---
title: "Academic Lens: Refusing to Say \"I Can't\""
description: "At Proctor, we want to eliminate the words \"I can't\" from each student's vocabulary by empowering each to know herself as a learner."
image: https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hubfs/Blog_Pics/Academic_Lens/2015-2016_Academic_Lens_Pics/Risk_Taking/IMG_7879.jpg
---

[![Proctor](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/file-1222761375-png/Images/INTlogo.png "Proctor")](http://www.proctoracademy.org)

[![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Facademic-lens-refusing-to-say-i-cant%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Facademic-lens-refusing-to-say-i-cant%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Facademic-lens-refusing-to-say-i-cant%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Facademic-lens-refusing-to-say-i-cant%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Academic%20Lens%3A%20Refusing%20to%20Say%20%22I%20Can%27t%22) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Facademic-lens-refusing-to-say-i-cant%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Facademic-lens-refusing-to-say-i-cant%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail)

## Academic Lens: Refusing to Say "I Can't"

Posted by [Scott Allenby](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/author/scott-allenby)

02/24/2016

The New York Times **[published this article](http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/01/13/when-children-say-i-cant-but-they-can-and-adults-know-it/?WT.mc_id=2016-FEBRUARY-FB-PTESTP_AUD_DEV-0201-0229&ad-keywords=AUDDEVREMARK&_r=0)** discussing the frustration of parents dealing with feigned incompetence in their children. We each struggle with this challenge with our own children, but at boarding school we have the unique opportunity of serving as in loco parentis to 360 Proctor students who are not immune to this phenomenon either. 

![Proctor Academy music](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Pics/Academic_Lens/2015-2016_Academic_Lens_Pics/Risk_Taking/IMG_7879.jpg?width=836&name=IMG_7879.jpg "Proctor Academy music")

We see this behavior in students of all ages (even in people our own age, perhaps?). Some children simply pretend to be incompetent so their actual incompetence won’t be exposed to their peers. For others who suffer from anxiety, Jessica Lahey shares in the article linked above, “They feel as if they can’t control the outcomes in their life, so they give up before they begin to avoid disappointment, frustration or embarrassment.”

![Proctor Academy](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Pics/Academic_Lens/2015-2016_Academic_Lens_Pics/Risk_Taking/IMG_7593.jpg?width=836&name=IMG_7593.jpg "Proctor Academy")

These are real challenges our students face each day. They feel pressure to perform at a high level, and fear they do not have the tools in their toolbox to achieve at the level expected of them. Each individual develops ways to handle this stress in his or her own way. As Lahey explains, “Acting incompetent is simply a practical strategy: They know from experience that if they stall, delay or refuse to do something they don’t want to do, someone will eventually do it for them.” This is an approach we do not accept at Proctor. 

![IMG_7297.jpg](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Pics/Academic_Lens/2015-2016_Academic_Lens_Pics/Risk_Taking/IMG_7297.jpg?width=836&name=IMG_7297.jpg "IMG_7297.jpg")

As we enter the final week of classes, cumulative assessments and final projects pile on top of playoff games, winter play performances, jazz/rock concerts, and vocal ensemble recitals. Each of these factors introduce an added layer of stress to our students’ lives. We believe there is real value in these final assessments and performances, but we cannot approach them without understanding the impact they have on our students. 

![IMG_7827.jpg](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Pics/Academic_Lens/2015-2016_Academic_Lens_Pics/Risk_Taking/IMG_7827.jpg?width=836&name=IMG_7827.jpg "IMG_7827.jpg")

Finding the balance in accountability and support is not easy, especially when it is your child struggling through the anxiety. Lahey notes, “Our job, as parents and teachers, is to guide them away from the temptations of dependence and toward a sense that they themselves can take on most tasks — and that when they’re not yet fully competent, they’ll learn.” [This takes trust; both in your child and in Proctor.](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/on-being-a-proctor-parent-empowering-independence) 

![IMG_7944.jpg](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Pics/Academic_Lens/2015-2016_Academic_Lens_Pics/Risk_Taking/IMG_7944.jpg?width=836&height=557&name=IMG_7944.jpg "IMG_7944.jpg")

**During this final week of classes, we will help each of our students to simultaneously know they have support systems behind them and to step outside their comfort zone and risk failure. It is when these risks are taken that the [Proctor magic happens](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/understanding-the-impact-of-athletics-at-proctor) - in the classroom, on the stage, in the studio, and on the ice. Here's to yet another week of empowering independence! **

**[![Check out more photos from life at Proctor on Flickr!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/408790/db6fb585-acaa-4918-bee6-318c6af8947d.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/408790/db6fb585-acaa-4918-bee6-318c6af8947d)**

[![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Facademic-lens-refusing-to-say-i-cant%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/linkedin-24x24.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Facademic-lens-refusing-to-say-i-cant%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Facademic-lens-refusing-to-say-i-cant%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Facademic-lens-refusing-to-say-i-cant%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Academic%20Lens%3A%20Refusing%20to%20Say%20%22I%20Can%27t%22) [![Share on Pinterest](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/pinterest-24x24.png)](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Facademic-lens-refusing-to-say-i-cant%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Facademic-lens-refusing-to-say-i-cant%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.proctoracademy.org%2Facademic-lens-refusing-to-say-i-cant%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail)

[![The Buzz at Proctor](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/408790/c01f2d97-fc2e-4f1a-9228-42c0dfdbd961.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/408790/c01f2d97-fc2e-4f1a-9228-42c0dfdbd961)

### Posts by Topic

- [Off-Campus Programs (522)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/off-campus-programs)
- [Experiential Learning (517)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/experiential-learning)
- [Community (438)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/community)
- [Student Work (416)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/student-work)
- [Academics (265)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/academics)
- [Athletics (255)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/athletics)
- [School Culture (231)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/school-culture)
- [Arts (216)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/arts)
- [Mike's Notes (182)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/mike-s-notes)
- [Educational Model (172)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/educational-model)
- [Student Life (165)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/student-life)
- [Relationships (149)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/relationships)
- [Boarding School (147)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/boarding-school)
- [European Art Classroom (131)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/european-art-classroom)
- [Mountain Classroom (131)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/mountain-classroom)
- [Study Abroad (131)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/study-abroad)
- [Proctor en Segovia (115)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/proctor-en-segovia)
- [Alumni (109)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/alumni)
- [World Languages (104)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/world-languages)
- [Ocean Classroom (100)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/ocean-classroom)
- [Faculty (86)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/faculty)
- [Performing Arts (51)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/performing-arts)
- [Environmental Stewardship (49)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/environmental-stewardship)
- [Admissions (45)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/admissions)
- [The Journey (39)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/the-journey)
- [COVID (37)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/covid)
- [Residential Life (37)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/residential-life)
- [Team Spotlight (37)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/team-spotlight)
- [Health and Wellness (34)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/health-and-wellness)
- [Summer Months (34)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/summer-months)
- [Academic Support (33)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/academic-support)
- [Proctor Woodlands (33)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/proctor-woodlands)
- [Professional Development (32)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/professional-development)
- [Core Values (31)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/core-values)
- [Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (29)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/diversity-equity-and-inclusion)
- [Skiing (29)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/skiing)
- [Staff (29)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/staff)
- [Parents (27)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/parents)
- [Diversity (26)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/diversity)
- [Proctor in Costa Rica (25)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/proctor-in-costa-rica)
- [Family Weekend (24)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/family-weekend)
- [Wilderness Orientation (23)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/wilderness-orientation)
- [Community Service (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/community-service)
- [Winter (21)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/winter)
- [College (20)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/college)
- [Graduation (20)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/graduation)
- [Leadership (20)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/leadership)
- [Head of School (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/head-of-school)
- [History (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/history)
- [Technology (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/technology)
- [Board of Trustees (18)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/board-of-trustees)
- [Brian's Blogs (18)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/brians-blogs)
- [Campaign for Proctor (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/campaign-for-proctor)
- [Proctor Ski Area (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/proctor-ski-area)
- [Afternoon Activities (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/afternoon-activities)
- [Advisor (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/advisor)
- [Facilities (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/facilities)
- [Self-Advocacy (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/self-advocacy)
- [English (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/english)
- [Proctor on Snow (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/proctor-on-snow)
- [Project Period (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/project-period)
- [Euro (12)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/euro)
- [Giving (12)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/giving)
- [Learning Skills (12)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/learning-skills)
- [Thanksgiving (12)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/thanksgiving)
- [Native American Connection (11)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/native-american-connection)
- [Senior Project (11)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/senior-project)
- [Academic Concentrations (10)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/academic-concentrations)
- [College Counseling (10)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/college-counseling)
- [Rigor and Support (10)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/rigor-and-support)
- [Proctor Fund (9)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/proctor-fund)
- [Day Students (8)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/day-students)
- [Dining and Nutrition (8)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/dining-and-nutrition)
- [EdTech (8)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/edtech)
- [Summer Service Trips (8)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/summer-service-trips)
- [Thought Leadership (8)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/thought-leadership)
- [Campus (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/campus)
- [Equity and Inclusion (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/equity-and-inclusion)
- [Innovation (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/innovation)
- [Maintenance Team (6)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/maintenance-team)
- [Science (6)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/science)
- [Social Science (6)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/social-science)
- [Strategic Planning (6)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/strategic-planning)
- [Weekend Activities (6)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/weekend-activities)
- [Remote Learning (5)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/remote-learning)
- [Andover (4)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/andover)
- [Art Exhibits (4)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/art-exhibits)
- [Assembly (4)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/assembly)
- [Development (4)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/development)
- [Holderness Day (4)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/holderness-day)
- [Accepted Students (3)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/accepted-students)
- [Hays Speaking Prize (3)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/hays-speaking-prize)
- [Math (3)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/math)
- [Special Olympics (3)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/special-olympics)
- [Buy Proctor (2)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/buy-proctor)
- [Prep School (2)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/prep-school)
- [Proctor in China (2)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/proctor-in-china)
- [Sustainability (2)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/sustainability)
- [Boat Building (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/boat-building)
- [Dorms (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/dorms)
- [Entrepreneurship (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/entrepreneurship)
- [In Memory (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/in-memory)
- [Mike (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/mike)
- [Proctor Pond (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/proctor-pond)
- [Summer Literacy (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/summer-literacy)
- [Thanks (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/thanks)
- [freshman seminar (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/topic/freshman-seminar)

see all

### Blog Archives

- [May 2023 (1)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2023/05)
- [April 2023 (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2023/04)
- [March 2023 (12)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2023/03)
- [February 2023 (24)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2023/02)
- [January 2023 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2023/01)
- [December 2022 (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/12)
- [November 2022 (18)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/11)
- [October 2022 (21)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/10)
- [September 2022 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/09)
- [August 2022 (9)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/08)
- [July 2022 (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/07)
- [June 2022 (11)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/06)
- [May 2022 (25)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/05)
- [April 2022 (20)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/04)
- [March 2022 (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/03)
- [February 2022 (23)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/02)
- [January 2022 (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2022/01)
- [December 2021 (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/12)
- [November 2021 (20)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/11)
- [October 2021 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/10)
- [September 2021 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/09)
- [August 2021 (11)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/08)
- [July 2021 (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/07)
- [June 2021 (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/06)
- [May 2021 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/05)
- [April 2021 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/04)
- [March 2021 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/03)
- [February 2021 (23)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/02)
- [January 2021 (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2021/01)
- [December 2020 (9)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/12)
- [November 2020 (12)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/11)
- [October 2020 (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/10)
- [September 2020 (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/09)
- [August 2020 (10)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/08)
- [July 2020 (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/07)
- [June 2020 (10)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/06)
- [May 2020 (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/05)
- [April 2020 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/04)
- [March 2020 (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/03)
- [February 2020 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/02)
- [January 2020 (18)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2020/01)
- [December 2019 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/12)
- [November 2019 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/11)
- [October 2019 (25)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/10)
- [September 2019 (18)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/09)
- [August 2019 (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/08)
- [July 2019 (8)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/07)
- [June 2019 (6)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/06)
- [May 2019 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/05)
- [April 2019 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/04)
- [March 2019 (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/03)
- [February 2019 (26)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/02)
- [January 2019 (20)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2019/01)
- [December 2018 (11)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/12)
- [November 2018 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/11)
- [October 2018 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/10)
- [September 2018 (18)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/09)
- [August 2018 (9)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/08)
- [July 2018 (9)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/07)
- [June 2018 (10)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/06)
- [May 2018 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/05)
- [April 2018 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/04)
- [March 2018 (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/03)
- [February 2018 (23)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/02)
- [January 2018 (20)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2018/01)
- [December 2017 (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/12)
- [November 2017 (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/11)
- [October 2017 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/10)
- [September 2017 (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/09)
- [August 2017 (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/08)
- [July 2017 (4)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/07)
- [June 2017 (8)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/06)
- [May 2017 (27)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/05)
- [April 2017 (24)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/04)
- [March 2017 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/03)
- [February 2017 (26)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/02)
- [January 2017 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2017/01)
- [December 2016 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/12)
- [November 2016 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/11)
- [October 2016 (23)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/10)
- [September 2016 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/09)
- [August 2016 (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/08)
- [July 2016 (5)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/07)
- [June 2016 (11)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/06)
- [May 2016 (25)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/05)
- [April 2016 (23)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/04)
- [March 2016 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/03)
- [February 2016 (29)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/02)
- [January 2016 (18)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2016/01)
- [December 2015 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/12)
- [November 2015 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/11)
- [October 2015 (22)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/10)
- [September 2015 (13)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/09)
- [August 2015 (6)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/08)
- [July 2015 (7)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/07)
- [June 2015 (8)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/06)
- [May 2015 (27)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/05)
- [April 2015 (19)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/04)
- [March 2015 (14)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/03)
- [February 2015 (24)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/02)
- [January 2015 (21)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2015/01)
- [December 2014 (16)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2014/12)
- [November 2014 (18)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2014/11)
- [October 2014 (20)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2014/10)
- [September 2014 (17)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2014/09)
- [August 2014 (6)](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/archive/2014/08)

see all

### Recent Stories

### Telling the Proctor story

[READ CHUCK'S CORNER AND ACADEMIC LENS BLOG ARCHIVES HERE](http://chuckscorner.proctoracademy.org/chucks_corner/index.html).

[![Speak with someone in Admissions](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/408790/a018312c-fd1e-4710-bacc-58ad2c972eda.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/408790/a018312c-fd1e-4710-bacc-58ad2c972eda)

- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/proctorparents)
  
    - [Proctor Academy](https://www.facebook.com/proctoracademy?ref=hl)
    - [Proctor Alumni](https://www.facebook.com/proctoracademy)
    - [Proctor Parents](https://www.facebook.com/proctorparents)
    - [Proctor Athletics](https://www.facebook.com/pages/Proctor-Academy-Athletics/140880952609576)
- [Twitter](https://twitter.com/proctoracademy)
  
    - [Proctor Main](https://twitter.com/proctoracademy)
    - [Proctor Community](https://twitter.com/PA_Community)
    - [Proctor Athletics](https://twitter.com/PA_Athletics)
- [![Instagram](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/file-1229462312-png/Layout/large_link350423_29017.png)](http://instagram.com/proctoracademy)
- [![LinkedIn](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/file-1222678679-png/Layout/large_link324706_26576.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=3110)
- [![YouTube](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/file-1229462307-png/Layout/large_link324705_26577.png)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzVG9mnN7RsqaXa9VSWiPXQ/featured)
- [![Flickr](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/file-1229072945-png/Layout/large_link324707_26575.png)](http://www.flickr.com/photos/proctoracademy/)

Located in  Andover, NH,  Proctor Academy is a private coeducational day and boarding school for grades 9–12. Students benefit from a rigorous academic program, experiential off-campus programs, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.

[![](https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/file-1229072925-png/Images/logoFoot.png)](https://www.proctoracademy.org/)

 204 Main Street  .  PO Box 500  .  Andover, NH 03216  
(603) 735-6000

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Scott Allenby",
    "url" : "https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/author/scott-allenby"
  },
  "datePublished" : "2016-02-24T13:00:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "Academic Lens: Refusing to Say \"I Can't\"",
  "image" : [ "https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hubfs/Blog_Pics/Academic_Lens/2015-2016_Academic_Lens_Pics/Risk_Taking/IMG_7879.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/academic-lens-refusing-to-say-i-cant",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blogs.proctoracademy.org/hs-fs/hub/408790/file-1356544276.jpg"
    },
    "name" : "Proctor Academy"
  }
}
```