What Our Students Really Want

The insight here is simple: the drill bit is just a tool, a means to an end. What people truly want is the result—the hole.

The same principle applies to our students. Some may say they want to win medals, but what they’re really chasing is something deeper—success.

But even that doesn’t fully capture it. Like the drill bit, we need to ask the next question: Why do they want the hole and why do they want to succeed?

For many students, success without acknowledgment feels hollow. What they really desire is to be seen and admired. For others, a medal symbolizes proof that they are capable—that they can achieve big things. What they’re truly seeking is confidence and a sense of self-efficacy.

Ultimately, our students don’t just want medals. They want the courage to aim high as they step out into the world. They want to feel supported and empowered by those around them, knowing they have permission to dream and the tools to make those dreams a reality.

Our role as educators isn’t just to help them achieve visible milestones; it’s to nurture the deeper needs that drive their aspirations—to help them feel competent, confident, and valued. Because when we do, they’ll be prepared to take on far more than just the next competition.