Questions of human dignity encircle us in many striking and challenging ways these days. Can we as teachers and mentors truly contribute to a national conversation that insists on the value of each human person? The answer is a resounding Yes! How so? By carefully and intentionally creating an environment that emphasizes the value of every person, not for what they accomplish, but for simply being who they are.

As a society, we tend to place a high value on accomplishments. We love celebrity rags-to-riches stories such as J.K. Rowling writing the first Harry Potter book on napkins in the midst of poverty, or Steve Jobs building the Apple computer dynasty even though he was unable to finish college. By holding these people and others like them in such high esteem, we inadvertently or subconsciously suggest that human value is determined by accomplishments.

We praise and recognize children for good grades, parish involvement, athletic achievements, and musical awards. Do we emphasize and recognize those who don’t receive awards, or whose greatest achievement is in kindness to others? Do we emphasize that people are special not because of what they do, but because of who they are?

It’s a tricky line to walk. Children should be challenged to explore their gifts and talents and learn to develop them for the good of the community. Achievement should be encouraged and honored. But greater attention should be paid to ensuring that each child knows that his or her value and the value of others depend upon the fact they are loved and lovable by the God who created them. Period.

By helping our children make the distinction between what they do and who they are, we can gently and powerfully teach that, indeed, all people are special, because all belong to God.