The Role of Grit Among Kenyan Immigrants in the United States

Rationale for Undertaking the Research Project

The impetus of this study arose from the researcher’s experience of being able to be a graduate despite academic difficulties endured during her elementary and high school studies. Angela Duckworth, who conducted research on the concept of Grit, opened the eyes of American culture to a realization that Grit determines success not only in education but in other aspects of life such as business and sports. However, little has been researched about how Grit contributes to the success of immigrants who flee from their homes to achieve their dreams in a new culture with strict rules and guidelines that are to be adhered at the same time. The aim of this paper is to find out the importance of Grit in achieving set goals. This study will therefore seek to answer the following research questions:

• 1.

  What role does Grit play in the success of Kenyan Immigrants in the United States?

• 2.

  In what ways was Grit utilized amongst Kenyans who attained their American Dream?

• 3.

  How do Kenyans with Grit respond in challenging situations they encounter as immigrants in the United States?

Definition of Grit

Grit is a psychological term that stands for Graduated and Reciprocated Initiatives in Tension-Reduction. Grit is a positive, non-cognitive trait based on an individual’s perseverance and passion in the attainment of one particular long-term goal in conjunction with motivation towards achieving set goals. According to Goodwin and Miller (2013), Grit encompasses behaviors such as goal-directedness (knowing where to go and how to get there), motivation (having a strong desire to accomplish set goals), self-control (avoiding distractions and focusing on the task at hand) and having a growth mindset (embracing challenge and viewing mistakes as an opportunity to get better). Hill (2014) stated that a gritty predisposition can be obtained by having a purpose in life. Grit should, therefore, be taught at early stages in life through structured play where children learn how to control and stay focused in their play. Teachings of growth mindset should also be included in the school curriculum where students are taught how to identify goals and given a breakdown on how they can achieve their goals and overcome difficulties that come their way. Finally, students should be taught how to go through their own experiences and for them to instill a sense of perseverance. (Goodwin & Miller, 2013)