n., The moral principle determining just conduct, peace, and genuine respect for people.
Perspectives are powerful. They determine how we engage with others, which issues we care about most, our views of right and wrong, and how we shape our identity. To view things from another’s perspective is an asset in living a more informed life. It is an arduous but necessary skill and a valuable tool for personal growth.
As an immigrant from Thailand, I know just how important it is to be a part of a diverse, inclusive community that is accepting of the unique perspectives we develop based on our life experience. As Pacific Oaks’ president, I am proud to serve this community and continue advancing our core values of respect, diversity, social justice, and inclusion.
Since joining our institution, I’ve seen a lot of students travel the same path I did. I see how they struggle with language, culture, and change, and supporting their success is very meaningful and rewarding to me. Today, we continue to encourage each other to embrace different ways of seeing the world we share, the problems we face, and the solutions that can continue to move us forward.
In this issue of Voices, we explore a wide range of perspectives on important topics— from what it means to be American as told by four different members of the Pacific Oaks family in our cover story “My American Identity,” to the repercussions that political divisiveness is having on American families in “Healing a House Divided.”
In “Under the Microscope: Education in America,” we examine the ongoing debate about America’s education system and explore how teachers can lead the charge toward unity. We profile Yoland Treviño, an alumna from our Marriage & Family Therapy Department, on how Pacific Oaks has influenced her life. Our Roundtable discussion, “Big Problems, Little Minds,” examines the delicate balance between keeping our children safe and protecting their childhood innocence, and includes some best practices for speaking to children about traumatic events.
As Pacific Oaks enters our 74th year, I’m excited to continue to honor the legacy of Pacific Oaks, while also charging forward in an effort to create change. This is an exciting time to be here.
Dr. Jack Paduntin, President
Pacific Oaks College & Children’s School
Read articles from the Summer 2019 issue of Voices:
Under the microscope: Education in America
Out with the new, in with the old
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