Hyde's Five Words, Courage, Integrity, Leadership, Curiosity, and Concern, have been at the core of the school's culture since its founding in 1966. In the 1990s, Hyde added Five Principles to help foster community growth. These are Destiny, Humility, Conscience, Truth, and Each Other's Keeper. At this week's school meeting, students and faculty shared about how these principles have been shaped by their experiences. A student once remarked, "I get it. The five words are all about helping "me" be my best, and the five principles help "we" become stronger." Much wisdom was spoken when five groups made up of a student and a faculty member each stood before the school to share thoughts on the Five Principles:
Destiny
"I thought I was destined to be a successful lawyer, and, while I did do that for a period of time, it ended up not being right for me. My ultimate purpose was to help young people."
"Your potential is bigger than you think. You don't want to look back on your life and think that you could have done more."
Humility
"As a child, I was outspoken and spirited. At twelve, I experienced a loss and developed anxiety, especially around public speaking. Coming to Hyde has challenged me to find that voice within."
"When I was younger, I met someone who taught me about being humble. It helped me to connect to a higher power and sense of purpose."
Conscience
"There is a pit in my stomach when I don't listen to my inner voice. In high school, I stole a lawn sign to help a friend feel better but ended up taking it back because of that inner voice."
"It is up to each one of us to define our conscience and use it. When we have an internal struggle, we need to ask ourselves - What are you going to do? What do you need to do?"
Truth
"Last year, I would lie because I didn't believe in myself. Then something changed and I decided to be someone who tells the truth. It feels much different."
"I have learned that there can be a "yes and" when we are talking about truths. Yes, I lost my mother when I was a child, and now I have several Moms in my life."
Each Other's Keeper
"Last year a student pushed me to be more than I thought I could be--in academics, in classes, and even going to the gym to get stronger. He believed in me when I didn't believe in myself."
"I had a friend challenge me to walk into a college resource center with pride and not sneak around to the back as if there was something to be embarrassed about."
Each student and faculty member got feedback from the group. When we listen to each other, we get inspired to move forward towards our best.
Laura D. Gauld '76