Krish Butani, a high school junior at the Khan Lab School in Mountain View, California, is on a mission to combat the increasing lack of empathy in today’s uncertain world through Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). In a recent interview with Ethnic Media Services, Butani highlighted the importance of SEL in fostering community and equipping young people with essential skills to navigate challenges they may face.
Developed in 1987 by Timothy Shriver and Dr. Roger P. Weissberg, SEL is a transformative process that helps individuals understand and manage their emotions, cultivate positive relationships, and take accountability for their actions. According to Butani, these skills are crucial not only for academic and professional success but also for promoting mental wellness in a society marked by rising anxiety levels.
As the National SEL Week kicks off in March, Butani and Dr. Anabel Jensen, president of Six Seconds, are set to host a free online webinar titled “Letters Across Time: Advice to Your Past & Future Self.” This interactive session aims to engage participants in a reflective dialogue about the wisdom they would share with their younger and older selves.
Butani’s journey with SEL began in middle school, where he was introduced to mindfulness practices that left a lasting impact on him. Inspired by the positive effects of SEL on his own life, he now advocates for its integration into school curriculums. Through a series of workshops and activities, Butani hopes to empower his peers with the tools they need to navigate an increasingly complex and challenging world.
One of Butani’s initiatives includes creating a curriculum for his high school that focuses on different aspects of SEL for each grade level. By engaging students in peer-to-peer learning and using innovative teaching methods such as role-playing games, he aims to make SEL more accessible and engaging for young people.
Butani’s passion for promoting SEL is fueled by a desire to build a more empathetic and resilient society, one where individuals are equipped with the emotional intelligence to thrive in the face of adversity. As he continues to champion the cause of SEL, Butani remains optimistic about the positive impact it can have on young people’s lives.
In a world where empathy and emotional intelligence are increasingly valuable skills, Butani’s work serves as a beacon of hope for a generation grappling with uncertainty and anxiety. Through his dedication and commitment to promoting SEL, he is not only transforming the lives of his peers but also shaping the future of education and emotional well-being.
