Purpose of Education - Between Classes

The other day I was reading an editorial from the New York times addressed as to “The Mission of College.” The writer stated the value of a liberal arts degree. The value of the foundation the Liberal Arts background had given her. She stated that she wanted “geophysicists who respect Margaret Mead and Diane Fossey. Electrical engineers who can quote Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates. “ She alluded to the difference in the corporate world where snap decisions are made and to be confused with quick thinking. She concluded that a liberal arts education had helped here with better decision making. Another writer wrote that her undergraduate degree was in Philosophy and she was a good critical thinker. She stated that in response to all those queries when she graduated: what are you planning on doing with a degree in philosophy? It turns out she had done many things: corporate communication and human resources, English teacher.

Sometimes it is hard to know the answers at 18 or 19. It is even harder as you get older and you realize that everything is not so clear cut and there are many shades of gray out there. I liked another writer’s response to the purpose of education: he tells his students it is to “transform” themselves. The flame can be lit by the professor but it is up to them to continue to fuel the fire of imagination, creativity, etc. for the rest of their lives.

I don’t think the college experience is for everyone or everyone will appreciate it. At the age of 18 or 19, one doesn’t know what lies in store and often one doesn’t appreciate the store at hand. It is only by the slow and steady passage of time that one learns what one has been given. As instructors, we can introduce great essays, short stories, poetry, etc…but it may be years before a student appreciates the gift they have been given and ultimately it is up to them to “unlock” their potential.

About the Author
Mrs. Eve Dobbins has a BA in English Literature from SUNY Stony Brook. Her MA is in TESOL from the University of South Florida. She began her career as an ESOL tutor at Berlitz in New York. Ms. Dobbins is public school certified in multiple subjects and has taught all levels of public education. In addition to her experience in public education, she has taught ESOL strategies for elementary education teachers at the collegiate level. Ms. Dobbins also has teaching experience at multiple community colleges before accepting her current position at ST. Leo. Her experience does not stop at U.S schools, as she has also taught at different levels in South Korea, France, and most recently the United Arab Emirates. When not teaching, she enjoys baking cupcakes (she is owner of Cupcake Cache LLC in Tampa), reading, and writing a children’s book about desserts of different countries.