Prioritizing Mattering Over Performance as High School Students Share Insights on Achievement Culture

Ms. MacCalla and Mr. Berniker hosted a meaningful parent event and student panel at Oakwood School, featuring junior Gianna Garcia and seniors Langston Watson, Amanda Kawwas, and Yozer Wang. The discussion centered on the themes explored in Jennifer Wallace's book Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic—and What We Can Do About It. The students responded to thought-provoking questions, offering insights into their own experiences and expressing what they need from the adults in their lives to feel valued beyond their performance.

One key takeaway from Wallace's book resonated strongly: "To be clear, mattering isn’t mutually exclusive of performance. In fact, it fuels it. When we matter, we are more likely to participate in positive, healthy ways in our families, schools, and communities. It is not enough to simply love our kids unconditionally. They must feel that that love is unconditional. They must realize their mattering, their value, is never in question."