Helping students find their unique potential is at the core of the Hyde education. All students must navigate the pressures of adolescence as they try to figure out who they are and then summon the courage to be who they are.
For young women, some of those pressures are more acute. The data shows that social media poses a greater risk in the areas of
- Mental health
- Body dissatisfaction
- Core confidence
- Fear of taking charge and assuming leadership
Throughout the year, we work to counteract these influences by focusing on empowering our female students to take charge and own their leadership. This past week, the Wolfpack Women met to begin this work. The meeting started with a Mingle (where you move quickly from person to person having themed conversations). The guiding questions were
- Where is your hometown, and what is something about your upbringing there you would like to share?
- What is a core strength that you possess?
- What is a challenge that you can struggle with?
- Who is a female role model that has impacted your life?
After our animated discussions, a number of students and faculty shared their thoughts with the entire group. Then, in the final debrief, our Wolfpack Women called out answers to group-forming questions. Some of the comments included:
It was a great beginning moment for the empowerment of our Wolfpack Women. As one student said, "I already feel connected to this group and learned today that others share my goals."
I'm excited to see what our women will accomplish this year!
Laura D. Gauld '76