Be multidisciplinary.
In a school as small as Haverford, each one of us must be excellent across multiple fields. Otherwise, we cannot possibly compete with much larger public schools, and we lose our reputation. In fact, neither student leader of the Index is humanities-focused per se.
During a recent assembly, Mr. Tyler Casertano and Mr. Mark Fifer highlighted the concurrent successes of the spring musical and the robotics program. Furthermore, they highlighted a student deeply involved with both.
That type of involvement shouldn’t be rare. Every student can be and should be multifaceted. While many complain they hardly have enough time during the day, most waste excessive time “rotting away.” Aim to keep yourself busy and to try new things, as the rest of your lives will be even busier. While that may seem like a reason to take it easy for now, it should instead be interpreted as an incentive to do a greater spectrum of activities now, for you will not have that privilege in university or when providing for a family.
Approach everything with an open mind and be intentional in your work, as that is what separates the great from the average.
Set the precedent for future upper school students—for those in the middle and lower school, and for those looking at Haverford from the outside and pondering if it’s the right place for them.
However, do not spread yourself too thin. Do not become a part of something for the sake of being a part of it. In doing so, you will not reap any benefits and may actually drag down the programs. It’s okay to not like something, but you must put in an earnest effort first. Approach everything with an open mind and be intentional in your work, as that is what separates the great from the average. Strive to be excellent in all that you do.
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