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.

Resilience in the Teaching of Languages

Above: The Nerf microphone ball enables boys learning remotely to hear their classmates well. The pandemic has challenged educators to reinvent and reimagine units of study to keep learning engaging, regardless of how it is delivered. The following article, written for Saint David’s Magazine by our Modern Languages Chair Dr. Victoria Gilbert and Lower School Spanish teacher Flor Berman, addresses how this was done in the Spanish immersion language program at Saint David's. Ms. Berman and Dr. Gilbert, recipient of the New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers' Ruth E. Wasley Distinguished Teacher Award, presented on the topic at NYSAIS’s Flexible Classroom Conference last summer. How Spanish Classes Have Bounced Back Resiliency implies an ability to bounce back, but as teachers working with the youngest learners in the school, we would reframe resiliency as the opportunity to reimagine. Whether boys are learning through a face-to-face experience or through the med

The Role of Faith in Social-Emotional Learning and Psychological Well-Being

The following article by our School Psychologist, Dr. Michael Schwartzman, appears in the current issue of Saint David's Magazine : During one of my first observations in a Saint David’s classroom 15 years ago, I witnessed two first grade boys in a verbal altercation. Although it was contained just between the two boys, their observant teacher had them talk it through and then shake hands on being in a better place for having done so. I was very impressed, and still am, with this approach that the school takes many times throughout the day. It helps establish a firm idea of how to behave, especially in social situations where emotions can be stirred and run high. Through this experience repeated consistently day in and day out, better, more productive ways of engaging become increasingly integrated by the boys as they develop socially and emotionally in interaction with each other. As the School Psychologist, I spend a lot of time thinking about the touch points for student and t

Storytelling Demonstrates Understanding

Their time had arrived. As the lights dimmed in our Otto-Bernstein Theatre, the astrophysicists, a mix of jitters and excitement, awaited their opportunity to share insights and stories about the workings of the universe. Which planets might support life? Is there water on Mars? What are Dwarf Planets? "Let's take a look at our closest neighbor, Venus," invited one presenter, before revealing that the planet - while ideal in proximity - has surface temperatures of 900 degrees F: "Imagine - standing on the surface would be like being burned alive!" Later that same day, in our Graham lunchroom, early 20th century immigrants of all ages from Italy, China, Ireland, Russia, among other countries, waited, with hope and determination, their turn to be interviewed for admittance to America. It wasn't going to be easy. They would be asked pointed, potentially life-altering questions by various processors. "What's that cough? It doesn't sound good,&qu

David O'Halloran, Headmaster - Saint David's School, New York City

Search This Blog