Bernard Geoxavier is a proud Trekkie.

“Don't feel afraid to say I'm a huge Star Trek fan,” he laughed.

The Upper School assistant principal has been a fan of the sci-fi television program since he was a kid, and over the years he’s grown to especially admire the writing of Gene Roddenberry, creator and producer of the original series as well as Star Trek: The Next Generation.

“Gene Roddenberry's writing is infused with a boundless sense of hope, optimism, rationality, and reason in the face of whatever challenge may be in front of you,” Bernard explained.

Bernard’s reasons for admiring Gene Roddenberry’s writing probably aren’t surprising to members of Rowland Hall’s Upper School community. During his first year as assistant principal, Bernard has infused the Lincoln Street Campus with his own unique blend of optimism, energy, and can-do attitude—he even has his own characteristic methods for spreading positivity, like enthusiastically greeting students as they arrive at school, a coffee in his hand and a boombox blaring by his side. This optimistic outlook has been especially welcome during a year marked by unprecedented challenges and global uncertainty. And while Bernard acknowledges that, like anybody, he struggles with what he calls his pitfalls and valleys, one of the major threads running through his life is a conscious effort to stay positive.

“One of the Star Trek taglines I hold onto is that pessimism is not a survival trait,” he said, noting that he applies this principle in his approach to helping students channel their energy towards finding solutions in a world where cynical, and even defeatist, attitudes can consume people. He believes one of the strengths of Rowland Hall is the combined effort among faculty and staff to connect with students and help them find solutions, whether to personal problems or global issues. 

We're in education because we know we're on this greater journey to get better as people, as a species—to counteract those negative forces.—Upper School Assistant Principal Bernard Geoxavier

“We're in education because we know we're on this greater journey to get better as people, as a species—to counteract those negative forces,” Bernard said. He likened choosing to stay positive and to find solutions, even when the odds seem stacked against you, to how a gazelle behaves when hunted by a lion. “It isn’t like, ‘Well, you caught me. I guess I'll just lay down and give up.’ It's going to run, because as long as it has that ability and that drive, there's the chance that it's going to make it.”

Bernard wants students to acquire this outlook and learn these skills early in life so they will be better prepared to deal with disappointments and challenges. He also believes helping students in this area will assist them in making sense of the trials of today—and that it may play a role in their career and volunteer choices. As someone who came of age during 9/11—and who chose to enlist in the Army National Guard because of it, a service he still embraces today—Bernard understands how world events play a role in how people choose to give back to society. 

“I think you're going to see the same spike of ambition and drive in public service in this generation,” Bernard remarked. “As I grew up and saw young men and women risking a lot to be in conflict zones, our students are seeing young men and women risk everything for others' health. I wouldn't be surprised if we'll see a renewed sense of dedication to community and a drive to go into the sciences or public health.”

Bernard said he is inspired by the Rowland Hall students who are using this time in history as an opportunity to look for ways to make a difference. Like the generations who came before them who also faced enormous challenges, he believes these students will rise above negativity to make the world a better place.

May they live long and prosper.

People