On January 30, 2023, we had the pleasure of welcoming SAA alumnus, Dr. Tyler Richard, Class of 2006, as our Alumni Monday speaker during Chapel. Dr. Richard talked to the boys about all his life experiences, and how The Academy shaped his mindset to be able to have the courage to try so many different things and ultimately find his passion. He referred to them as "hats" and encouraged the boys to not be afraid to try on as many hats as possible, so that they too can have a lifetime's worth of wonderful memories and experiences. 

Dr. Richard graduated from The Academy in 2006, and went on to attend and graduate from the McCallie School in Chattanooga, TN. After graduating high school, he obtained his BA, MA, and Ph.D. from Harvard University, studying Sanskrit and Tamil, and is now a professor at UT Austin.

He gave some wonderful accounts of his time traveling,how he came to realize his passion for the languages of Sanskrit and Tamil, and his love for Indian culture. He credits his time at SAA for helping him develop the mindset and courage to try many different things early on in life. This mindset eventually led him to be able to experience so many different things and meet so many wonderful and unique people. 

Dr. Richard ended his talk by encouraging the boys to also try on as many "hats" as possible while at The Academy, and to continue to have that open mindset even after.

Thank you, Dr. Richard, for sharing your incredible story and being an encouragement to the boys of SAA.

Watch Dr. Richard's full Alumni Monday video below: