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SELF-AWARENESS, SELF-ACTUALIZATION

On his deathbed, St. Francis freed his Brothers by saying, “I have done what was mine to do, may Christ now teach you what you are to do.”  Why did he say this? So that his Brothers would not try to become him.  God created each of Francis’ Brothers to be who they were, not who St. Francis was.  The key for them finding out what was theirs to do was discovering whom God intended them to be. 

Now, 800 years later, self-awareness for our students is just - if not - more important.  A Franciscan view of career suggests each of our students needs to know who they are so that they can see the Good inside themselves, and share that Good to maximize their contribution to transform a world desperately in need of their Good.

Sadly, for most college students, self-awareness is in short supply.  On my radio show Thank God For Monday, guests advise that today’s college graduates are not self-aware.  Sure, they know accounting and biology and information technology, but are hopelessly clueless about who they are. 

When reflecting on my life, I discovered it was not until I was in my mid-40s before starting to understand myself.  I had no idea of the importance of self-awareness.  As a result, I spent a majority of my 29 years in big pharmaceuticals unfulfilled, frustrated, undernourished and angry - even worse, my contribution was a fraction of what it could have been.  Since becoming a Franciscan Brother of Brooklyn, my self-awareness and, therefore, contribution have greatly enhanced.

As we concentrate on getting our students “career-ready”, we need to remember the importance of creating opportunities so they can learn about themselves, especially their Core Values, Life Purpose, Personality Type and Strengths.  This enhanced awareness will provide them significant competitive advantage not only in the workplace, but in life.  Most importantly, at the end of their earthly journey they will be able to say, “I have done what was mine to do.”

Brother Gregory Cellini, OSF
Director, Office of Mission, Ministry and Interfaith Dialogue
St. Francis College

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