Hyde School Changed the Trajectory of My Life – A Hyde School Alumni Story

A Hyde School Alumni Success Story

This reflection comes from Stephanie Nathanson, Class of 1994. Her story shows how Hyde School pushed her beyond comfort, inspiring confidence, resilience, and purpose—transforming her life inside the courtroom and beyond.

Hyde School Alumni Story

Stephanie Nathanson ’94 — Hyde School’s guiding values did more than teach; they changed her path forever..

I am a proud alumna/graduate of Hyde School, class of 1994. I attended Hyde from 1990-1994 and interned in the summer of 1996. I am a graduate of Loyola University Chicago and played Division 1 soccer for Loyola. I am also a graduate of IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law. I practice as a trial lawyer in Chicago and have achieved success as a plaintiff’s lawyer. I followed in the footsteps of both of my parents in becoming an attorney. I would never be where I am today without Hyde School.

I was not on the path of success before going to Hyde School. I was in a friend group who was not motivated and had no eye towards their futures or attending college. I was “too cool for school” as the saying goes and enjoyed being the class clown in junior high for laughs and popularity. To my parents grades and achievement was everything because they were successful students and lawyers. My sister was a “straight A” student, and my parents always made a point to say that I should be more like her. I resented my family’s sole focus on achievement in school, so I rebelled against it. I purposely didn’t study or try in school and still got by with ok grades. I was much more focused on my friends and social life. I started high school in the suburbs of Chicago, but that was short lived. I spent more time in the cafeteria hanging out with my friends than I did in class. I also rebelled against any authority figure I did not like or trust by talking back. I was getting in trouble at my local high school for not attending class and they wanted to place me in special education classes despite me testing beyond college level at 14 years old. I was more comfortable being an underachiever than I was challenging myself in school. I was insecure that I was not as smart as my parents and sister. In retrospect, I was also rebelling because my parent's marriage was falling apart. I was a good athlete, but stopped playing sports because my friends did not play and became too cool for that as well.

My parents knew that I needed a change and different educational model than my public school, but did not know where to turn. My parents knew I needed more attention, smaller classes and people who would believe in and push me to be my best. In the fall of 1990, my family was in family counseling and my family therapist told my parents about Hyde School. I did not want to attend Hyde and leave my friends. I remember actively being a complete brat during my interview to tank it. I was sure that I would be rejected, but what happened next was nothing short of amazing. Malcolm Gauld, who conducted my interview and was head of school at the time, told me he liked me and rebellious spirit. Mr. Gauld advised me that if I turned my rebellious energy into something positive, I would be unstoppable. Looking back at that today amazes me because no other educator would have seen that in me given my behavior. Mr. Gauld seeing that in me when I did not see it in myself changed my life.

I was not initially happy at Hyde because I wanted to be home with my friends. I started the 1990-1991 school year at Hyde School late because I was at public school for a couple of months. I promised my parents I would do well that year so I could go back home. To my surprise, over the course of that school year, I realized Hyde School was best for me. I remember being asked at 14 where I wanted to be in 5 years and never considered or pondered that thought. My attitude was challenged, and I was constantly pushed to be better. I was pushed and challenged out of my comfort zone, which was positive for my growth and development.

Hyde School taught me how to be strong, take things seriously, trust myself, challenge myself and take a tough task head on. To this day, when I pick a jury and try a case, I draw on the strength I got from Hyde. When I am nervous or scared, I push through by drawing on my Hyde experiences and challenges, especially auditions. Hyde brought me back to sports, which allowed me to play Division 1 soccer in college. Sports and the challenges I overcame playing them also changed my life and sense of self. My skill set was in soccer, but I overcame the fear of doing hurdles on the track team at Hyde and by my senior year, I was placing in New England’s.

Several of my closest and best friends are from Hyde due to the bonds we built there. To this day, my mentors are the faculty from Hyde who helped shape who I am today. My Hyde mentors and friends have always remained connected to me. Hyde changed the trajectory of my life and I am forever grateful to the school and faculty, many of whom are still there today.

The Lasting Impact of a Hyde School Education

Hyde Voices shares authentic perspectives from Hyde School alumni, parents, and staff. Each story demonstrates how Hyde School’s focus on truth, growth, and character creates lasting change. Explore more Hyde School stories, share your own reflection, or learn more about the school itself at the Hyde School website.