Role of Values Based Education in Personal and Professional Life - Essay Example

? Role of Values Based Education in Personal and Professional Life of the of the Concerned April 14, Role ofValue Based Education in the Global Society Frankly speaking, value based education is not about a lifeless set of ethics or dogmas, but a live and pulsating approach towards life. Though in the contemporary times the governments and responsible institutions and organizations care a lot about education and do take the necessary steps to spread the light of knowledge as they say, yet the ironical fact is that it is a very few institutions, organizations and individuals who know what education really is (Anthony, 2001). It is sad to say that the worth of education is accessed by most in terms of the success rate of campus recruitment drives, as if education is a coveted piece of real estate or a blue chip stock option. Certainly, enabling one to make a living by one’s knowledge and skills is an important aspect of education; yet, education is something more than that (Stafford, 2003). Definitively, building of character stands to be and should be the top priority of any academic institution. Grand Canyon University is just the kind of institution that not only stimulates its students to develop a rock solid character, but, rather approaches the task of character building in a much holistic way, touching varied facets of human personality. Truly speaking, the four pillars of Grand Canyon University stand to constitute the most fool proof and sufficient program for developing a character and personality that is just the right mix of ethics and pragmatism. The first pillar committed to academic advancement not merely implores the students to gain knowledge, but rather nudges them to evaluate the imbibed knowledge in the laboratory of critical thinking and analytical evaluation. Mere knowledge makes a well informed person, but, approaching knowledge with a critical bent of mind makes a creative and original personality. At Grand Canyon University, the learning styles resorted to are such that they push a student to extend one’s intellect and ingenuity to its limits, thereby shattering all preconceived notions and challenging the inherent biases, prejudices and myths. The outcome of such an approach appears in the form of students who possess an open and inquisitive attitude towards life, resting securely on dependable and time tested spiritual and moral foundations. Grand Canyon University encourages its students to develop a personality that is just the right blend of grass root practicality and an essentially Christian vision. The second pillar that is Christian camaraderie not only intends to facilitate an interactive and friendly mindset towards society, but also gauds the students to evaluate people not merely on the basis of worthless superficialities, but rather on the criteria of shared values and morals that are quintessentially Christian, yet at the same time, timeless and universal. The modern times defined by a fast paced life and the necessity to make quick decisions require professionals to adhere to a reliable system for understanding people. Isn’t it really great that the young people come to terms with this system while acquiring education, when they could test it in an emphatic and informed environment? Extracurricular activities constitute the third pillar of this hub of knowledge and learning. Really, life is not merely about practice and contemplation, but has as much to do with healthy recreation and a positive sense of humor. One comes across several instances in the New Testament when Jesus is shown as playing with children and resorting to good natured bantering with apostles and common people (Sheen, 1977). Extracurricular activities at GCU not only give the students a chance to recharge their batteries, but to many they offer an honorable and satisfying career in professional sports. The fourth pillar of GCU is committed to health and spiritual well being. A healthy body is the repository of a sound mind and an enlightened spirit. GCU backs its commitment to a healthy life with its state of the art tennis and basketball courts, a modern fitness centre and a well equipped health care centre. GCU’s vision of health and fitness is all about facilitating a balanced approach towards life that cherishes both success and leisure. The very history of GCU corroborates its Christian heritage. GCU is an institution that was not the plain outcome of a sudden burst of enthusiasm and affluence. Actually, it is an institution made possible by the never dying faith, unyielding hope, testing toil and matchless creativity and resourcefulness of the founding fathers like Pastor L. D. White and Dr. Willis J. Ray and many unknown faithful Christians who badly wanted to materialize their dream of establishing a Baptist institution of education that was to redefine excellence and achievement. The history of GCU is as much about success and glory as about challenges, glitches, setbacks, debts and failures. The vision statement of GCU evinces an unshakable commitment to Christian values and leadership. It invokes its students to lead humanity through humility and service, as Jesus did. The vision portrayed by the four pillars of GCU is amply and concisely explained in its mission statement. It not only intends to turn out students who believe in Christian values and have the right kind of spiritual orientation, which allows them to think with an open mind, but also have the requisite communications skills and a willingness to bear responsibility in a world that is globalized and more connected than ever. For GCU, Christianity is ideal that is to be practiced and lived in every aspect of one’s academic, professional, social and personal life. Personally speaking, the vision and mission of GCU immaculately gels with my own set of values and expectations from life. GCU has provided me with an academic environment that not only reinforces my Christian values, but rather encourages me to stand by them and believe in them in the rough and tumble of everyday life. Every moment spent at GCU strengthens my belief that Christianity is not merely an idealistic vision, but an approach towards life that assures success, achievement, friendship and poise. References Anthony, Michael J (2001). Introducing Christian Education. New York: Baker Academic. Sheen, Fulton J (1977). Life of Christ. New York: Image. Stafford, Tim (2003). Never Mind the Joneses. New York: IVP Book. Read More