Meaning in Life (for teachers, TACs, parents, and alumni)

3/25/2013

For Teachers, TACs, parents, and alumni

I have spoken to the RMA teachers and TACs about a recent book I read entitled, "A Man's Search for Meaning" by Victor Frankl.  This book was written in the 1940s by a psychologist who survived four German concentration camps.  The book has sold millions of copies over the years, and I can only wonder why it was not required reading in all the education courses I have taken.  Much of the content of the following two Blogs emanates from my thinking generated by Frankl's magnum opus.

Ample evidence exists that depression, anxiety, aggression, and addiction emanate from feelings of emptiness and meaningless in life.  Thus, for those cadets (or anyone else for that matter) in such a state, we must actively seek and find a form(s) of meaningful activity such as the arts, cadet patrol, athletics, community service, outdoor/nature-type activities, church/spiritual, military activities, and more.  For whatever reason, many of our cadets do not grasp the importance of academics early on.  Many do not even like to read unless it is in that one area where they find meaning.  As teachers, mentors, and parents, we must seek that interest where they find meaning whether it is computers, the arts, community service or athletics and encourage/lead them to participate including the purchase of biographies of those who have excelled in their area of interest.  We should use the knowledge of this interest in a particular subject or discipline to drive the cadets’ curiosity until he sees a future or meaning in life.  As the light comes on and they actively pursue this one interest, they seem to perceive that academic success in general serves a purpose and in time, participate with remarkable effort.  But even as we nudge them in the direction of their observed interest, we must encourage participation in other out of the classroom activity to add even more meaning to their existence.

Educators often have a tendency to lose patience and be very critical of the effort on the part of failing cadets.  It is understandable as teachers are frequently doing all in their power to create interest and opportunities for success in their class.  However, as Frankl reminds us, if one's life is in a state of depression, anxiety, aggression, and/or addiction, no amount of encouragement will create enthusiasm and meaning for the study of the various disciplines.  In cases such as these, we must work with the cadet (and his parents), mentoring him towards other activities that brings meaning and fulfillment and hope that then we can kindle an interest in his studies.