The Jesuit educational philosophy at Regis University is based on the essential postulates that are applied to all the scholarly activities, events, and occupations. These domains are service, loyalty, and scholarship. Importantly, the philosophy strives to satiate every individual with spiritual content through prayerful conversation with God so that students become fully functional members of the society ready to serve their needs (Newton, O’Brien, & Sutton, 1994). The educational philosophy stresses the importance of the spiritual matter in learners to ensure that they execute the Jesuit values for the improvement of the contemporary population. Regis University provides a platform for self-development and self-reflection while teachers guide learners on their educational path.
Apart from that, the philosophy emphasizes the individual capabilities and strengths of each student to develop the strongest features and skills in them. However, it is essential that learners, in their turn, apply themselves to studies with dignity. The high standard of scholarship is essential for all the learners inclusively. Also, the Jesuit educational philosophy must require intensified senses of decency and responsibility (Newton et al., 1994). The main values in students should be aimed at securing justice and supporting the truth. One of the significant domains of the philosophy is the commitment to moral convictions, which should be inherent to an individual and advanced further during his or her educational path. All of the educational efforts are aimed at empowering students to become advocates for society and to contribute to the wellbeing of citizens.
To be able to execute the philosophy, all the scholars should learn to exercise autonomy and leadership; thus, all the spiritual and educational Jesuit practices are aligned to foster leadership in students (Callahan, 1997). It implies the development of various intellectual and moral tenets in learners. Notably, the Jesuit mission is to “to strengthen the commitment to community service” that involves a methodology and approaches through which individuals could evolve on their path towards this notion (Callahan, 1997, p. 44). Thus, education is an instrument with the help of which it would be possible to ensure the mission is implemented for the good of society.
In general, all the activities are aimed at the cultivation of a respectful attitude to knowledge. It requires a person a realistic and impartial comprehension of the world and him or herself, which will allow distinguishing the good from evil and using these two concepts for society and self-improvement. Therefore, according to Regis University mission, the knowledge is placed in a moral context so that students can “make a positive impact in a changing society” (Callahan, 1997, p. 44). Consequently, such an attitude requires continuous human moral growth. Because the moral identity of a person, as well as the society with its social structures, is not constant, both the person and the society should be altered uninterruptedly for the better.
Personal Application
Throughout my educational path as well as during my entire life I have been searching and reflecting on the truth about the world. In particular, I was interested in sciences to find evidence about the natural world. To reflect on the truth about society, I have engaged in humanitarian disciplines. However, the two main courses in my education have always been Maths and computers. I have a passion for these two areas since they enable me to learn by doing while working with technology. For that reason, I seized an opportunity to work part-time in a technology firm through the summer internship.
It should be stressed out that I also adhere to the Jesuit educational philosophy in terms of its three core principles. I have graduated from Early College of Arvada on June 4, 2016, with the G.P.A. 3.95, which made me the top 1% of the class. This fact evidences my commitment to studying and scholarship. I am also a current student at Regis University at the Bachelor of Science in Math/Computer Science from which I plan to graduate in 2020. To be able to enter the university and due to my particular interest in these study areas, I took technical writing, advanced composition and math, computer classes (to learn word processing), desktop publishing, and Web software courses. By mentioning this nomenclature, I would like to stress out my loyalty to life-long learning and education to become a valuable member of society. During my studies at Regis University, I have been able to receive the Board of Trustee Award, Science Distinction in Math Award, and I am the ECA student council President/Treasurer.
However, community service is one of the most significant aspects of my life as well as the greatest contributions I was able to make. At present, I volunteer at Family Promise, which is an organization that helps homeless families. I do my best to be of service to people and children especially to ensure they can integrate into society smoothly. Apart from that, I work part-time on Campus at Father Woody’s. The organization provides shelter, rehabilitation, and other essential services to homeless people in Denver. I am engaged in various community projects at Father Woody’s to be of help and serve the homeless residents. I believe that my intention to exercise leadership while providing service to society embodies the core of the Jesuit mission.
References
Callahan, J. J. (1997). Foundations: The Jesuit tradition at Regis University. Web.
Newton, R. R., O’Brien, E., & Sutton, D. F. (1994). The educational principles and methods of the spiritual exercises. Web.