In Lak'ech

The Mayan concept of In Lak’ech embodies the idea that "We are a reflection of one another and the other is a reflection of us." With this concept in mind, The Bridge Academy seeks to focus on empathy and compassion, beyond just respect. At Bridge, we believe in the importance of understanding each other’s experiences and how that relates to learning in the classroom. Bridge students are the heart of the classroom - we center their experiences in our teaching practice. Bridge staff puts an emphasis on love, family, relationships and community within the classroom and outside of it. In Lak'ech anchors the way we teach, respond to challenges that may arise, and build a community that supports one another's individual and collective goals.

The In Lak’ech Award is one of the highest honors a graduating student can receive. This award is voted on by students’ classmates and school staff. It recognizes the student who most exemplifies the values described in the poem; the student who is empathetic, respectful, helpful, supportive, and loving. Students vote on who should receive the award. They are asked to consider who they saw supporting the Bridge community; who was willing to help others, without judgment, and who they thought of when they saw  or heard the poem.