"Cura Personalis"

"Cura Personalis" is a Latin phrase and a Jesuit concept that translates as "Care for the entire person.” Some literature on the topic mentions respect for unique circumstances and individual needs. As educated as I think I am, I only remember hearing the phrase for the first time last week from my oldest daughter. She attends a Jesuit university in Philadelphia, and she interviewed the oldest Jesuit on campus.

He (Fr. Moore) told my daughter during the interview, “If you write anything about me, please write about Cura Personalis.” He has abundant pride for the way he treated people during his career, and he should. He cared for the whole person and not just a chair in the room. He cared about any unique situations that may have impeded growth or success. He went above and beyond when he needed to for his students to be successful. That is what all great educators do. I applaud Fr. Moore and my daughter for bringing this to the spotlight.

Balance in all components of your life (mind, body, heart, spirit) enables you to reach your full potential. Only concentrating on one aspect, while neglecting another facet, creates imbalance. You must integrate all pieces to create the “whole person.” This is the approach we must take as educators. Success in one area of your life does not make up for failure in another. Continually fine-tune the process and keep balance.

I talk about legacy all the time to teachers, parents, students, and anyone that will listen. How do you want to be remembered? I think about my legacy in all my roles. If I can make one statement about my role as an educator: “I care.” I honestly believe that when I tell someone I will do something for them; I will. I hope those people believe it as well.  

Students can accomplish some remarkable fetes when they are told what they can accomplish instead of what they cannot accomplish, and so can their teachers. Of course, this takes a lot more commitment and hard work than just reading this blog. I also know that you have to start with yourself:

To me, the concept of Cura Personalis is the “whole person” concept. One we use in our school every day. It includes character, service, and leadership.  I choose to make a positive difference. How about you?