Haverford’s mission statement includes a list of essential qualities of a graduate. Among the qualities listed are thinking critically, communicating effectively, and expressing intellectual curiosity.
A Haverford graduate is also expected to demonstrate strong moral character and be compassionate and resilient. These qualities take work to cultivate. We can choose to foster them in ourselves.
The academic year begins with newer, more restrictive cell-phone policies. While we have no control over the rules, we can control our response. Talking about integrity and honor is easy. Putting those virtues to work is another. We can complain about the cell-phone ban, or we can lean into the community—into each other—and make the best of it.
Our community can choose to prioritize academic discourse over political tension. We can choose civility over rancor. We can choose unity over division.
Take a chance on a club, a sport, or even a new lunch table. Put forth effort in class. Capitalize on the opportunities with which you are presented.
This year will not be without its challenges. Our community can choose to prioritize academic discourse over political tension. We can choose civility over rancor. We can choose unity over division.
Haverford is not a community of character without men of character. Choose to build up the brotherhood.
