What happens when students walk through the same streets they pass every day but stop to truly see them?
Bob McKinnon took his students on an awe walk through Harlem, visiting historic sites connected to Alexander Hamilton, Langston Hughes, and the African American strivers of the early 20th century. What emerged was more than a history lesson. It was a shift in how students saw themselves and what felt possible.
Key takeaways:
- Awe as a Belonging Practice: Standing in places where remarkable people once lived and struggled gave students a felt sense that they belong, that people like them have been here before and have succeeded.
- Tailwinds, Not Just Headwinds: McKinnon’s research shows we tend to notice the obstacles in front of us far more than the support behind us. Awe walks help make those hidden tailwinds visible and personally meaningful.
- History as Fuel for Social Mobility: Redefining social mobility beyond economics, McKinnon frames it as thriving, belonging, and loving the life you are building, with awe as a quiet but powerful driver of that journey.
The Science of Happiness explores research-tested strategies that you can put into practice today to live a happier life.
