Why are relationships so important?

Strong relationships are the cornerstone of health, happiness, and resilience...and jobs of the future.

HEALTH AND HAPPINESS

Harvard University has a nearly 80-year ongoing study that followed 724 men, from two different socioeconomic cohorts, across their lifespans to track health and well-being. The director, Dr. Robert Waldinger, summarized their findings: “The lessons aren’t about wealth or fame or working harder and harder. The clearest message that we get from this study is this: Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.

Harvard University Study on Adult Development

RESILIENCE
The National Scientific Council on the Developing Child (NSCDC) at Harvard University had a simple question: Why do some children do well and show resilience, despite exposure to stressful circumstances and hardship? Their answer: “Resilience requires relationships, not rugged individualism...The single most common finding is that children who end up doing well have had at least one stable and committed relationship with a supportive parent, caregiver, or other adult.”

JOBS

Researchers at Oxford University estimate that 47% of U.S. jobs are at “high risk” for being automated within the next 10-20 years. Research out of MIT reinforces these findings, forecasting that technology’s impact on employment “will only accelerate.” The MIT researchers predict the following skills will be in the highest demand as we move into the future: persuasion, negotiation, and group dynamics; framing and solving open-ended problems; applied math and statistics; sound writing; and human interaction and nurturing.

 Persuasion, Negotiation,          Framing and solving          Human Interaction                    Applied Math                       Sound Writing

  and Group Dynamics             open ended problems            and Nurturing                        and Statisitics

    Our Solution

Only by consistently teaching our youth about the character

strengths that everyone possesses, will they see the people based on the content of their character.

This ability will enhance our student's self-awareness and self- confidence, understanding and appreciation of others, and interpersonal relationships – which will positively influence our youth (individually and collectively) across their lifespans.

The Positivity Project Model