Amanda (Fogle ’05) Sigmon provides students with tools for growth and resiliency
A social work major at Bluffton University, Amanda (Fogle ’05) Sigmon, returned to campus for Bluffton’s weekly Forum series on Feb. 6 to share the benefits of a growth mindset.
“Growth mindset is a concept that the talents, abilities, characteristics that you have can be created within yourself,” said Sigmon. “Part of that is positive thinking, but the key is you have the opportunity to build it.”
Sigmon offered practical steps and tools for building a growth mindset using the acronym GRIT:
Growth—continually learning and asking questions
Resilience—bouncing back from tough situations
Initiative—being an active problem solver
Tenacity—not giving up until reaching your goal
Combined, Sigmon explained these tools will help students thrive instead of spiraling in times of difficulty. However, she added a caveat.
“Some things that happen to us can’t be solved by simple reasoning. There are things that need medication, that need therapy, that need care,” said Sigmon. “But in addition to the other tools you have in your life, these are tools that you can choose to add to your toolbox.”
By actively implementing these tools, Sigmon explained students will be able to rewire their brains and make new neural pathways. That process takes about three to four months.
“These skills allow us to flourish and succeed,” said Sigmon. “Thrive versus survive.”
Now, a council partner manager with Girl Scouts of the USA, Sigmon previously worked for organizations including the American Red Cross, World Vision and Army National Guard.
Sigmon saw the benefits of these skills first-hand after completing master resiliency training through the National Guard and sharing the skills with families dealing with deployments, moves across country and trauma.
Free and open to the public, Forum at Bluffton provides a public space for interdisciplinary discovery about the personal, local and global challenges faced by students, faculty, staff and the Bluffton community.
Stories Posted This Week
Friday, August 22, 2025
Thursday, August 21, 2025
- Cheryl Anise Pingle worked at Dayspring Church
- Lima Highway Patrol OVI checkpoint August 22
- Pirate VB sweeps Rockets
- Pirate boys drop golf tri
- Bluffton Board of Education hears neighbor comments on practice field, approves Lawn Ave. plan
- United Way of Greater Lima holds 9th annual Day of Caring on Sept. 5
- Village of Beaverdam announces committee meetings
- An amazing sign of fall 2025
- August 23 Bluffton Cars & Coffee
- If You Could Read My Mind: GLP-1s and memory
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
- Village of Bluffton reminder of electric aggregation provider, solicitor permit requirements
- Previews of Bluffton Senior Center trips for 2026
- English Lutheran Church to provide Community Meal, August 21
- Welcome back to Bluffton Beavers
- Pirate football reloads for run at NWC crown
- Pirate volleyball swept by Shawnee
- Pirate girls golf loss to Fort Loramie
- Pirate girls tennis edged by Spartans
- Made In Ada Wilson Football Festival kicks of season August 23