When taking on any new endeavor, the most important question to ask is: why?
Though our culture is increasingly reluctant to ask this question, I have always found the thought of going through life without any particular purpose to be very difficult. Why did I pursue a degree? Why do I continue learning? Why do I want to be a tutor? Why have I been made and put in this world? These are the types of questions that I have been asking myself as I navigate life.
I have been pleasantly surprised to find many answers in the etymology of the word “tutor.” The word “tutor” can be traced to Latin for “guardian.” I love this definition of “tutor” because it expresses what a tutor does on a deeper level. Transferring information to the student, while important, is not the only purpose of tutoring. Along with sharing information is the responsibility of the tutor to protect the heart, mind, and soul of the child.
What do children need to be guarded from? A lack of knowledge and poor thinking skills is one threat to a good life. Another threat is discouragement. There are many young people who are bright, but have had their spirits crushed by education systems. Worst of all is the threat of propaganda, which is particularly bad in state-run schools.
In the face of these threats, I find my purpose as a guardian of young people. My purpose in this life I’ve been given is to help young people learn to use their minds, think for themselves, and live a life filled with meaning.
Socrates is credited with the saying: the unexamined life is not worth living. May we all strive to examine our lives and seek purpose in a world that is often difficult to find meaning in. May we also encourage those who have come after us to do the same.