By Ines Kudo
On our visit to Guatemala, I learned about a tool they used, called the “Learning Update” (LU). It is an account by each Puma every Friday, to their guide, parent and partners, of how their week went.
We launched the tool in Tinkuy in the last week of our first session. In Ascend, this means sharing their goals and how many of them they had met, two words to describe their week, one lesson learned and one thing that helped them.
What I thought would be a simple reporting tool quickly proved to be a concise, authentic narrative of challenges, breakthroughs, and self-discovery. I soon realized that the process itself is transformative. With every update, our Pumas learn to set clear weekly goals that pave the way for larger achievements over the session and the year. They track their progress more effectively, reflect on their experiences, and share these insights with an audience that cheers them on—their parents, hiking partners, and guides.
These updates offer a powerful window into our learners’ growth, resilience, and even their sense of humor. One Puma described his week as “hard, fun” because of the challenges during the Exhibition, while another proudly declared, “I completed all my goals and reached freedom level 2!” A third Puma shared, “I completed all my SMART goals and I am proud because it was hard at first, but then I realized it wasn’t as difficult as I thought.” And another one celebrated: “I am excited to share that I will be a FL3."
Learning updates are rich with personal insights and nuanced reflections. Our Pumas, in few words, are turning this new requirement into rich narratives of personal growth. Their two words to describe their week —“productive and focused,” “fun and challenging,” “relaxed and determined”— capture both the emotional highs and the hard-won lessons from failures. They discuss not only the “what” of their achievements but mostly the “how” and “why” behind each triumph.
What I value most in the Learning Updates is that beyond reporting numbers, they reveal a genuine embrace of a growth mindset. One Puma described their week as “fun and stressing,” recognizing that the experience was both demanding and enjoyable. Another shared, “I struggled with finishing Quest, but I realized that focusing more can help me complete my goals.” These reflections show that they’re not just overcoming obstacles—they’re building tools for self-management, learning to focus, reflect, and persevere.
Their messages blend celebration with honest reflections on setbacks. One Puma wrote, “My week was challenging but exciting; I completed nearly all my goals, and I learned that every mistake makes me stronger.” Another expressed a quiet but powerful truth: “I discovered that taking the first step, even when I’m scared, sets the stage for progress.” When a Puma says, “I learned that I can make mistakes without letting them define me,” it’s more than a report—it’s a declaration of resilience. And “Every challenge is an opportunity to grow” reminds us that failures are simply part of the journey forward.
I can see them connecting their personal discipline with progress, recognizing that every step—even small wins—is part of a larger, ongoing journey. Their updates reveal not only impressive academic achievements and points but also practical strategies like using headphones to block distractions and planning tasks ahead, all directly tied to their growing resilience and focus. One update captured a turning point: “I learned that managing my time well makes me very productive,” while another noted, “This week, organization and motivation were key to reaching 929 points.” This past week, a third Puma shared, “The thing that I have learned this week is that it feels really great when I face my fears.“
Our Pumas share very specific lessons about their experience at Tinkuy—for example, “Civilization is one of the funnest things in Tinkuy,” “Do the challenge on time,” and “Do NOT leave the Quest budget for the last moment.” They also seize every opportunity to share what they learned from their challenges, such as, “Collective Learning is the pillar of everything,” comments on the complexities of travel agencies, humorous insights like “nomads set in their villages, unless you're the Mongols,” or practical skills like “I learned how to test and solve two-variable equations on Khan Academy.”
Learning Updates capture the journey—not just a snapshot of performance. Unlike traditional grades that simply measure outcomes, these updates reveal a learner’s thought process, the challenges they overcome, and their genuine personal growth. They highlight small victories, insights gained, and strategies for improvement, offering a richer, more holistic picture of progress.
For parents, the Learning Update isn’t just an assignment; it’s a vivid reflection of honest self-examination and consistent effort. It shows each Puma emerging as the hero of his own journey—embracing setbacks, celebrating progress, and building the resilience needed to face life’s challenges.
With every update, our Pumas not only take stock of their academic achievements, but also learn to trust their instincts and own their process. That is a legacy truly worth celebrating.
