The Upper School participated in a Community Time led by Erin Song, a coach whose mission is to “Inspire positive mental shifts and guide you to achieve your fullest potential.” She brought that home with demonstrations of taking the wheel so you don’t feel out of control, flipping negativity on its head, and feeling gratitude.

Song showed the difference between being the driver vs. the passenger of a car. As the driver, you’re in complete control. But as a passenger, you have none—even though your emotions feel like you might.  Comparing this to life, when something that you perceive as negative happens, you don’t have to be a passenger. You can take control in other ways. For example, when Song didn’t make it onto the lacrosse team, she blamed the coach, became doubtful of her ability, was embarrassed, and was just generally overwhelmed with negative thoughts.  She felt hurt and out of control. But then her father kept saying to her, “What are you going to do about it?” She took those thoughts and decided to focus on what she should control. She dedicated herself even more to her other sport, swimming. She practiced lacrosse on the weekends more with friends. The next year, she swam at States and got onto the lacrosse team. She became a driver.

Upper School student leaders shared their own “passenger” thoughts. They ranged from losing confidence on the playing field, becoming doubtful while taking a test, or worrying about whether they would get the part in a play. Song said, “There will always be someone stronger, faster, smarter, more talented. But you need to find what you are looking for from within.”

Song spoke about how when you have a negative thought, squish it down and come up with three positive thoughts and challenges to those thoughts. Farihah Kemp ’25 said how she was always scared of going on roller coasters. She would try, get to the front of the line, turn all the way around, and go back down the line. But one time, someone would not get out of the way! She said, “Well, I guess I have to go down the other way!” Kemp loved it and now is a total rollercoaster enthusiast.

Finally, Song wrapped up the presentation on how to look for and feel gratitude. She pointed out that when you are feeling grateful, it is impossible to experience negative feelings like anger, hurt, doubt, and anxiety. Try to find something to be grateful for in the moment, and you will almost feel that negativity fade away. Upper School students walked away from this Community Time with an eye toward positivity and resiliency. Learn more about Song at www.erinsongcoaching.com