10622Phil

I am an explorer by nature. Whether it is out in the world, or it can be found at the library, there is always something out there to discover. One of the reasons that I wanted to go into higher education was that I am a people person. I enjoy people and I like being around them. I have taught for six years now, and I have genuinely enjoyed working with students. Because I enjoyed working with students, exploring the new worlds that college has to offer, I wanted to find a way that I could work with them more in their discoveries. College students are at a great age to explore the world with. I always remember that old adage that says you can either be a role model or a bad example, and I genuinely try to be a role model. I try to fit the Buddhist tenants of the eightfold path into every aspect of my daily life. I find that these values are principles that are valued by all persons of reason. I work hard at maintaining those ideals, those of wisdom, ethical conduct, of right effort and concentration, into my way of living. My philosophy of student affairs flows from one core ideal: that of valuing people. From this core ideal I have three fundamental ways that I believe people should be valued. These ways are through safety, empowerment, and growth. I would like to explore the aspects of these three ideals and how my commitment to these ideals frame my way of thinking. All persons have a right to safety and safety encompasses many arenas. First, they have the right to personal safety. They should be free to go about their daily life without fear. Second, they should be free to express themselves, who ever that self may be, and be assured of their safety. My idea of safety even includes the protection of a student’s civil rights. The safety of these transcendent and expressed rights should be assured at all times. My first consideration at all times is the physical and emotional safety of all concerned. Second, students have a right to grow, emotionally, spiritually and philosophically. As they raise their own awareness they should be able to express their beliefs in a free environment. As they begin to explore the diverse world, they should be able to question standards and practices that may not correspond to a diverse understanding. They should be free to express //any// ideals without fear of sanction. They have the right to grow in understanding. It is my hope that one of the avenues of growth the students would take would be in compassion for others. I genuinely believe that we have an obligation to help others, in whatever way we can. Students also have a right to explore their academic potential. The adventure of college brings opportunities for students to explore arenas they may never have imagined. They need to take responsibility for their own futures and make a jump into the unknown. I can help guide them into the understanding that they can make that leap. The right to empowerment is interwoven with the first two ways that I value people. I am committed to the ideal that each student I work with is //empowered to// make his own choices, not to have them made for him. At whatever level, if a student feels that a value or need is not being actualized then they have the right to pursue change. While I work to be a good role model, the most important thing for me to do is to value people enough to let them find their own path. I cannot choose their path for them, but I can provide a map. I hope by being a reliable stable resource I can help students develop their potential and grow academically, spiritually and philosophically.
 * Valuing People**