bryn athyn college commencement:
The Keys to a Purpose-Driven Life
Brian Blair
Incoming President of Bryn Athyn College
I
am honored to speak to you today. Bryn Athyn College is a special institution
that has meant so much to me as an alumnus. I say this because one of
the joys of growing older is to gain the perspective of what experiences and
education provided the most meaningful guidance to one’s life.
I can say without hesitancy that Bryn Athyn College provided me with
an experience of starting my young adult life with a college education that
challenged me to think for myself while introducing the meaning of spiritual
life versus a natural life. When one’s mind can look at life from both a natural as
well as spiritual perspective, then the concept of a purpose-driven life becomes
much easier to understand.
To understand how we are to make the most of what God has given us
is so important in determining what career should I pursue? What uses do I
love? What other people do I wish to share my enthusiasm for life with? There
are many choices for you to make and some you will be pleased with while
others you will regret. The key point to note is the word “decisions.”
With a college education, you will be expected to become a sound
decision-maker in your professional life, your community life and personal
life. The concept of “critical thinking” is one of the most important attributes
one can master. People with sound critical-thinking skills are able to determine
the best outcomes from decisions they are required to make. You will be able
to perform sound decision-making with the help of your education while
embracing the sound moral compass that has been introduced to you through
your Bryn Athyn College education.
The second paragraph of the Bryn Athyn College Mission Statement states:
“This education challenges students to develop spiritual purpose, to think
broadly and critically from a variety of perspectives, and to build intellectual
and practical skills. The ultimate purpose is to enhance students’ civil, moral
and spiritual lives, and to contribute to human spiritual welfare.”
This morning I would like to share with you how receiving the experience
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