Inspiration

The reBRAINed initiative was inspired by a college class Matthew took in 2020 with Angela Lee Duckworth, his Psychology Professor.

He was selected for the highly competitive Grit Lab course while studying at the University of Pennsylvania. The class limited participation to 100 students from a large applicant pool. This renowned initiative delivers research-backed insights, actionable strategies, and expert perspectives on cultivating passion, perseverance, and a growth mindset for long-term achievement.

The course, often titled "Grit Lab: The Science and Practice of Passion and Perseverance", teaches that grit is a blend of long-term passion and intense perseverance, rather than just intelligence or talent. Students learn to identify their top-level goals, build a growth mindset, understand the four building blocks of grit (interest, practice, purpose, hope), and use the Grit Scale. It includes lectures, interactive sections, and "grit stories" from experts.

The course culminates in a signature "Passion Project" representing the student's core interests. Once class ended, Angela became Matthew's advisor as he expanded his "Passion Project" into a proposal for the University of Pennsylvania's President's Engagement Prize, a crucial experience that allowed him to deeply refine his original work.

Despite not making it to the final round, Matthew and Lisa never doubted the initiative's long-term promise.

After years of meticulously chronicling Matthew's arduous 15-year health journey and recovery, Lisa utilized those insights, along with Matthew's initial framework from his college days, to bring the reBRAINed initiative to life.

Rooted in raw grit, Matthew has harnessed his internal strength to soar above the darkest chapters of his life.