Our Portrait of a Graduate speaks to the cultivation of a moral thoughtfulness through exposure to different ways of thinking, and to reflection upon learning as a route to greater awareness of our own place in the world. Morning Meetings open these doors for Taft students.

Poppy Jamie, author and founder of the multi-faceted Happy Not Perfect brand, was the first outside Morning Meeting speaker to visit Taft this year. Her visit was made possible by the Charlie Fund and its educational partner, Mindset of Possibility. Launched in 2021, The Charlie Fund shares a legacy of kindness, love, and openness, while honoring the memory of Charlie Himmelrich '17 by creating and growing spaces, programming, and resources that help build connections and break down the stigma around mental health.

“Charlie was beloved on this campus, by faculty and students, a source of incredible warmth, humor, loyalty and love,” notes Head of School Willy MacMullen ‘78. “He connected with everyone, and you could not spend a minute with him without feeling uplifted. You just felt better when you were with him. And so, had someone asked, ‘How does a school become family?’  a lot of people would have said, ‘With Charlie.’ He had that deep and wide  influence.”

Poppy Jamie began her career as a television and social media chat show host, where viewers began sharing their experiences with stress and anxiety. Using research into positive psychology, neuroscience, and meditation and with the help of developers, creatives, and guides, Jamie launched the Happy Not Perfect brand and app, offering tools, tips, and techniques to help improve mental well-being.

In 2016, Jamie delivered a TEDx talk on the harmful effects of social media on mental health; she was part of Forbes Magazine’s 30 under 30 list in 2017. Jamie was also appointed as the youngest board member of the Resnic Neuropychiatric Hospital Advisory Board at UCLA to help consult on the wellbeing of students.

Each member of the Taft community received a copy of Jamie’s book, Happy Not Perfect: Upgrade Your Mind, Challenge Your Thoughts, and Free Yourself from Anxiety, prior to her visit.

Watch Poppy Jamie's full Morning Meeting talk, and view photos from the day.