Advot in Action

By: Annie Kee, Managing Director

July 2025

This summer, we designed a curriculum around the theme of the Hero’s Journey. We’re guiding students through exercises that help them explore their own stories — their personal challenges, triumphs, lessons learned, and how they envision their heroic futures.

One of the first activities we introduced asked students to name three heroic qualities they see in themselves, along with three small, concrete actions they could take to embody those traits. Our team did the exercise, too.

My three qualities that day were: Compassionate, Empathetic, and Fun.

For “fun,” I committed to leaning into joy during my classes that week.

This summer has been fast and furious. It’s easy to get grumpy and drained while juggling large groups of students who are tired, overheated, hungry, and just want to chill out in air conditioning. I don’t blame them. I’m co-leading four different student groups over two days, each with their own dynamics and challenges.

One week, I also stepped in to sub at another site. I made it my goal to model patience and empathy that day. How could I lean into joy here?

It helped that I was subbing at a site where I already had some history. When I walked into the teen room, one student looked up and said quietly to himself, “Oh, she’s gonna be here today? I’m staying.” My heart swelled. Another student, initially withdrawn and standoffish, ended up laughing with us by the end of class.

We played a focus game, talked about our challenges and lessons, and goofed around. We laughed — a lot.

In the next class, I met a new group of students. One of them walked in, sat down, and immediately put his head on the table. Eventually, he lifted his head, and we gently invited him to join us. He jumped in. We played, shared, drew, and yes — we laughed. It was a pleasure.

This experience reminded me: we set the tone. If we bring joy and presence into the room, the students often follow.

So, where can you lean into joy today?

I guarantee it’ll make a difference in your day, and maybe even someone else’s.