The power of education by Christian

The power of education by Christian - April 2019 Scholarship Essay

One of my greatest academic challenges was my experience in AP Language during my junior year. The stories about it were legendary. “Kevin used to be religious, but never again (after taking AP Lang).” The teacher, Dr. Jason Clarke, is an outspoken atheist and the opposition to my faith. Having taught both my siblings, he represented an insurmountable problem - one from which to keep a safe distance.

I feared the attacks he might wage on my faith. I was terrified as I envisioned the belittlement I would endure. His class seemed like it might devastate everything I knew. I feared losing my ideology and losing my way. His confrontational, yet charismatic critique filled my mind each day. My heart thumped when Dr. Clarke read Genesis 1 during class. How can he quote my religion to uphold his argument? Did he just say there is no such thing as absolute truth? What about an absolute injustice, like first-degree murder?

I realize now that my contemplation of these significant issues didn’t pull me away from my values, but reaffirmed them. Dr. Clarke’s words were not a threat. His words were the “dissenting voice to the truth I know” as mentioned in The Great Debaters. In the name of learning to think, Dr. Jason Clarke challenged his students. He deconstructed reality and bombarded students with opposing ideas, so they could establish and strengthen their own.

Our first major project was an open research paper. I chose climate change - a topic rife with political disagreement. Dr. Clarke required us to defend an opposing view and I seamlessly argued the opposite side thanks to his emphasis on diversity in thought. In fact, I focused much of the paper on proving myself wrong. When I received 101 points out of 100, I was shocked and thrilled. Dr. Clarke had helped me think critically. He upheld my freedom to argue an ill-discussed perspective and rewarded me for engaging in it fully.

Dr. Clarke was also my debate coach and I was indebted to him for a transformational year. My first season of debate brought 10 tournament awards, qualification to the NSDA State Competition, a Harvard debate competition, and a love for diverse perspectives. Bringing the year to a close, he named me captain!

How I ever feared Dr. Clarke, I do not know. He has touched me in a way few teachers ever will. He has challenged me and seen me grow and never once has he forced an idea on me or my fellow students. He has given the autonomy for students to make sense of the questions in life. Our growing friendship overcame what was initial enmity. I am Captain of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Dr. Clarke is a devoted atheist and former Mormon. We discuss theology, but with an intent to appreciate the other side. He appeals to my thinking and I appeal to his, in order to best understand each other. Our friendship does not make this difficult discussion any easier, but our passion for civil discourse brings ease to our conversation. My fascination for opposing viewpoints and his love for teaching creates a powerful opportunity to converse.

Dr. Clarke is now my primary recommendation writer for college and scholarship applications. He vouches for me, despite our differing beliefs. Though we began as enemies, we conclude as comrades. Though I initially kept distance, he is now my advocate. Education bridged the gap and accomplished what I thought was impossible: it replaced enmity with unforgettable learning and an unbreakable friendship.