![Humility as a Secret Power]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1772226815/hydeedu/xkpndtz3gzv5uirhugxx/PophamBeachSunrise-Rad.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1772226815/hydeedu/xkpndtz3gzv5uirhugxx/PophamBeachSunrise-Rad.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1772226815/hydeedu/xkpndtz3gzv5uirhugxx/PophamBeachSunrise-Rad.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1772226815/hydeedu/xkpndtz3gzv5uirhugxx/PophamBeachSunrise-Rad.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1772226815/hydeedu/xkpndtz3gzv5uirhugxx/PophamBeachSunrise-Rad.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1772226815/hydeedu/xkpndtz3gzv5uirhugxx/PophamBeachSunrise-Rad.jpg","width":2200}])
Last week, we conducted a webinar with parents and some students where we explored the topic: "Humility to Ask for and Accept Help." One of the Biggest Jobs' Ten Priorities, this mantra reminds us how important it is to realize we all need help and that we all need to find the courage and grace to let others help us. Some of the points we covered included:
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Help from others is not an extra. It is essential. No one gets to their greatness without the help of others.
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Others can often see our strengths and obstacles in ways that we cannot. Taking advantage of this input can only help us.
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As parents, the more we embrace our humility, the stronger example we set for our children.
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Our culture can promote the ideal of "rugged individualism," but this is misleading. Real power comes from allowing ourselves to be vulnerable in the right moments.
Letting go of perfection and committing to excellence helps us realize that we can't achieve goals without the help of others.
The discussion asked students and parents to share their thoughts concerning what prevents them from asking for help from others. Some of their responses included:
"I don't want to burden others with my stuff."
"Shame, embarrassment "
"I should be able to figure this out on my own."
"I tend to see having problems as something negative."
When we turned that question around and asked the group how it feels to help others, the reaction was much more positive:
"It feels great to help someone else."
"I feel more connected to that person."
"There is a sense of fulfillment."
"Important learning for myself"
Other questions we explored were:
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Where in my life have I needed help and asked for it? What happened?
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Where in my life has it been difficult to ask for help?
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How often do I ask my children/parents for help?
It was enlightening to listen to the students and parents discuss this important topic. As Socrates is reputed to have said, "Pride divides, humility joins." Imagine the effect that more humility would have on ourselves, our communities, and our world.
Laura D. Gauld '76
President