Gratitude as the Engine of Learning and Sustainable Transformation
- Walter McKenzie
- 21 hours ago
- 5 min read
by Eng. Alfonso Navarro Carvallo
November is Gratitude Month at The Worthy Educator!
Gratitude is deeply personal, especially in those moments when, as the saying goes, “God tightens the rope but does not choke,” giving us the strength to carry on. That is why my gratitude toward my mentors is immense: in their guidance, I found light; in their example, strength. This connection between gratitude and mentorship transcends the merely academic, becoming a transformative force that shapes not only our intellect but also our life’s purpose.
The Power to Transform
I feel a deep sense of gratitude for having encountered so many mentors along my journey. Each of them has left an indelible mark on the way I see the world and face its challenges. Effective mentorship, as highlighted in various studies on professional and personal development, is not merely the transfer of technical knowledge but the sharing of vital wisdom, transformative experiences, and perspectives that broaden our horizons.
When one seeks to learn more, it is with the purpose of giving that knowledge back to others, thus contributing to the transformation of education toward a sustainable future. This cycle of learning and giving back is fundamental to building resilient communities and educational systems capable of responding to the challenges of the 21st century. Education for sustainable development is not just an abstract concept but an urgent necessity that calls for mentors committed to change.
The Awakening of Consciousness
My gratitude toward my teachers for sharing their experience did not come immediately. At first, I did not fully understand the value of their lessons, distracted by other youthful concerns and priorities. It is common for young people not to immediately recognize the richness of the wisdom shared with them. However, with time and maturity comes a deep understanding of how fortunate we are to have had access to such brilliant minds and generous hearts.
Being grateful for the ability to understand many things is a privilege not everyone enjoys. Life is difficult and complex, full of challenges that sometimes seem insurmountable. Yet, there are always people, teachers, mentors, and guides, who can enrich your mind and heart to help you take sustainable actions. Gratitude is essential for our personal and professional growth; it is always good to give thanks for the learning we have received.
The practice of gratitude has proven effects on our mental health and emotional well-being. Research in positive psychology reveals that actively cultivating gratitude improves our relationships, increases our resilience, and helps us face adversity with greater strength. When we apply this gratitude specifically toward our mentors and teachers, we strengthen bonds that transcend the classroom and create lasting learning communities.
Mentors play a crucial role in this process. They do not merely transmit information; they inspire a passion for lifelong learning, model ethical and sustainable behavior, and demonstrate how knowledge can be applied to solve real-world problems. Through their example, we learn that sustainability is not just an environmental concept but a holistic way of thinking and acting that considers the short- and long-term impacts of our decisions.
One of the most beautiful aspects of gratitude toward our mentors is the natural desire it creates to give back. This chain of intellectual generosity forms a virtuous cycle in which each generation lifts the next. When we receive quality mentorship, we not only absorb knowledge but also learn how to share it effectively with others.
The most effective mentors understand this. They are not discouraged when their students do not immediately grasp the importance of certain lessons. They trust that the seeds they have planted will sprout at the right time, when the student is ready to receive and apply that knowledge.
Gratitude with Intention
Developing an active practice of gratitude toward our mentors and teachers can take many forms. It can be as simple as a sincere message of thanks or as meaningful as applying their teachings to create positive change in our communities. What truly matters is explicitly recognizing the value of their contribution to our lives and careers.
Gratitude toward our mentors should not remain a passive feeling but transform into committed action. We truly honor our teachers when we take their lessons and apply them to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable world. When we use the knowledge, we have gained to improve our communities, we are living the legacy of those who invested their time and energy in our development.
At this crucial moment in human history—when we face unprecedented environmental, social, and economic challenges, effective mentorship and transformative education are more important than ever. Every mentor who inspires, every teacher who enlightens, every guide who leads, contributes directly to building the sustainable future we need.
My gratitude to all the mentors who have illuminated my path is eternal. And my commitment is to honor that gift by becoming a mentor myself, thus continuing this virtuous cycle of knowledge, growth, and sustainable transformation.
Resources
Eng. Alfonso Navarro Carvallo is the CEO, CSO and an educator at EliteSDGs Business Consulting in Tacna, Perú and Chile. He practices gratitude in his implementing of the U.N.'s Sustainable Development Goals, placing a high value on this work with and through people to get the job done. Alfonso's "21st Century Economies: A Transformative New Beginning for Sustainable Development" is published in our autumn 2025 journal. You can contact him via email here.
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