A reflection on Reflection

I am sure that any Haverford community member who has given a Reflection will share this same sentiment—they hope that the broader community takes a moment to reflect on the speakers’ words, their meaning, and how they apply to everyone’s own life. 

With that in mind, I’d like to reflect on and reiterate the powerful message that Mr. Darren Hengst shared with the Haverford community this past week. 

Those choices you make, no matter how small they seem, define you. They define your reputation in this community.

On Thursday, April 18th, Mr. Hengst took the Centennial stage, a stage he takes often, though in quite a different context. Mr. Hengst provided insights from his own life experiences in acting and auditioning, spanning multiple decades. Mr. Hengst provided three main messages: one, availability is the best ability; two, be your authentic self; and three, your audition goes beyond the stage. I hope he forgives me if I paraphrase. I don’t write this to reiterate his message—only he can put it best. 

Still, his talk got me thinking.

There is a growing sense at Haverford—especially among the Sixth Form class and as the weather gets warmer—that some core school tenets are optional: being early to class, being in dress, locking your phone, to name a few. It’s easy to find these habits trivial in the grand scheme of our lives. However, if there’s one thing I took away from Mr. Hengst’s reflection, it’s that they’re not. 

Those choices you make, no matter how small they seem, define you. They define your reputation in this community. There are those who have made it their identity to show up at every part of Haverford—not just their sports or for their friends—for the things that make this community unique. 

In Mr. Hengst’s words, availability is the best ability. Mr. Hengst shared that he would not be where he is today without showing up on time. As they say, early is on time, and on time is late. It’s different for everyone, but the relationships you have with the people here, especially your teachers, matter the most. And for those educators who have gone through countless years and types of students, they always appreciate someone who shows up ready to learn. Is that not what school is for?

Reflect on what is important to you—and don’t discount the little things.

I find myself lagging behind in my own life at times. Choosing to scroll for another five minutes instead of leaving for a commitment early—those five minutes matter. Don’t believe me? Ask a teacher. At the very least, those people would encourage you not to take pride in lateness, being out of dress, or dodging any rule, and to instead choose meaningful learning and relationships over a few more moments of trivial carelessness. 

If there’s one thing I believe the community should take away from this year’s Reflection program, it’s that there is so much to reflect on. While Mr. Hengst’s Reflection had a significant impact on my own identity, another Reflection may have the same effect on you. If so, reflect on that meaning. Reflect on what is important to you—and don’t discount the little things.