The ideals of Jesuit education, however, were reflected in every conversation, in every encounter with other faculty whose openness to share their deepest hopes and fears with total strangers in trust. By offering a complete world view, we have a powerful message to offer students. More work needs to be done to translate this ideal into meaningful expression in out teaching and research. I came to understand the rationale for liberal arts in Jesuit education. The conference reaffirmed my reasons for teaching at a Jesuit institution.
Education is a vehicle for moving through life.
It is important to foster values and provide the students with the emotional, intellectual, and physical resources necessary to live a satisfying life. I leave with disappointments, hope, and growth. I have been also given a cadre of comrades who know and feel what I feel. There is strength in numbers in any travail. I leave with gratitude and a new deeper respect and love for the Jesuit tradition into which I have chosen to walk.