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Jan. 21, 2025
Daylight: 5:48:08
One week down! It happens that fast!
As we move into week two, I want to take a moment to talk about something that has
the power to transform your thinking about challenges, pursue goals, and ultimately
define your success: the growth mindset.
A growth mindset is a way of thinking about how our abilities, intelligence, and talents
can be developed through dedication and hard work. It’s about seeing challenges not
as roadblocks, but as opportunities to grow and learn. It is about how we think about
our future selves and our control over who we are becoming. While it’s natural to
feel stuck or frustrated at times, the growth mindset reminds us that effort and persistence
can lead to improvement and new possibilities.
This past weekend, I had the opportunity to go snowboarding at Moose Mountain. The
growth mindset was on display left and right. There was a whole hillside of people
struggling painfully and obviously to learn a new skill – and dozens who were enjoying
the fruits of their prior struggles and stumbles. If you have ever learned to ski
or snowboard, you may have fallen once, twice, or dozens of times. With patience and
persistence, you can find yourself able to enjoy a whole new way of experiencing the
joy of sliding down a mountain – a whole new perspective.
Why is this important?
Along the student journey at UAF, challenges are inevitable. Whether it’s mastering
a tough course, navigating relationships, or planning for life after graduation, there
will be moments when you struggle, and stumble. A growth mindset encourages you to
embrace these moments, knowing that every setback or failure is a step toward your
ultimate success.
Here are a few ways to cultivate a growth mindset:
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Embrace challenges – See them as opportunities to learn rather than obstacles.
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Learn from feedback – Use constructive criticism to grow rather than take it personally.
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Celebrate effort – Success is about progress, not perfection.
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Be inspired by others – Instead of comparing yourself, let the success of others motivate you.
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Practice self-compassion – Growth takes time; be kind to yourself as you learn and adapt.
At UAF, we’re here to support you in developing this mindset. Whether it’s through
academic resources, student organizations, or conversations with peers and mentors,
you’re part of a community that values perseverance and growth. Take advantage of
these opportunities to challenge yourself and celebrate the progress you make along
the way.
Remember, the journey to success is rarely a straight line. There will be setbacks.
There will be moments when you clean the snow from behind your glasses and out of
your ears, and the moments when you laugh with your friends about what you looked
like as you tumbled down the mountain. Risk and reward are part of the joy of our
journey – part of the nature of learning.
Welcome to week two of the spring 2025 term. This is how you do it. One week at a
time. Hang in there. I wish you a week of growth and discovery.
Things to do:Ìý
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Pay your bill before Jan. 24. Even if you think it is paid – double check with Financial Aid or the Bursar’s Office.
Students with unpaid balances as of Jan. 24 can be dropped from classes and housing. If you need financial help, help is available.
Email uaf-financialaid@alaska.edu, call 907-474-7256 or drop by 107 Eielson to meet with a financial aid advisor.
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Check out for all kinds of things happening within our community.
I would love to hear about your secret sauce to success. Drop me a note at obguthrie@alaska.edu.
— Owen Guthrie, vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management
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