The Power of Mentorship and Collaboration
Module: 2 – The Innovation Journey
Lesson: 6 – Learning with Support
Audience: Grades 9–12
Film: Blue Crush (1:36:17 – 1:38:44)
Virtue Focus: Mentorship, Teamwork, and Collective Growth
Objective: Students will identify the importance of community, collaboration, and mentorship in building and sustaining successful ventures.
This lesson uses Blue Crush to explore how mentorship and collaboration turn failure into growth. Students see how support from others—like Keala’s encouragement—helps Anne Marie rebuild confidence and succeed. Through reflection and discussion, they learn that innovation and success are team efforts, and that true leadership means lifting others up so everyone can rise together.
“When we picture success, we often imagine a single person at the top—a star athlete, a famous inventor, a CEO. But in reality, no one gets there alone. Behind every breakthrough is a network of mentors, peers, and supporters who help make it possible.
The Shift Failure mindset reminds us that entrepreneurship and innovation are team sports. Collaboration, guidance, and feedback help us grow faster and go further. Sometimes, the best lessons come from unexpected places—even from competitors.
In Blue Crush, Anne Marie is a talented surfer chasing her dream of competing professionally. After a painful wipeout, she loses her confidence. Just when she’s ready to give up, another surfer—Keala Kennelly, her rival—steps in to help. Keala doesn’t have to; she chooses to. What follows is a powerful moment of mentorship, encouragement, and growth. Think about a time someone believed in you or coached you through something difficult. How did their support help you keep going?”
Transition to Clip: “As you watch, notice how mentorship turns competition into collaboration—and how learning from others strengthens Anne Marie’s confidence and performance.”
Anne Marie has just wiped out. She’s exhausted, shaken, and questioning herself. Keala approaches—not to boast, but to help. This small act models a key Shift Failure principle: mentorship transforms failure into learning.
Discussion Prompt: Why do you think support from others feels so powerful in moments of failure? How can encouragement help us rebuild confidence?
Keala doesn’t lecture or criticize—she coaches through calm confidence. Her guidance reminds Anne Marie of her skills and worth. This is the essence of mentorship: lifting someone else up without expecting anything in return.
Discussion Prompt: What qualities make someone a great mentor or teammate? How does helping others succeed create success for you too?
Anne Marie paddles back into the waves with renewed confidence. Keala’s belief becomes fuel. When she rides through the barrel and emerges victorious, it’s a shared win—proof that support creates strength.
Discussion Prompt: How does this moment show that true success is collective? Why is collaboration key to long-term innovation?
“Anne Marie’s victory is more than just a perfect wave—it’s proof of what happens when we let others in. In entrepreneurship, no one succeeds in isolation. Every idea needs feedback, every dream needs encouragement, and every innovator needs a mentor. Learning with support isn’t weakness—it’s how greatness is built. Collaboration turns individual dreams into shared innovation.”
Question 1: Who has mentored or supported you in a meaningful way? What did they do that helped you grow, and how can you offer that same kind of support to someone else?
Exemplary Answer: My soccer coach once helped me rebuild confidence after I missed an important shot. She didn’t criticize—she showed me how to see mistakes as learning. That encouragement made me push harder and improve. Like Keala, she proved that real leadership means lifting others up.
Proficient Answer: Someone helped me believe in myself when I failed. I want to help others the same way.
Developing Answer: A person helped me, and now I can help others too.
Question 2: How does Keala’s mentorship show that even in competition, collaboration and support create stronger outcomes?
Exemplary Answer: Keala proves that competition doesn’t have to mean rivalry. By mentoring Anne Marie, she helps her perform better and creates mutual respect. Her guidance shows that when we share knowledge and encouragement, everyone rises.
Proficient Answer: Keala helps Anne Marie even though they’re competing, and it makes them both better.
Developing Answer: She helped her even though they were competing.