Leadership Lessons in My 1950s Boarding School

When I was 17, the head of my school told me I had to see myself as a leader. I was reminded of that when I read about the growing trend in academia adopting programs like the new Yale Law School. Joseph C. Tsai Leadership Program. I don’t know if leaders are born or trained, but I see the value in developing this type of leadership. Budding leaders need mentors who encourage strong character.

I’ve got one. As a 12th grader at Hotchkiss School in 1955, I followed my principal down the main hallway. He showed me a plaque honoring the Alumni of the Year award winners and asked me how many people had been “scholar boys”. He listed people from limited families like me.