“You, my friend, have gumption,” said Jim Long, Director of the Kansas Union at the University of Kansas.
Gumption? As someone for whom English is a fourth language, it sounded almost ominous, a word I’d never encountered before. But standing in his office that morning, I could tell it was perhaps something positive, a compliment even. It was the day after he and I had a contentious argument—one where I had created quite the commotion. (Shocking, I know.)
The night before, Elie Wiesel, the Holocaust survivor and Nobel Laureate, was speaking on campus—a much-anticipated event for which hundreds of students had waited in line to secure tickets. But when the moment finally arrived, the KU administration, led by Jim, citing fire code restrictions, barred many of us, including myself, from entering the venue.
While the other students in line accepted the disappointment, I couldn’t. I wouldn’t. I took a stand, challenging the KU administration to either let us in or find a way to accommodate us, pushing for a spillover venue with audiovisual arrangements. To my surprise, they relented, and we all got to hear Wiesel’s unforgettable address.
The next day, I was summoned to Jim’s office, where I nervously expected a reprimand. Instead, I was met with an unexpected opportunity—a job as a student manager at the Kansas Union.
Jim told me he offered me the job not just because I had spoken up but because I had done so with conviction, refusing to let silence win over fairness.
“Let’s see how much you’ll enjoy being in a position of authority,” he said with a knowing smile.
It wasn’t just about getting that much-needed paycheck that excited me—it was an affirmation that sometimes, the right kind of trouble is exactly what’s needed. From that day forward, gumption wasn’t just a new word in my vocabulary; it became a guiding principle in my life.
The Symbolism and Relevance of That Moment
Looking back, the symbolism of that moment still resonates. Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor, had spent his life reminding the world that silence can enable oppression. And in that small way, without fully realizing it, I had helped ensure that his powerful message reached as many ears as possible. It wasn’t about making a statement—it was simply about doing what felt right in that moment. Ah, so that’s what Jim was talking about.
ɡʌm(p)-shən: the ability to decide what is the best thing to do in a particular situation, and to do it with energy and determination.
Just as it did that day 30+ years ago, gumption matters in today’s world—maybe even more so! Thirty years later, the world looks different. As we witness the resurgence of neo-Nazi sentiments and fascist ideologies not only globally but also right here in the United States, the lesson remains clear: Gumption isn’t just about personal bravery—it’s a responsibility to stand up when silence isn’t an option.
As we navigate a global landscape where democratic values are under threat, where polarization is rising, and where authoritarianism is gaining ground, gumption is more than just the audacity to take action—it is a moral imperative.
In the U.S., the Trump administration has not only challenged political norms but also emboldened a rhetoric of division.
Globally, fascist regimes and autocratic leaders are silencing dissent, rewriting history, and closing doors to freedom of expression.
In today’s climate, gumption is not just about pursuing personal goals; it is about standing up for justice, advocating for the marginalized, and challenging the status quo. It is the quality that drives people to march in the streets, question authority, and demand accountability.
But I wonder, in a world where taking the easy route often replaces true courage and going along with the crowd is mistaken for genuine contentment, is gumption becoming a rare commodity?
Nurturing gumption requires a broader, more intentional approach. It’s not just about teaching students to speak up but empowering them to act boldly, think independently, and lead responsibly—not just in their schools but in their communities and on the global stage.
Here’s how we do it:
Redefine Success Beyond Academic Achievement
Success in today’s world is not just about grades and test scores; it’s about character and conviction. We need to celebrate students not only for what they achieve but also for how they achieve it. Recognize those who take initiative, ask tough questions, and show resilience in the face of adversity. Introduce awards and recognition for courageous actions, ethical leadership, and social impact.Create a Culture of Constructive Discomfort
Learning doesn’t only happen in comfortable spaces. Create opportunities for students to engage in difficult conversations, participate in debates on complex issues, and immerse themselves in unfamiliar environments. Encourage them to embrace discomfort as a pathway to growth.Encourage Responsible Risk-Taking
Gumption is often born in the space between fear and action. Teach students that failure is not the enemy—inaction is. Provide safe environments for experimenting, innovating, and even failing forward. Help them see that risk is a prerequisite for reward.Amplify Diverse Voices
The world needs students who not only find their voice but also amplify the voices of others. Introduce them to diverse perspectives, challenge echo chambers, and celebrate dissent as a form of engagement.Connect Gumption to Global Citizenship
Help students understand that gumption is not just local but global. Introduce them to global issues, human rights movements, and international collaborations. Equip them with the tools to navigate different cultural contexts, challenge injustice, and promote equity and inclusion.Inspire Through Stories of Bold Leadership
Share narratives of everyday people who exhibited gumption to create meaningful change. Highlight how gumption can be quiet or loud, big or small, but is always transformative.
