Tabor Academy intentionally brings together a diverse and talented group of students from around the country and around the world. Living, eating, playing, and learning with peers from all different hometowns and backgrounds is an education unto itself, and one of the biggest advantages of a boarding school education.
In order take full advantage of the school community assembled, Tabor is working this year on listening skills and being present. “Listening with curiosity and an open mind to the experiences and opinions of others is a learning practice that requires patience and discipline. This year, we will focus on practicing the art of listening well because we know that listening creates connection, dispels stereotypes, and serves as the foundation for developing empathy and quality relationships,” said Mel Bride, Dean of Community Life.
On September 22, Tabor will welcome author Andrew Forsthoefel to campus to share his story about his walk across America. According to his website, after his graduation from Middlebury College in 2011, Forsthoefel walked across the country while engaging in a unique exercise in listening.
After his walk, Forsthoefel’s website shares that “Andrew began telling the stories from his transformative journey. He co-produced a radio documentary about this project that was featured on “This American Life,” and his book, Walking to Listen, goes deeper into the stories and explores the practice and philosophy of walking to listen.”
Bride continues, “We hope Andrew’s compelling story will encourage our students to engage in healthy conversation in order to build connections with a wide range of people across cultures. Connection with others is absolutely critical to so many areas of our personal and working lives, and simply basic for anyone who aspires to be happy and to learn throughout their lives.”
Forsthoefel kicks off the first of eight Saturday School Day programs at Tabor Academy this year. Please visit Forsthoefel’s website to learn more about his story.