Meaning: Helping Young People Discover What Matters

In a world that often focuses on achievement and success, it can be easy for young people to believe that their worth is defined by what they accomplish.

Yet one of the strongest contributors to well-being is something much deeper: a sense of meaning.

Within the PERMA-V model, meaning is about understanding that our lives have purpose, that we are connected to something larger than ourselves, and that who we are and what we do matters.

Research suggests that when young people develop a sense of meaning, they are more likely to show resilience, motivation, and perseverance. Meaning provides a compass during challenging times, helping them navigate setbacks and make decisions that align with what they value most.

Meaning Begins with Mattering

When people hear the word meaning, they often think about future careers, life goals, or making a positive contribution to society. While these are important aspects of a meaningful life, meaning begins with something more fundamental:

The belief that I matter.

Psychologist Martin Seligman has highlighted the importance of mattering as a component of well-being. Mattering is the feeling that we are valued, that we belong, and that our presence makes a difference to others.

For young people, this foundation is essential. Before they can fully consider how they might contribute to the world, they need to know that they are significant members of their families, friendship groups, teams, and communities.

When young people feel seen, heard, and valued, they are more likely to engage in learning, form positive relationships, and develop confidence in who they are becoming.

Meaning at St Andrew's

At St Andrew's College, we want every student to know that they matter. One of the key questions in our student Ask Your Team survey asks whether students feel they have people in their lives who listen to them and take an interest in what they do and how they are feeling. We believe this matters because feeling seen, heard, and valued is a vital foundation for well-being.

We recognise that well-being is strengthened when students feel connected to the people and communities around them. While academic achievement remains important, we also want students to develop a sense of purpose, belonging, and contribution.

This is one reason our startegic priority of making the most of opportunities is so important. Meaning is often discovered through participation. It grows when students become involved, try new experiences, contribute to a team, support others, and step beyond what feels familiar.

Whether through learning, sport, culture, service, leadership, chaplaincy, or friendships, students have opportunities to connect with something beyond themselves and to recognise the positive impact they can have on others.

Through our PERMA-V approach, we encourage students to consider three important questions:

• Who am I becoming?

• What matters to me?

• How can I contribute to something bigger than myself?

Over time, these reflections help young people develop a stronger sense of identity, purpose, and meaning. Our hope is that every student leaves St Andrew's knowing two important truths: that they matter, and that they have something meaningful to contribute to the world.

Meaning Is Built Through Everyday Actions

Many people assume that meaning comes from extraordinary achievements. In reality, it is often built through ordinary moments and consistent actions.

Meaning can grow when a student:

• Supports a friend through a difficult time.

• Acts with courage when something feels unfair.

• Contributes to a team effort.

• Helps someone in need.

• Lives in a way that reflects their values.

These experiences help young people understand that meaning is not something they suddenly find. It develops gradually through relationships, contribution, reflection, and the choices they make each day.

How Parents Can Foster Meaning

Parents play a powerful role in helping young people develop a sense of meaning.

Often, this happens through simple everyday interactions:

• Listening with genuine attention.

• Showing interest in their thoughts and experiences.

• Recognising effort and character, not just achievement.

• Encouraging them to contribute at home and in the community.

• Helping them reflect on what is important to them.

Conversations can also help young people connect to their values and purpose:

• What matters most to you?

• When do you feel that what you do makes a difference?

• What kind of person do you want to be?

• How did you contribute to others today?

Questions like these encourage reflection and help students see the connection between their values, actions, and well-being.

A Question Worth Reflecting On

As parents, one of the most powerful questions we can ask ourselves is:

What have I done today that helped my child know they matter?

Often, the answer is found not in a grand gesture but in a small moment of attention, encouragement, or connection.

These moments communicate a message every young person needs to hear:

You belong. You are valued. You matter.

At St Andrew's, we believe meaning is not something students need to have fully figured out today. It develops over time through relationships, reflection, contribution, and making the most of opportunities. By helping young people recognise that they matter and that they can make a positive difference in the lives of others, we help them build a foundation for well-being that extends far beyond their school years.