritty Reflections,” students shared personal testimonies of how grit had impacted their lives: “I already had grit, but I’m glad I finally know what it is.” “Grit helped me stay motivated when I wanted to give up.” “I’ll use grit to help me in the future—it’s not just for school, it’s for life.” “It was important for me to pass this class, and grit gave me the push to do it.” Their faces lit up with joy and confidence as they discovered that grit is not just a concept—it’s a mindset and a tool they can apply for success. They especially loved our G.R.I.T. Games, with the Grit Circle and Grit Cootie Catcher as clear favorites. What excites me most is that these reflections confirm what research has already shown. My dissertation on the persistence of first-generation scholars highlights that grit is a defining factor in whether students overcome barriers and persist to graduation. National data further underscores this urgency: according to the NAEP (Nation’s Report Card) 2022 and 2024 results , math proficiency among U.S. students has declined significantly, with the lowest levels in decades. Without new approaches, the gap will continue to widen. This is where G.R.I.T. matters most. By teaching students how to persevere, build self-efficacy, and manage their time, we give them tools that help create parity, belonging, and academic success nationwide and worldwide. Testimonies like the ones my students shared are not just anecdotal—they represent the lived reality that backs data, research, and educational practice. Teacher Tips: How to Facilitate Powerful Grit Testimonials Link Reflection to Research: Remind students that their voices matter and that their reflections confirm what data already says about grit and persistence. Make it Engaging: Use interactive tools like the Grit Cootie Catcher and Grit Circle to encourage every student to share. Ask Future-Focused Questions : Help students connect grit to passing the next quiz, completing the semester, and preparing for life beyond the classroom. Celebrate Growth : Applaud every testimony. When students see their voices valued, they believe more deeply in their potential. Reinforce the Bigger Picture : Connect grit to parity and belonging, showing how these skills can close gaps and build resilience across communities. Parity, Grit, and Belonging True educational success goes beyond grades—it’s about creating spaces where every student feels they belong. Grit bridges the gap to parity by equipping all learners, regardless of background, with the tools to persevere, manage time, and believe in their potential. When students cultivate grit, they not only achieve academically but also gain a sense of belonging and purpose, empowering them to thrive in classrooms, communities, and life. The data is clear, the research is strong, and now the testimonies from students prove it: grit works. And when teachers create space for students to reflect, we don’t just build academic success—we build future leaders. Let's continue this conversation to see how we can connect as we work together for the grittier and greater good of all learners! Visit www.india-white.com or email Dr. India White at indiawhiteconsulting@gmail.com

September Newsletter Blog: Building Grit in Students and Leaders This past month, I had the joy of leading a week-long G.R.I.T. Training for students, and it was nothing short of powerful. Throughout the week, students engaged in activities designed to help them understand and apply the G.R.I.T. framework—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management. We started with the G.R.I.T. Assessment , which gave students the opportunity to reflect on their strengths and areas for growth. From there, we explored the Grit Cootie Catcher activity , which made learning fun and interactive while reinforcing important concepts. In addition, students participated in times of personal reflection, group discussion, and team-building activities that challenged them to see grit as more than just a buzzword; it became a personal commitment. Many students shared openly about the ways they want to grow in resilience and perseverance. By the end of the week, it was clear that this training equipped them not only for academic success but also for life. I am excited to continue offering this kind of training and am open to traveling and working with schools, districts, and organizations as needed. Grit changes lives, and it’s my mission to make sure students and educators alike have the tools to thrive. On my podcast, Let’s Get Gritty , I recently featured Coach Fred Bridges and Alexander, a graduate of HCPS, who shared how grit shaped their journeys. They each elaborated on the G.R.I.T. framework and gave inspiring testimonies about how determination, resilience, and mindset can carry you through challenges. As we step into this new season, I encourage you to reflect on where grit is showing up in your own life and in your work. Together, let’s keep cultivating the power of G.R.I.T. in every classroom, community, and home.

Building Accountability Through GRIT Training This week, I had the privilege of working with students in a GRIT Training session, and what an experience it was! One of the central themes we explored was accountability—not just in the classroom, but in life. Accountability is what holds us steady when distractions come, when challenges arise, and when giving up seems easier than pressing forward. During the training, we walked through the GRIT Framework, which consists of four powerful pillars: Growth Mindset : Believing that abilities can be developed through dedication and effort. Resilience: Bouncing back when things get tough and not letting setbacks define us. Self-Efficacy : Trusting in our ability to succeed and taking ownership of our actions. Time Management : Staying disciplined and committed to deadlines and priorities. Students took a GRIT assessment, which gave them a chance to reflect on their strengths and areas for growth. They journaled about what accountability looks like for them, where they need to improve, and how they plan to put their commitments into action. Many recognized that while resilience helps them recover from setbacks, time management is the key to staying consistent and completing assignments on time. We also launched our GRIT Weeks, a structured time where students commit to staying focused, meeting deadlines, and holding themselves and each other accountable. These weeks serve as both a challenge and an opportunity: a chance to prove to themselves that they can set goals, stay on track, and finish strong. The most exciting part was the students’ energy. They are beginning to see that accountability is not about punishment or pressure; it is about empowerment. It is about realizing they have the tools to succeed, even when the journey is hard. Their reflections showed me that they understand GRIT is not a one-time practice but a lifelong habit that will carry them far beyond the classroom. As we move forward, I am encouraged by their excitement and determination. They are already asking what is next, ready to take on new challenges with fresh confidence. And I know this is just the beginning of what is possible when students embrace accountability through the power of GRIT. The journey continues, and the future looks bright.

The Power of Mentorship: A Visit with Mama Sharon This past week, I had the joy of a visit from my mentor, Mama Sharon—a woman who has walked with me through the highest mountaintops and the lowest valleys of my life. Our story began back in 1997, when I was paired with her through the Big Brothers Big Sisters and Take Stock in Children programs. At that time, I was a hurting little girl, living in an abusive household and struggling to find hope for the future. But God placed Mama Sharon in my life, and her constant love became a lifeline. When I was homeless, she was there. When I became the first in my family to graduate college, she was there, cheering me on as though it were her own victory. She celebrated with me when I crossed that stage, knowing the pain and perseverance it had taken to reach that milestone. Over the years, she has continued to stand by me—not only through the struggles but also through the triumphs. She supported me when I gave my TEDx Talk, encouraged me as I became an author, proudly shared my books with others, and now beams with joy as I serve as a math textbook author for Savvas, keynote speaker, and PD trainer for teachers across the nation. Mentorship is powerful because it is rooted in love, consistency, and presence. What started as a program match turned into a lifelong relationship that has now spanned 28 years. Today, Mama Sharon isn’t just my mentor—she is family. My children call her Grandma or Mama Sharon, and the joy is abundant when they are with her. She recently gave me a beautiful plant for my garden, a reminder of growth and legacy, and blessed my daughter with a special gift for her upcoming 16th birthday. My children are over the moon about her, and I can see how deeply her love has impacted them as it has impacted me. Together, we have weathered hardships, grief, and divisive political times. Yet what has sustained us is not race, politics, or differences—it has been love. Love won, and grit carried us through , all by the grace of God. As Mama Sharon prepares to celebrate her 82nd birthday, I look back with overwhelming gratitude. From 1997 until now, she has been in my life for nearly three decades. That is almost 30 years of mentorship, prayer, encouragement, and unconditional love. I am so grateful for every year. Mentorship is legacy. It’s the investment of time, love, and wisdom that ripples through generations. Today, Mama Sharon gets to reap the reward of her faithfulness—not only in me but in the lives of my children who cherish her. The bond we share is a testimony that when love prevails, life flourishes. Mama Sharon, thank you for being my mentor, my encourager, and now, my family. I am forever grateful for you, and I celebrate the abundance of joy God has given us through our journey together. For all of the organizations that supported me over the years, thank you! I'd be honored to come and share my experience with your stakeholders to convince them that mentorship is a win for everyone! Contact me at indiawhiteconsulting@gmail.com or visit www.india-white.com for more information on how we can collaborate and partner together!

The G.R.I.T. Cootie Catcher: Making Grit Fun for Students One of the highlights of my recent work with students has been creating and playing the G.R.I.T. Cootie Catcher Game. Yes—you read that right! That classic playground favorite we all remember has been transformed into a powerful teaching tool to help students learn, apply, and talk about grit. Why the G.R.I.T. Cootie Catcher Works Students love interactive, hands-on activities, and the cootie catcher gives them a chance to laugh, play, and engage in meaningful conversations. Each flap opens to reveal a question, challenge, or reflection tied to the G.R.I.T. framework: Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management. As students played, they weren’t just folding paper or choosing numbers—they were reflecting on how grit shows up in their daily lives. Many shared stories about pushing through challenges, staying consistent, or learning from mistakes. Watching them connect the dots while having fun was a reminder that sometimes the simplest tools can spark the deepest learning. Linking Back to The Power of G.R.I.T. When students played, they remembered key points from my TEDx Talk, “The Power of G.R.I.T.” The game helped bring the talk to life in a way that felt personal. Students weren’t just listening anymore—they were living grit through the choices they made while playing. Strategies for Teachers to Implement the G.R.I.T. Cootie Catcher If you’re a teacher looking for a simple, fun way to build grit in your classroom, here are a few strategies to get started: 1. Introduce the framework firs t. Before playing, spend time discussing what grit is and walk through the four pillars. This gives students the context they need. 2. Make it collaborative. Pair up students or form small groups. As they play, encourage them to share their answers and cheer each other on. This builds community and peer encouragement. 3. Use it as a bell ringer or exit ticket. Start or end class with a quick round of the cootie catcher. It only takes a few minutes but sets a tone of reflection and persistence. 4. Customize questions. Adapt the prompts inside to fit your subject area. For example, in math class, ask students how they can show grit when solving multi-step equations. 5. Celebrate grit in action The Outcome: Joyful Learning, Lasting Lessons What excites me most is that students aren’t just talking about grit—they’re practicing it in ways that are fun, memorable, and real. The G.R.I.T. Cootie Catcher is proof that learning about perseverance doesn’t have to feel heavy—it can be playful, interactive, and deeply impactful. Let’s keep creating classrooms where students can laugh, reflect, and grow—all while building the grit they’ll need for life. Want to see how grit can transform your classroom? Check out my TEDx Talk, The Power of G.R.I.T., for more inspiration and practical tools. For Teachers: How to Play the G.R.I.T. Cootie Catcher Start by folding the paper into a cootie catcher. Once it’s ready, grab a partner. Ask your partner to pick a number from the outside. Open and close the cootie catcher that many times. After the movement stops, your partner picks a flap to open. Inside, there will be a G.R.I.T. question, challenge, or reflection. Read it aloud and answer honestly. Switch roles and repeat so everyone gets a turn. The goal is not just to play, but to think about how you show G.R.I.T.—Growth Mindset, Resilience, Self-Efficacy, and Time Management—in your daily life. Tip for Teachers: Encourage students to pause and discuss their answers. This turns the game into a deeper conversation about grit while still keeping it fun and interactive.

This week, I had the privilege of leading our students through an engaging and empowering GRIT training, based on Dr. India White’s GRIT framework: Great Resilience In Time. The training introduced students to the power of resilience, walked them through key concepts around perseverance, and helped them discover the tools they need to push through challenges and achieve long-term success. What is GRIT? We began with an open discussion about what grit really means—and why it matters. To deepen their understanding, students watched my inspiring TEDx Talk on the power of grit, which sparked conversation about the role of effort, passion, and long-term goals in personal success. Students reflected on how grit isn’t just about never giving up—it’s about building the internal strength to face adversity, stay focused, and grow over time. Dr. India White’s GRIT Framework At the core of our training was **Dr. India White’s GRIT framework, where GRIT stands for: > Great > Resilience > In > Time This framework emphasizes that success comes from growing resilience over time, not just in a single moment. We explored how grit is developed through purpose, discipline, and self-belief, and how students can apply it daily. The Four Pillars of GRIT Students were introduced to the four essential pillars of Dr. White’s GRIT model, which are foundational to their growth: 1. Growth Mindset – The belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed with effort, learning, and persistence. Students discussed how shifting from a “fixed” mindset to a “growth” mindset opens the door to lifelong improvement. 2. Resilience – The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. Students shared examples of times they bounced back after setbacks, and learned strategies to strengthen this trait moving forward. 3. Self-Efficacy– A student’s belief in their ability to succeed. We emphasized the importance of building confidence through action and reflection. Many students realized that believing in themselves is the first step to progress. 4. Time Management – The ability to organize and use time wisely. Through interactive discussions and examples, students saw how managing their time can reduce stress, increase focus, and help them achieve their goals. Each of these pillars was explored through student-centered activities, reflective writing, and discussion, helping them make personal connections to the framework. Grit Assessment & Personal Reflections Students used the Grit Workbook for Students to complete a Grit Assessment , allowing them to identify where they currently stand and where they’d like to grow. The assessment prompted powerful self-awareness and honest conversations about areas of strength and challenge. Grit vs. Persistence: What’s the Difference? We also helped students explore the distinction between grit and persistence . While persistence is about staying the course in the short-term, grit is about consistent resilience, purpose, and progress over time. This was a lightbulb moment for many of our students. Statements of Commitment One of the most impactful parts of the session was when students wrote Statements of Commitment—personal declarations inspired by what they had learned. These commitments reflected their determination to: * Stay focused on goals * Manage their time better * Bounce back from challenges * Believe in their ability to grow These statements will serve as personal anchors for the rest of the year. Student Feedback: Grit is Just Getting Started The response from students was overwhelmingly positive. Here’s what we heard: > “I didn’t realize how important time management was until now.” > “I feel excited about grit—I know I can grow this year.” > “I’ve failed before, but now I know that doesn’t define me.” Students left the session energized, focused, and ready to apply grit to their academic, social, and personal lives. Looking Ahead: A Grit-Filled Year This GRIT training was more than just a one-time workshop—it was the beginning of a mindset shift. As we move forward, we’ll continue reinforcing the GRIT pillars in our classrooms, counseling sessions, and daily routines. To our teachers and school leaders: thank you for supporting this work. Together, we can help students build Great Resilience In Time—and unlock their potential, one day at a time. Let’s keep pushing, growing, and believing in our students—and in each other. The best is yet to come.** Visit www.india-white.com for more resources on Grit, Grit Workbook for Students or to schedule Dr. White to visit your school to train your students, teachers or administrators on grit!

Let’s Get Gritty Podcast: The Power of Grit with Coach Fred Bridges and Alexander Rivera The Let’s Get Gritty Podcast with Dr. India White continues to inspire audiences nationwide, equipping leaders, students, teachers, and families with the mindset and tools to persevere through challenges. In the latest episode, Dr. White sits down with two powerful voices who know grit firsthand: Coach Fred Bridges and HCPS graduate Alexander Rivera. Together, they unpack how grit has shaped their lives and how it continues to empower them to lead, serve, and thrive. The Power of Grit in Everyday Life Coach Bridges brings a wealth of experience from the field—literally. As a coach and mentor, he has witnessed firsthand how grit makes the difference between giving up and pushing through. Alexander Rivera, a recent graduate, offers the fresh perspective of a young leader learning to apply grit to his academic, athletic, and personal journey. Their stories remind us that grit is not about perfection—it’s about persistence, resilience, and a commitment to growth. The Four Pillars of the G.R.I.T. Framework Throughout the conversation, Dr. White highlights her G.R.I.T. framework, which stands for: Growth Mindset – Believing that abilities can be developed through effort and learning. Resilience – Bouncing back stronger from setbacks and failures. Self-Efficacy – Building confidence to know you can accomplish difficult tasks. Time Management – Using time wisely to prioritize goals and achieve success. Coach Bridges and Rivera each reflected on how these pillars have shaped their journey. From late nights of training and studying, to moments of doubt turned into determination, grit was the common thread that carried them forward. Why Grit Matters Today This episode makes one thing clear: grit is what we need more than ever. In today’s world—where uncertainty, rapid change, and new challenges are constant—grit is the defining factor for leaders, students, teachers, and families. As Dr. White reminds us, grit builds bridges across barriers, empowers us to rise from adversity, and equips us to make a lasting impact. If you are a leader looking to inspire your team, a teacher helping students persevere, or a parent guiding your family through challenges, this episode is a must-listen. 🎙️ Tune in to the Let’s Get Gritty Podcast and be reminded of the power of grit to transform your life and the lives of those around you.

For Families Considering Life Insurance Why families consider coverage Life insurance replaces income, pays off debt, and covers major expenses if a breadwinner passes away. It’s not just for parents—anyone with people who rely on them (or with co-signed debts) should consider it. My Recommended Type Term Life: Coverage for a set period (10, 20, 30 years). Typically the most coverage for the lowest cost. Great for income replacement during child-raising and mortgage years. Many families start with term life for immediate income protection,. So, How much coverage do we need? Common starting points (not advice, just general guidelines): 10–12× annual income for primary earners Add major debts (mortgage, loans) Add future goals (college support, childcare) Subtract existing coverage/savings A licensed agent can run a needs analysis customized to your budget and priorities. What affects your price? Age and health (younger/healthier = lower cost) Coverage amount & term length Tobacco use, driving record, hobbies, medications Policy riders (see below) Popular riders (optional add-ons) Accelerated Death Benefit: Access part of the benefit in certain serious illnesses. Waiver of Premium: Premiums waived if you become disabled (qualifying definitions apply). Child Rider: Low-cost coverage for children, sometimes convertible later. What to prepare for a quote Birth dates, basic medical history, medications Income, debts, current policies Beneficiary names and relationships Budget range you’re comfortable with monthly The application & underwriting process (what to expect) Needs analysis "te options (10–30 minutes). Application (online or paper). Underwriting: May include health questions, records, and occasionally a quick exam. Decision & policy delivery: Review, sign, and store digitally + physically. Annual check-in: Update beneficiaries, coverage fit, and affordability. Common pitfalls to avoid Waiting too long: Prices generally rise as you age. Underinsuring: Choosing a number that won’t truly cover income and debts. Overinsuring: Stretching beyond your budget and risking a lapse. “Set and forget”: Revisit coverage after major life changes (marriage, home, baby, new job). Quick Q&A Do stay-at-home parents need coverage? Usually yes—consider the cost to replace childcare and household management. What if we have life insurance at work? Great start, but it’s often not portable and may be too small. Many families add their own policy. If you'd like to explore more information, click on the link here: More Info Connect with me: https://therealhowmoneyworks.com/us/drindiawhite?ispreview=true