Values - forming our youth through positive internal development by Benjamin

Values - forming our youth through positive internal development by Benjamin - August 2015 Scholarship Essay

American high school curriculum could benefit from adding the subject of values. The course would be a combination of how to choose values, internal value alignment and how to incorporate value alignment externally, and in personal relationships.

Values, “a person’s principles or standards of behavior; one’s judgment of what is important in life” (oxford dictionaries), are the foundation of a person’s attitudes, beliefs and ultimately choices. Values form in childhood and are much harder to change into adulthood. Previously, values were taught through specific roles models and trades. Now, with the decay of apprenticeships, gender roles and the family unit, direct role models are almost non-existent. Our youth are left to learn from a variety of sources that may not instill positive values or ideals.

Incorporating positive value development and alignment early on in high school curriculum would mirror what role models once offered. This addition to American high school curriculum could help prevent risky sexual behaviors, drug usage, criminal and violent actions, and other consequential negative attitudes and behaviors.

The alignment of a person’s values with his or her lifestyle (work, environment, friends, etc.) promotes well-being while value misalignment causes stress, anxiety and depression. A person’s values should be the driving force in decision making in all facets of his or her life, from the school you decide to go to, to the job you decide to take and even to the person you decide to marry.

American high school curriculum should include forming, understanding, and the alignment of a person’s values. It could have an immense positive impact on the personal development of American youth and ultimately our future.