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Capacity for Change


Tyler Holder '14's recent Chapel talk to our seventh and eighth graders was an inspiring personal story about the capacity we all possess to change for the good.

In his younger years, school didn’t come easily to Tyler, and he described some of his struggles. Tyler then shared how, with the guidance of caring teachers, administrators, coaches, family and most importantly, his own determination, he decided to change. In particular, he recalled the caring but strong connections and conversations he‘d had with teachers, coaches and administrators in his sixth-grade year, which led to his resolve to change course. He successfully turned it around, graduating from Saint David's, followed by Kent ('18), where he served as President of the Student Council and Tufts ('22), where he graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Political Science and Government. He currently is employed in the field of international relations.

A few years after his college graduation, while teaching English in Korea, Tyler found himself out of his comfort zone and deeply unhappy. Again, he improved his situation by shifting his mentality, drawing upon the resolve he had discovered when in the sixth grade. He was able to appreciate the good in his new situation and finish his time in Korea in "spectacular fashion."

"I recognized I was the only one capable of making my life better," he told the boys. "Whether you go to boarding or day school, or will be back here in September, you have many new challenges waiting for you. If you just want to improve your life or are not happy with where you are in life, you and only you have the strength to change your circumstances." Tyler made note that during each boy's journey, many people from the school - teachers, fellow classmates - may provide support but, "understanding that you can take your own life by the hands and shape it into something better is a wonderful realization."
 
Tyler delivered an important message about self-knowledge and determination that will stick with the boys in the years to come. It brings great joy when our young graduates return to share their thoughts and reflections on lessons they have learned since graduation. And, I love how our Alumni Chapel talk series provides such a full-circle moment for alumni, connecting them with boys who are now sitting in the same literal and metaphorical spaces that they once occupied.


 

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