If the goal here is to re-evaluate EA Week, the first thing to consider is what we, as Haverford students, are hoping to get out of this school in the first place, as well as what the school hopes we become as a result of being here. Academic excellence is obviously a monstrous component, but I’d like to point out that the main goal of academics is to teach students how to think rather than force-feeding them minute details. Consider our finals—they regularly reject testing the niche formulas and theorems in favor of the broad concepts, and everyone understands why.
Nothing of significance is lost during any one week of school; one week does not a school year make. No major concepts are forcibly left out because we have it. With that in mind, it’s rather obvious how much EA Week contributes to the community. It is the time of year when the entire Upper School comes together. The most reserved students give in to school pride, and the newest community members feel a part of something bigger.
Haverford is more than a means to an end. The school has an obligation to facilitate friendships and camaraderie, while also shaping men of character. It’s the same reason why we host a prom, put on plays, and have a costume contest. It’s unlikely that many students will make strong bonds in just one day—I’ll concede that much—but it is certainly plausible that the spirit this day facilitates will lead to such relationships in the future.
EA Day (and the week before it) lays the groundwork for who we are as people.
EA Day (and the week before it) lays the groundwork for who we are as people.
Removing it would turn us into drones.
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