I am a person –
unique, precious and unrepeatable in worth.
I also inhabit a world of other human persons who are
unique, precious and unrepeatable in worth.
As a person, I expect to be treated as a subject,
not an object.
I am an end in myself,
not merely a means to someone else’s end.
I will not allow myself to be used;
nor will I tolerate abuse.
I will respect my body
as well as the bodies of other human persons.
I will not undermine the dignity of another human being;
because in doing so, I undermine my own dignity.
I will not label others in dehumanizing terms,
because persons are infinitely more
than all labels, classifications or categories.
Except in the context of appropriate humor,
I will not take others "lightly,"
negating their inestimable value as human persons.
I will not reduce my humanity to a color.
Hence, I am not, first, a white person.
Rather, I am a person who is white.
Nor will I reduce my humanity to a function.
Hence, I am not, first, a teacher.
Rather, I am a person who teaches.
Therefore, I am valuable, first and foremost,
because of who I am, not what I do.
I am someone, not something;
a "who," not a "what;"
begotten, not made.
I am a person.
unique, precious and unrepeatable in worth.
I also inhabit a world of other human persons who are
unique, precious and unrepeatable in worth.
As a person, I expect to be treated as a subject,
not an object.
I am an end in myself,
not merely a means to someone else’s end.
I will not allow myself to be used;
nor will I tolerate abuse.
I will respect my body
as well as the bodies of other human persons.
I will not undermine the dignity of another human being;
because in doing so, I undermine my own dignity.
I will not label others in dehumanizing terms,
because persons are infinitely more
than all labels, classifications or categories.
Except in the context of appropriate humor,
I will not take others "lightly,"
negating their inestimable value as human persons.
I will not reduce my humanity to a color.
Hence, I am not, first, a white person.
Rather, I am a person who is white.
Nor will I reduce my humanity to a function.
Hence, I am not, first, a teacher.
Rather, I am a person who teaches.
Therefore, I am valuable, first and foremost,
because of who I am, not what I do.
I am someone, not something;
a "who," not a "what;"
begotten, not made.
I am a person.
Rev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteI really liked this description of who a person is. It relates a lot back to the Donum Vitae which states "Human beings are valuable, first and foremost, not because of what they do, but because of whom they are". We are made in God's image our bodies are valuable and they should not be abused. You made it very clear in this description. We should not be treated as an object or treated as a subject. I really liked how this tied into the lessons that we have learned here at GmercyU!
-Erin M. Park
Thank you for your remarks! Thank you for being you!
DeleteThank you Rev. Lent for writing this credo. I am a practicing nurse. Your credo is a good reminder that our patients are people first, not a disease or a surgical case, but a person first. I have taken one of your theology courses and especially like how you make Scripture come alive. Thank you!
DeleteRev. Lent,
Delete"I will not label others in dehumanizing terms,
because persons are infinitely more
than all labels, classifications or categories."
This specific part of your Personalist Credo is something that I live by. Me being a criminal justice major, this system has a label for everyone that I do not agree with. As a career job, I would like to get those that are in prison, a chance to get a job coming out because everyone deserves another chance. Many that do not have access to a job will end up going back to the wrong road and have a worst label held above their heads for a lifetime. I wanted to say thank you for writing this and I hope to have others believe they are more than just a label, classification, and category.
-Cierra Adkins
As a nurse, it is very important we respect the dignity of our patients at all points of their sickness and stages of life. With the ever increasing demands placed on nurses on a daily basis, it is sometimes easy to view our patients as objects and not subjects. It is important to realize our patients are humans that are "whos" and not just "whats". We must also not make "light" of any patient's particular situation.
ReplyDeleteRyan Hall RN Immacualata 218
Ryan,
DeleteThank you for commenting on the blog! Congratulations on being you!
This reading is good, as a nurse I start my day knowing, that I am a human created out of the image of God, seeing my profession as skills that I could use to facilitate the good for mankind, I realized that my patient are human created out of the image of God so I see them, not their limitation or disabilities putting value to them just because we are one, and I like the phrase that states am a person not to judge by color, as a nurse it makes me realized not to judge by their diagnosis or lab values but yo see my patient as a whole in giving them the care that is best addressing there needs
ReplyDeleteMariama,
DeleteThank you for your Christian personalism; particularly, your person-centered approach with the patients under your care.
Rev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteThis particular blog spoke to me. As a nurse, we are taught the skill and knowledge to perform duties necessary, but are often not reminded that we are caring for people. This career doesn't involve aiming for maximum profit. As a nurse, I strive to treat every patient as a who and not a what. I want to approach every patient individually, as a person not an object. I will not pass judgement despite the history that comes with every patient. I will always remember that I am treating a person, a mother, a father, a child, rather than a diagnosis. By utilizing my knowledge and skills I will be able to perform the task given to me, but by giving each patient the respect they deserve; I will provide the best possible care.
Shayla
Shayla,
DeleteThank you for commenting on the credo and relating it to your vocation as a nurse. It evident to me that you regard your patients and persons and that, in my opinion, is the difference between really good and mediocre nurses.
I spent much of the past few months working among the vulnerable people of Philadelphia. During this time, I had many opportunities to see how society often treats them as if they are outcasts when really they are human beings who simply may be experiencing a tough period in life. The gospel message asks that we care for the poor and the marginalized and that we treat them with dignity and respect. Not everyone always does this and your message reminds us that we are created in God's image and likeness and as such that we are entitled to be seen as a someone and not a something.
ReplyDeleteJohanna
Johanna,
DeleteI think that you are quite right in observing that our society, particularly, the West, "throws away " -- like a "used up" or "worn out" pair of shores or clothing -- the sick, poor, weak and vulnerable, treating them as if they were objects or things to be used and discarded.
I trust that you will care for each of your patients as a person, that is, as someone, not something; a subject, not an object. In doing so, you will humanize both yourself and those who are around you.
Over the past 30 odd years that I have been a nurse, I have cared for many patients, from criminals to new mothers. After all these years it is so easy to become jaded and to see each patient only as a disease. The more difficult thing to see the life behind the illness. I have always tried to treat each person as a individual, a person with a life outside of their illness. I have found more often than not that each of my patients have something to teach me about life and being a stronger better individual.
ReplyDeleteSue,
DeleteI "love" your personalism! What I mean is this: As a nurse, you see the patient as a person, not an illness.
Keep up the good work of being you!
I really enjoyed reading your blog post, A Personalist Credo, because it was a reflection of both the personal and professional growth that I have experienced. My patients are not textbook examples of a disease that I studied about but real people with families of their own. Sometimes if I become frustrated I stop myself and think this is someone’s loved one. I saw myself as a caregiver but came to realize that I also need care. This profession can be very demanding and emotionally exhausting. But, what I have come to realize is that I can only control me.
ReplyDeleteThrough this journey, I have recognized how important it is to have healthy relationships with others and not to take people for granted. And, this growth has caused me to recognize that I am who I am, because of me, not only from my occupation as a nurse. In life, I have worked so hard to get to this point. Currently, I am just trying to live in the moment and enjoy life, and all of the gifts it has to offer. In closing, I choose me because I am me!!
Kathleen,
DeleteAgain, personalist perspective on the vocation of nursing, particularly, the following comment: "My patients are not textbook examples of a disease that I studied about, but real people with families of their own."
Congratulations on being you!
Rev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteNot sure what happened I posted my comment last night and it is not showing up. But I will post again. I enjoyed reading your blog post and how it is short and sweet and has so much meaning behind it. I believe every individual is unique and we should all be treated equally despite our differences. As a nurse I treat all my patients with respect and dignity, do not just treat the disease but look at the person as a whole. Sometimes as nurses we will complain about our patients say oh gosh the patient in such and such room is annoying and complains every chance they get, but as a Christian woman I try to take a step back and think they are going through a lot right now and last thing they need is negativity, so no one should judge anyone except GOD. Working with cancer patients they have taught me one thing I will remember the rest of my career as a nurse is "never take life for granted because you never know what type of curve ball will come your way and never hold on to grudges" My patients always tell me to never stop being me and do not change yourself for nobody.
Brooke Simpson
Rev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteThe "I am an end, not just a means to an end" portion spoke to me very much. It seemed like a very Kant-ian approach, and I agree with it very much. I really like the concept that I am a person who does something, not just a something person. It makes for a more individualized statement, and fits well into the idea of being a personalist.
-Bill Austin
Proffessor Lent,
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading "As a person, I expect to be treated as a subject,
not an object." I thought how in this generation people consider other people objects and not subjects. For example, in some relationships, some people are being cheated on involved in another sinful matter and that is considered being used or an object. That sentence just made me think how this generation uses people and that is not how life should be. Human beings should always be subjects not objects.
-Dominique Anderson
Dominique,
DeleteIn the proper ordering of moral reality, things are used and persons are loved; however, that order can easily be inverted to things are loved and persons are used.
In my last position, I was a receptionist for an assisted living facility. One of their mission statements was, Preserving Dignity. Unfortunately this is not what I always observed. All of the residents were as they say, “Aging in Place”. Of course, this entailed the residents having health concerns and anxieties. I noticed that they were often patronized or even ignored when expressing health issues. It was the same way with general complaints. In my opinion, this generation of seniors is very brave. Every day can be a challenge for them to be heard, let alone given the compassion they deserve.
ReplyDeletePatty,
ReplyDeleteThank you for working at the assisted living facility! I am sure that you brought a humanizing presence into that place, "touching" the lives of elderly persons.
The main point of your comment, as I see it, is this: Persons are more important than profits!
Professor Lent,
ReplyDeleteThis particular blog, "A Personalist Credo", is one that I really enjoyed reading because I have always been someone who had a love and compassion for others. As a psychology major I have had the opportunity to interact and meet many different people who are viewed inhumanly and degraded by many people in their life. One idea that really stuck out to me while reading this blog was, "I will not label others in dehumanizing terms, because persons are infinitely more than all labels, classifications or categories." I learned throughout the years that people are who they are and we should not hold that against them. I have never been one to "judge a book by its cover", and because of this I have met many wonderful and amazing people throughout my life. I will keep this blog in mind as I continue my education in the helping field.
*Brittany Hill
Hi Reverend Lent,
ReplyDeleteI really love this credo because it is something that needs to be addressed in our society. So many people today pass judgement on others because of what they do or don't do, instead of who they are. If people really took the time to understand people and not judge them society would be better off!This is true we all matter, we are all important and a part of God's plan.We are all unique because God created us that way;if only others could see it that way!!! Thank you for this I will share this with others, it is uplifting!
Britney Fletcher
Thank you, Britney Fletcher, for being Britney Fletcher! That, in a nutshell, is personalism.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI like this credo. It reminds me that as a nurse you have to still love and respect yourself. As nurses we give so much of ourselves to our patients' every day. It is hard to remember that our needs must still be met. We don't take breaks to eat or even go to the bathroom most days. Our patients' lives matter more to us then if our bladder is about to explode or if our stomach is growling. It is hard to take the time to take care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteAs a nurse, you should take care of yourself, for true self-love will not neglect the self it loves. A relatively normal sense of self-love is necessary for you to function effectively as a nurse. It is also necessary for maintaining the psychological, spiritual and bodily dimensions of health.
ReplyDeleteThis was truly an empowering credo. It really shows how essential it is to value and respect both ourselves and others. As a nurse, it is especially important to treat each patient as an individual. People may share common diagnosis' and common characteristics, but each patient has gone through different events in their lives that make them truly unique. I believe that experiences and the decisions that we make in different situations shape who we are.
ReplyDeleteAmanda,
ReplyDeleteYou are right: In treating your patients as persons, you humanize yourself, becoming a better person, that is, becoming the best at being you.
As a nurse, thank you for what you do and, especially, thank you for being you!
I can relate to this greatly because I also believe that no one should be treated as an object but as a subject. I also believe that you should never judge anyone by what they are or what they do because you do not know anyone's story or what they are going through.
ReplyDeleteA person is a person no matter how small!
Thank you for that insight, Bianca! I think that your last line is a reference to Dr. Seuss.
DeleteI feel that this message is inspiring because it is a reminder that we must always keep respect in our lives. Personally I have struggled with self-image especially as I was beginning college a few years ago. Since then I have been able to reflect and take time to be on my own and now I realize that I have to always respect myself and take care of myself. That is much more important me now than how others see me. I must also respect others and treat them as I would like to be treated because everyone has their own struggles. We can learn so much about ourselves by taking the time to slow down and stop worrying about everything around us.
ReplyDeleteElisabeth,
DeleteI believe that you will do great things with your life, if you remain true to being you, because, after all, only you can be the best at being you.
Congratulations, then, on being you!
I like the very last few lines, how you are a who not a what. It tells you do talk to everyone and respect them as you want to be talked to.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this because people should not be treated as objects. And today, too many people are worried about others lives, rather than their own.
ReplyDeleteFr. Lent,
ReplyDeleteWhat I got out most from this writing is that everyone is equally special in their own way. The part that spoke to me was how you said "I expect to be treated as a subject instead of an object." No matter what someone's occupation is, it does not define or label them as a person. Everyone should treat people the way they would want to be treated. So even though I play golf, that does not label me as just a golfer. Instead, I am a person who plays golf.
Joe,
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting your comments! I especially enjoyed the line which says, "even though I play golf, that does not label me as just a golfer. Instead, I am a person who plays golf."
Indeed, a person's ontological value precedes his or her utilitarian or functionalist value. In other words, my value of being made "in the image of God" is more important than what I do for a living or how useful I am to others. If it were not, then when I am unemployed, I may be inclined to feel as though I were a "nobody." But a person is not a "nobody;" rather, he or she is a "somebody," a "someone," a sacred creature of God.
Thank you for being you!
Fr. Lent,
ReplyDeleteAs a radiology nurse, my interaction with patients is short due to strict time scheduling of scans and procedures. Your words are a reminder of the importance of respecting all my patients as individuals and not just body parts in line for a scan.
Karen,
ReplyDeleteIt is the quality, not the quantity, of time with your patients that matters. In your brief moments with them, as you recognize and validate them as persons, treating them with respect, you are being a good nurse.
Also, your phrase "respecting all my patients as individuals and not just body parts in line for a scan" is indicative of the "spirit" of personalism.
Keep up the good work of being you!
Fr Lent,
ReplyDeleteA Personalist Credo speaks to the moral compass of humanity, this was a delightful read.
As a dialysis nurse I have dialyzed patients from 2 weeks of age to 102 years of age, and I have always been empathetic with my patients and their families. I have always had a great opposition for medical professionals who refer to their patients as the “gallbladder in room 215 or the dialysis patient in room 310”, the use of such terminology dehumanizes the patient and allows for disconnect with your patient, allowing for them to be treated by their diagnosis, we all should except to be treated as a subject, not an object, while in the healthcare system which can sometimes be a frightful experience. My motto has always been to treat my patients as I would want myself or my love ones to be treated, which helps keep me grounded, because we want nothing but the best for ourselves and our families.
Eva Jamison RN
Eva,
DeleteYou definitely are applying the "spirit" of the credo in saying that a patient should not be referred to as a “gallbladder in room 215." Indeed, such language is dehumanizing, for a patient is and always remains a person, regardless of his or her medical condition or diagnosis.
Timothy Lent
Fr. Lent,
ReplyDeleteAfter reading A Personalist Credo, I felt as though it was written especially for me and my fellow nurses. Eva brought up an excellent example of dehumanizing patients by referring to them as their diseases. When I read, "Therefore, I am valuable first and foremost, because of who I am, not what I do" I understand that I am me first, then a nurse, but my chosen profession has certainly helped me to become a better me. Every day as a nurse is a challenge but a challenge that I would never want to change. People always say to me, "Thank God for you nurses" but my reply is always, "Thank God for my patients, I learn from them everyday."
Erin,
DeleteIndeed, your "what," that is, your work as a nurse, can make you into a better "who," that is, a person, because a person defines (creates a certain kind of character) himself or herself by his or her moral choices.
However, just remember this: When you can no longer "do," it does not follow that you should no longer "be," You are made "in the image of God" and that is what gives you infinite worth as a person. What you "do," then, always remains secondary to "you," your being a person.
Point taken! And although I will always be a nurse at heart, I hope to one day retire and get to enjoy the other facets of being me!!
DeleteKeep up the good work of being you, Erin!
DeleteFr. Lent,
ReplyDeleteTwo things came to mind while reading A Personalist Credo. First, as Eva and Erin both mentioned, I have been guilty as referring to a person by room number or disease. I have often spoke to doctor's about patients as "the woman in room 30" or "that guy with CHF," rather than acknowledging them as an unique individual. Also, it's interesting to think of myself as "a person who nurses," because many nurses, including myself, identify so strongly as a nurse.
Lauren,
DeleteGood observation: A patient is neither a "room number" nor a "disease." On the contrary, a patient is "someone," not "something;" a "subject," not an "object;" a "who," not a "what;" and, as such, a patient should always be regarded as a person.
This credo reminds me that while being kind to others, do not forget who I am. By respecting my worth first, I can then go on to respect and care for others. I have always tried to live by the saying to treat others how you want to be treated. This saying goes beyond simply being kind to people. A person living by this rule treats all people with selflessness. Working in the business world it is easy to forget the human side. But we must try to see each person as an individual human being, with different backgrounds and needs and focus on the commonalities not the differences.
ReplyDeleteSue,
DeleteI think that you are right: In our daily activities, especially in the business world, it is all too easy to lose sight of the obvious, namely, that we are dealing with persons who have the potential to be gods and goddesses. To lose sight of the obvious is to not treat human beings as ends in themselves, to be valued for themselves, but to use them as if they were merely things, objects or tools to be manipulated by others. In other words, to lose sight of the obvious is to not treat and respect humans as persons.
This Credo spoke to me and reminded me that I am first a person and then a Nurse. I often like to think that God made me a Nurse,(my 5th grade teacher once said god gives everyone something special, I would like to believe he gave me Nursing) I would also like to think that I am a person who Nurses. Nurses often put themselves last, in work and family. I think we need to be reminded that we are human and flawed but have more of an oppurtunity than non-nurses to make a difference in others (our patients) lives.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth,
ReplyDeleteIndeed, as important as one's vocation or employment is, as meaningful as one's occupation may be, one's value stems, primarily, from one's being, specifically, being made "in the image of God." Thus, you are right in saying that, first or primarily, you are valuable because you are a person and, secondarily, because of what you do, which is the vocation of nursing.
This meditation immediately made me think of students with disabilities. As a future special education teacher, it has been stressed that the student is a student first. It is important to not let a disability or a title for that matter define you. I believe this is an important life lesson and something to truly respect. Instead of referring to a student as "an ADHD child", it is important to not let the disability define the child and correct yourself in saying "a child with ADHD". They are a child first, a child with a disability; not a disabled child.
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, I found this to be an empowering message in more than my future role as a person who teaches. It made me think of self-respect and self-value, two aspects I strive to work on each day. Thank you for this reflective meditation.
Morgan,
DeleteAs a special education teacher, you are right in stressing the primacy of the person to his or her medical diagnosis or condition. For example, to say, “He is ADHD" reduces a person to a label, which, unfortunately, is often perceived negatively by others. On the contrary, a person has ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), but he or she is not ADHD.
In his Journals, Soren Kierkagaard wrote, “When you label me, you negate me.” In 19th century Denmark, he was often criticized for his long or pointed nose and baggy trousers. But Kierkegaard’s point, which is relevant to working with persons who have disabilities, is this: Labeling can easily become dehumanizing. In other words, to reduce a person to a label is to treat him or her as a thing, an object, A personalist objects to that, because a person is and always remains infinitely more than any label.
Megan,
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you are becoming a special education teacher, You are already well on your way to be a humanizing or personalizing influence in the classroom. Learning to use person-first descriptions should serve as a constant reminder that persons are infinitely more that their medical diagnoses and conditions.
Also, as a special education teacher, you become, as it were, a "mirror" to your students, reflecting back to them their inestimable value as persons. May they learn, then, by your feedback, that in every disability, there is a hidden ability and, thus, view themselves as worthwhile persons.
As a middle school nurse, I am always trying to be a good example to the children in how I address their needs. Your Personalist Credo inspired me and will provide me with a constant reminder of how I want to communicate the value we carry and the respect we need to maintain for ourselves and others. I will certainly print this Credo to keep as a tool for helping me translate this awesome message to everyday situations with the hope that it will help at least one child on a daily basis to be a better person.
ReplyDeleteRev Lent,
ReplyDeleteAs an operating room nurse I have limited exposure exposure to my patients, however, I treat all of them with respect and dignity. First and foremost they are individuals, then they have a disease process going on. I always address my patients by name not by their disease process. For example: I don't say "where's the appy".
Joyce,
DeleteI think you are right: Medicine does not, strictly speaking, treat diseases. Rather, it treats persons who have diseases. Especially in modern medicine, with all its life-saving devices and advanced technological procedures, it is easy to lose sight of the patient as a person.
A person-centered practice of medicine would insist that persons are not directed to the good of medicine; rather, medicine is directed to the good of persons. That, in essence, is the meaning of beneficence.
Fr. Lent, I love your credo, It reminds me of the very essence of how we should see people. It is often easy to get "wrapped up" in completing "tasks" in the nursing profession and there are times when we need to simply "be" for our patients. This credo reminds me of this importance.
ReplyDeleteSusan,
DeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts with me on personalism, especially within a clinical context. As important as medical "tasks" are, as meaningful as it is for physicians and nurses to "practice" the "art" of health care, as important as "doing" is to a person's value, "being" is always more important than "doing."
To grant that "doing" or functioning is more important than 'being" leads to this conclusion: When persons can no longer "do," that is, no longer function, then they are no longer anything. That notion, unfortunately, is believed by many people who accept a "quality of life" philosophy. For them to "do" is to "be" and, thus, when they can no longer "do," they no longer want to "be."
Rev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteI really love your credo. It spoke to me not only as a nurse, but as a woman, a wife and a soon to be mother. I am all of these things, but I am first a person. What I really loved was this part "am an end in myself, not merely a means to someone else’s end. I will not allow myself to be used; nor will I tolerate abuse.
I will respect my body as well as the bodies of other human persons. I will not undermine the dignity of another human being; because, in doing so, I undermine my own dignity." This really hit home for me in regards to my nursing career and my home life. How can I be role model for my patients if i do not respect my own body? I must be healthy in mind and body, to provide the utmost of care to my patients. I always try to be the "bigger person" when it comes to personal issues. I treat everyone I know, how i would like to be treated myself. When someone treats me badly, I try to always take a deep breath and still treat them the way I would like to be treated, instead of lashing back or "undermining my own dignity". Great Credo!! Really love it!
Nikole,
ReplyDeleteIf you are the you I know in the classroom, if you conduct yourself around your patients as you do with your peers and me, then you are making a meaningful difference in your patients' lives, treating them as persons. By treating them that way, you actually ennoble them, making them into better persons, calling them to be a humanizing influence in their personal relationships.
Thank you for what you do and, most of all, thank you for being you!
As a nurse and in my life, I have have always tried to live by the golden rule. Your Credo takes that to the next level of self respect. The world would be a much better place to live if only a small portion of people would adopt this way of living.
ReplyDeleteFather T,
ReplyDeleteI very much enjoyed reading this! Throughout our lives we fulfill many roles, but it is import to remember who we were prior to taking on these roles. I began as just Katie, then became a nurse, a wife and a mother. Though i very much enjoy being each of those i often remind myself that I am primarily Katie, and a pretty awesome Katie at that! Thanks for the perspective!
~*~Katie Belmont
This was a good read! As a student majoring in Psychology a person with experience in the Mental Health field, this credo very much apply to patients suffering from mental illness. Patients of all types are not just their diagnosis, he or she is a person first. I have noticed that there is still a stigma against Mental Health because they are uneducated about it. In turn, they judge the people who are receiving care and those who need care are afraid to get the help. If we all looked at each other base off of this credo, the world would be a better place.
ReplyDeleteCindel,
ReplyDeleteI think you are right in saying that a patient is not a diagnosis but a person, regardless of his or her physical or mental condition. Whether how well or ill, a human being is and always remains a "someone," or "somebody," a "person."
This piece was very significant to me as an ED nurse. I feel that we treat our patients as objects. We label them the drug seekers, psych patients and frequent fliers. We do not look at them as people, as individuals. We treat them like they are wasting our time. Many of these people have had hardships they have not been able to overcome. They lack loving support system. They are not just things that come into the ED to make our shifts more difficult; they have had a lifetime of experiences that make up who they are. Once we start to treat these individuals as the human beings they are, we will have better communication and experiences with them and be able to truly help them.
ReplyDeleteIn the same light, I am a person who is a nurse. I became a nurse because I care about people and truly want to help them. I wanted to follow in my mother’s footsteps as a nurse. My life experiences may not show to my patients because they are not taking the time to see me as a person. I am often yelled at, spat at and threatened by my patients and their families. I am not seen as a person, but as an object that is ordered to fetch narcotics and turkey sandwiches.
This piece was very beautiful to me because I believe that if we could see the uniqueness in one another we would have better life experiences as we share this time together.
Thank you for writing such a meaningful piece,
Jen Knox
Jen,
ReplyDeleteYou seem to be relating to the section in the credo, which says,
"As a person, I expect to be treated as a subject,
not an object.
I am an end in myself,
not merely a means to someone else’s end.
I will not allow myself to be used;
nor will I tolerate abuse.
I will respect my body
as well as the bodies of other human persons."
Since you are, primarily, a person and, secondarily, a nurse, you may object to a patient, when he or she is abusive toward you, asking him or her to refrain from such behavior.
Thank you for what you do and, even more importantly, thank you for being you!
Timothy Lent
ReplyDeleteAs a criminal justice major I wondered how this could tie into my studies as a junior in college.
Recently over the summer I interned at a juvenile detention facility in my county, and heard of a story about a young man who was charged for a crime involving involuntary death by motor vehicle. Since he was of poor status the juvenile was placed with a public defender given to him by the state. Many public defenders today are booked with so many clients, that they can not do a proper job as a private lawyer if you paid him money. I feel that public defenders these days just treat a client as another "Case". Like you said, "As a person, I expect to be treated as a subject,
not an object"----
Good read Dr. Lent!
Dino,
ReplyDeleteA "client," whether that be for a psychotherapist or lawyer, is not merely, as you observe, a "case," which is an objective problem that needs solving. Rather, he or she is a subject, a someone, that is, a person. Of course, the problem in a person's life should, indeed, be addressed, while acknowledging the personhood of an individual. Sometimes, the person can get lost or be ignored in attempting to address his or her problem. Hence, a client is not merely a problem to be solved but a person to be acknowledged, respected.
Timothy Lent
I am a person who lives in a world with other people. We are all precious, unique and irreplaceable in our own ways. I will not judge others or take them lightly. I will not label myself or any other person I may come in contact with. “ I am someone, not something… I am a person.”
ReplyDeleteThis applies to my career in every aspect presented. I am the same as my patients, we are all human, we are all imperfect creatures. As I treat them with respect, I expect the respect to be returned back to me. I will not undermine them because while doing so I am undermining myself. I will not neglect their value as a person, while their value is the same as my own.
- Jessica Scidurlo
Jessica,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your personalist views of being a nurse. Immediately, what comes to mind in reading your comments is this: Moral acts are self-reflexive. In other words, a person can make more or less of himself or herself by his or her moral acts or the way he or she treats others. By treating your patients with respect. you are ennobling both them and yourself as persons. In short, humanity at its best is human persons living well or functioning at their best.
Timothy Lent
I was moved by Jen's thoughts on this piece, as I often experience he same treatment as a floor nurse. In theory and as a basis for my practice, I approach all patients/clients as valued individuals. The advantage I have as a floor nurse is time. Often my patients are with us for several days or more, giving me time to gain their trust and confidence. It is a slippery slope sometimes.
ReplyDeleteThe only one I can change is me.
Rosemary,
DeleteI disagree with you!
By doing your job well as a nurse, that is, by caring for your patients as persons, you are humanizing the practice of medicine. For at its best, medical practice is directed to the good of persons. So, because of the self-reflexive nature of moral acts, you are changing your patients for the better, by them receiving your care, as well as yourself.
Timothy Lent
I appreciate you sharing this credo because I feel as if I live by it everyday. Being a home care nurse, I find myself not just taking care of a patient but a person. I make a point to get to know them, gain their trust and confidence. My office always gives me what they consider difficult patients. I appreciate it actually because I have learned that they are not difficult. They are just misunderstood due to lack of speaking with them and listening. I left the hospital almost 8 years ago because I found myself talking bad about others, being short with the patients and those around me, and I could feel myself changing. I did not like what I was becoming. With being in home care it has allowed me to return to who I am and be able to treat people as if they are a VIP (very important person). When I graduated nursing school, my mother shared with me a story that I did not know about myself. She said that she knew I was meant to be a nurse because I never saw differences in people. At each of my birthday parties she was nervous who was going to walk through the door. It would be the disabled child in a wheelchair, the one with acne, the poor child, the rich child, black child, white, and those who would be considered normal. I have always seen people for who they are not want defines them. No one has a job that is better than another. Each job is important in its own capacity. There is no reason to not speak with the maintenance man, the housekeeper who cleans your hospital room, or the CEO of a bank. They are all people worth talking to. In my line of work, I am grateful that I can serve others each day. I know that I can not change everyone but I do know that they can teach me just as much as I can teach them. I can provide them with the tools they need and it is up to them whether they want to make a poor or good choice. I treat others as I feel that I would want to be treated. They are a person and so am I. I am not a nurse. I am a person who can heal spiritually, mentally and physically.
ReplyDeletePatty,
DeleteYour comments reminded me of a sermon ("The Drum Major Instinct") Martin Luther King, Jr. gave on the value of all kinds of service, which build up or benefit the human community. For example, King said,
“Jesus gave us a new norm of greatness. If you want to be important – wonderful. If you want to be recognized – wonderful. If you want to be great – wonderful. But recognize that ‘he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.’ That's a new definition of greatness.
“And ... by giving that definition of greatness, it means that everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.”
Thank you. Patty, for what you do and, even more importantly, thank you for being you!
Timothy Lent
Dr. Lent
ReplyDeleteThis is a very well-articulated credo. It stands to say that regardless of race or the type of job you have in this world, you are first and foremost a person, a person of worth. These words have deeply impacted how I view my job and I think it’s very easy to adopt and apply them to my life.
Often as a woman, I am just that; a woman. In the eyes of many my gender determines how I will be treated. As part of my job in a Human Resources department, I spend half of my day up at the front desk of our office building, answering phones, letting clients in etc. and often I am treated as a secretary would be. Now don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with being a secretary or a front desk administrator, often I find those who are work even harder than the CEO’s of the world, however there is something wrong with treating a person with that job a certain way because of it. Often I’m asked, ‘what do you do up here, aren’t you bored?’ (when I’m sitting upfront) and I reply, ‘I’m doing my job’, whether that is solely answering phones, which for me is not the case, or being a lawyer with a prestigious law degree who happens to be filling in on the phones, whatever it you think I’m doing, I should be treated with the same respect you would give to a doctor.
Somewhere in my rant I’m trying to say that this credo emphasizes that the individual is a person of value and should be treated as such regardless of exterior additives such as job title, sex, etc. Everyone is important and this uniqueness deserve great praise.
Thanks,
-Katherine Mathisen
Katherine,
DeleteI agree with you! You are not merely a job title; rather, you are someone. Nor are you merely a job-function; rather, you are a person. Regardless of a human being's function, he or she is, and always remains, a person.
The world is inhabited by the most mysterious, divine-like, profound creatures, namely, persons. We often pass by them and ourselves everyday without the slightest bit of wonder, taking for granted the great gift and honor of being human persons.
Timothy Lent
"I am a person –
ReplyDeleteunique, precious and unrepeatable in worth.
I also inhabit a world of other human persons who are
unique, precious and unrepeatable in worth."
I am a human who is unique, precious, and unrepeatable in worth and I interact with other humans who are as well. At my job it is our job to satisfy our customer needs and in return our customers return the favor. It's a give and take situation. When we are young we are taught to treat others how we want to be treated and that holds a lot of value in our jobs everyday. We interact with people everyday who are just as unique and precious as us.
- Alexis Grippi
Alexis,
ReplyDeleteYou bring out a good point, which is that Martin Buber's philosophy of dialogue applies to work. In other words, you don't merely treat your customers as financial data for the profits of a company or corporation, which is Buber's "I-It" relationship. Rather, you treat customers as persons. That, in Buber's terms, is the "I-Thou" relationship.
Timothy Lent
wow, powerful, as I read this, I felt empowered but all the words. I think as being a nurse, I am empathetic towards others. I treat others as I would have them treat me. I look at everyone as equal, I don't value one person's life more than another. I think that we all should look at people with respect and love them all as we would want to be loved. If a person has a disability, they should not be looked at as different than one who is capable of doing things for themselves. everyone is equal in God's eyes, why can't we look at everyone like God looks at us? thank you for this blog. I really enjoyed reading it.
ReplyDeleteThis is something that I think relates directly to my profession of nursing. I think that sometimes as nurses, especially in an emergency situation, we get caught up in the tasking. Many sometimes forget, when performing life saving tasks, that we are indeed dealing with a human person and their family. Many desensitize themselves from the situation in order to proect their emotions, while others lack the emotion to grieve with family and respect the situation. As a nurse I always strive to remember to care for my patients with compassion, and give them the respect and dignity they deserve, no matter what the situation.
ReplyDeleteMy major is fashion merchandising and I can really relate to this credo. Being in the fashion scene there is a stigma that everyone must be stick thin and flawless all the time. But that is just unrealistic. People need to love their bodies and love themselves no matter what. Also the people in the fashion industry that are teaching this unrealistic expectation need to realize times have changed and today people need to embrace their bodies and one another's.
ReplyDeleteAs an RN Case Manager is a busy Emergency Department, I often see people at their worst. Hurt, scared, sick, uncertain, shaken, intoxicated, violated, panicked are common emotions that I encounter in my patients. When they are reacting to these emotions, they are often not themselves and often not nice. At times it is a challenge to remember that they are usually good people in their worst situations. When they are angry and impolite I often forget the good in myself and what I offer and bring to their situations. I have always been proud that both personally and professionally I have always treated people the same and have always looked for the good in people and tried to understand the not so good parts. It always always sets the tone for the outcome and is the basis for the whole interaction. Thank you Dr. Lent....this is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI am a bedside nurse. I have worked in the Intensive Care Unit and the Post Anesthesia Care Unit. These are high stress departments. I have seen patients at their best and many at their worst. Angry patients because they are sick and no longer in control of their life. Depressed patients because the illness has no cure. Agitated patients because they feel alone. Fearful patients because they don't know what will come next. I have had the pleasure of taking care of all these patients. I have treating them as if they are a member of my family no matter what color, faith or economic background. I have always treating people with respect. Nursing is my vocation, not just a job. My patients have had a caring nurse at their bedside treating them as people not just a disease to be cured. If you look beyond the disease and fear, you see the goodness in people. I think all nurses should read this to remind them why we care for all people. Thank you Dr Lent. Denise Wisniewski
ReplyDeleteAs a student in the Fashion Merchandising field, this post is very inspirational. The fashion world is infamous for superficial and domineering superiors who can sometimes expect nothing but perfection. As someone who would like to pursue an upscale position in the Fashion Merchandising world, this inspires me to not be like the stereotypical boss, but rather a respected leader. Not only do I deserve to be treated like a person, with her own opinions, rights, and values, but also those whom I lead in my life deserve the same. Leadership is a two-way street, and no matter who a person is or where he/she comes from, they are human just as I am. Thank you for this post. Lisa Phillips
ReplyDeleteRev. Lent:
ReplyDeleteThank you for this posting. It was beautiful and really made an impression on me. I work as a medical surgical nurse. I try my best to treat all my patients as a whole, not just their diagnosis. Every patient is someone's child, mother, father, or grandparent. Patients are people not just patients. When a person is in the hospital they are often scared and frustrated. They may not behave as they normally would. They seem angry, whereas when they were well they did not behave this way. As a nurse I try to be understanding and realize how difficult it is to be the patient. Every patient is unique and they deserve kindness and compassion. No one person deserves to be treated better or worse than another because of attitude, diagnosis or any other reason. Every patient deserves to be treated with the utmost respect and dignity. Thank you Rev. Lent, Kaitlin O'Connor
As a nurse, I know that people are identified by medical record numbers, financial identification numbers, and room numbers. People are also identified by diagnosises. Although all of these are important to provide safe care, I try and treat each person as I would want one of my family members treated. My job is different as I am not a bedside nurse. I do go out of my way to make sure each patient I encounter feels important and cared about. Sometimes it is easy as holding someone's hand, other times taking the time to really listen makes a big difference in how the patient feels. Every person needs compassion and kindness.
ReplyDeleteRev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteI like how you estabiish how you are portrayed. I am a General Manager for a popular convenience store chain along the east coast. I am often asked what exactly I do and my personal answer is, " I am a servant leader who fulfills lives daily How do I do it? I make coffee and sandwiches and create and fun and safe atmosphere for my customers. I am often portrayed as a cashier or a sandwich maker, but once I have interacted with my customers, they know I am much more.
Rev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteI like how you estabiish how you are portrayed. I am a General Manager for a popular convenience store chain along the east coast. I am often asked what exactly I do and my personal answer is, " I am a servant leader who fulfills lives daily How do I do it? I make coffee and sandwiches and create and fun and safe atmosphere for my customers. I am often portrayed as a cashier or a sandwich maker, but once I have interacted with my customers, they know I am much more.
Rev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteI could not agree more with your writing.
One of my professional responsibilities is to manage staff. I have been complimented on my management style because I treat everyone as I would want to be treated. I feel it is a simple concept; but, I have seen that it is not crystal clear to all. In my role as a manager, I work to ensure that I arrive every day with a pleasant tone and a sincere good morning to everyone. I also ensure that I listen to them. I look them in the eye when they speak to me and answer them with sincerity. I also utilize humor to lighten the mood when things become stressful or am having a sensitive conversation. I have found that humor lightens the mood and places people at ease.
My staff respects me because I respect them as human beings with feelings and a life outside of work. I have been quoted as saying, “It’s not too difficult to be decent to people.”
Thank you,
Michelle Malavolta
Rev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteI liked the way you described yourself as a human being above all else. I too, am God's child and that in itself makes me special. God has instilled in me love and compassion for people and animals. I knew as a child that I would become a nurse and did so at the age of nineteen when I became a Licensed Practical Nurse and later a Registered Nurse. I treat my Patients with dignity and respect. I think of how I would want my family members treated if they were ill. I believe that everyone has a "voice" and the need to express themselves and I encourage my patients to do so. I believe that nursing is a form of missionary work.
Debra Pierce, RN - Christian Ethics Class
I am a person –
DeleteUnique, precious and unrepeatable in worth.
I also inhabit a world of other human persons who are
Unique, precious and unrepeatable in worth.
As a person, I expect to be treated as a subject,
Not an object.
I am an end in myself,
Not merely a means to someone else’s end.
I will not allow myself to be used;
Nor will I tolerate abuse.
I will respect my body
As well as the bodies of other human persons.
I will not undermine the dignity of another human being;
Because, in doing so, I undermine my own dignity.
I will not label others in dehumanizing terms,
Because persons are infinitely more
Than all labels, classifications or categories.
Except in the context of appropriate humor,
I will not take others "lightly,"
Negating their inestimable value as human persons.
I will not reduce my humanity to a color.
Hence, I am not, first, a white person.
Rather, I am a person who is white.
Nor will I reduce my humanity to a function.
Hence, I am not, first, a teacher.
Rather, I am a person who teaches.
Therefore, I am valuable, first and foremost,
Because of who I am, not what I do.
I am someone, not something;
a "who," not a "what;"
begotten, not made.
I am a person.
Rev. Lent,
I agree with how in your righting you refer to people as human beings not classified by color or function. I also tend to see myself as an equal to everyone else regardless of our differences in color, income or job. I became a nurse because I felt that it was God’s purpose for my life. I love to care for all of my patients as if they were a part of my family because in a sense I feel as if they are. I do not discriminate towards any of my patients and I find joy in caring for their problems or illness. I love to see the smile on people’s faces when I do something for them. I do not see myself as a nurse, but as a person who enjoys caring for all of God’s children. I feel as if during my occupation I am serving God as well as my patients. I feel that I am pleasing Him by providing aid to those who need it. I see myself as a simple person and I do not hold myself higher than any other person.
Mark,
ReplyDeleteThank you for being you! That, in a nutshell, is personalism.
Dr. Lent
Rev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this credo, and the beginning spoke to me on terms of self-respect, equality, and respect for others. Being aware of your surroundings and the people that inhabit it, rather than seeing them as objects or things that can be easily moved, that was a specific part I found extremely inspirational.
As an Exercise Science major concentration in occupational therapy, I found this credo relatable and applicable to my life and career. With patients, and athletes that I will be working for I have to be able to understand the person and view them that way as well before labeling them or putting them in a certain category because of a potential injury or illness they may have.
I also have some experience working with children with special needs, and the biggest thing we have to stress to people is that the person always comes before the disease. This is why it would be a child with autism and not an autistic child. Viewing the child or person as they rightfully deserve just like any other person or human being. The lessons that can be pulled from this credo, I think, can be applied to everyone’s life.
Katherine Morris
ExS ‘16
As a young man in my last year of college, there is a main stereotype surrounding me. My characteristics lead one to think I am only concerned with drinking. This could not be further from the truth, considering my mother is a recovering alcoholic. I must watch my drinking because of alcoholism in my family therefore I break this stereotype. My ability to break this stereotype makes me unique from others and makes me not worthy of labels. I am not repeatable because nobody else can be Rodrigo Alonso Rodriguez III.
ReplyDelete-Rodrigo Rodriguez
Rodrigo,
DeleteYou are not a stereotype; rather, you are you. That is one of my points in the credo, as you rightly note.
Congratulation, then, on being you!
Timothy Lent
Rev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteThis credo was absolutely breathtaking. My first time through reading it through, I felt that although the concept is a great idea, it would be difficult to suddenly value yourself and see yourself as "unique, precious and unrepeatable in worth." However, after re-reading this a few times, I believe the best way to truly respect yourself and view yourself as a "who" and not a "what" is to look at all other people around world and view them as a "who" and not a "what" and see them as "unique, precious and unrepeatable in worth" too. This, I feel, would generate a wave of self-value and worth around the world that would transcend into how we would then treat one another.
Mallory
Ethics 2050-005
Mallory,
DeleteI like your emphasis on interpreting the credo in terms of seeing others as "'unique, precious and unrepeatable in worth.'" That is a noteworthy comment, because the credo applies to viewing others, as well as ourselves, as human persons.
Keep up the good work of being you!
Timothy Lent
Dear Revered Lent,
ReplyDeleteFor me, this serves as a simple reminder of how important we all are. It reminds us of our worth, and reminds us to believe in ourselves and cherish our existence. Sometimes, it is hard to see our own self-importance, and we believe it more when someone tells us. It keeps our focus on what is important-- our dignity, our worth, our uniqueness. We should all live by these words and believe them.
Thank you for this message.
Catherine
Ethics 2050-005
Catherine,
ReplyDeleteI do, indeed, agree with your personalist insights, especially your stress on the human person's "dignity" and "uniqueness."
Thanks for posting your comments and, even more importantly, thank you for being you!
Timothy Lent
Rev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great reminder to the importance every human's value. Often times we focus on differences between each other or even our own faults that we fail to see the inherent value in both our own and everyone's life. We often lose our sense of value, under the assumption that we can be replaced but only objects and labor can be replaced, nobody can replace our very person.
Kevin
Ethics 2050-011
Kevin,
DeleteI enjoyed reading your post, particularly, "only objects and labor can be replaced, nobody can replace our very person."
Here is, perhaps, another way to paraphrase the credo:
Although there are billions of human beings in the world, I am I, myself, not another self. I am, then, somebody, someone. No one can take the place of me, because no one can be me. My life is unique, because it has been given to me, not someone else. Therefore, I have a unique meaning in life and I am responsible for finding and fulfilling that meaning.
Thank you, Kevin, for being Kevin! Keep up the good work of being you!
Timothy Lent
Reverend Lent,
ReplyDeleteIt's a strange removal from business school to read a blog like this. In my classes, you learn to see people as labor or roles. You only see people as "interns" or "CEO," and sometimes it is hard to remember that the CEO isn't better than the intern, even though he makes more money or has a more prestigious role in the company. Thank you for reminding me that I'm not worthless just because I'm not what I feel society expects me to be.
Vivian Lu
Vivian,
DeleteI love your comments, especially the personalist insight "that I'm not worthless just because I'm not what I feel society expects me to be."
You are absolutely, unequivocally and categorically not worthless, because you are a person and in all creation, nothing is more valuable than a person.
You were made to be you, a human person. If that were not the case, then you would not be alive and, hence, not be you. However, you are, indeed, alive. Therefore, celebrate the unique gift of being you!
Timothy Lent
Timothy Lent
Reverend Lent,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your perspective on personalism. Like you, I feel that personalism focuses on how the individual makes the world better. The unique qualities of every human being should be celebrated and accepted. There are definitely aspects of our society that conform us to believe we need to act or look a certain way. I believe this goes against personalism because in doing this, we are suppressing the qualities that make us uniquely us, which unfortunately makes us view our differences in a negative way. Instead we must view these differences as those things which make us human. Without them we lose the individuality associated with being human. My main take away from personalism is to not be afraid of who you are and to celebrate everyone's unique qualities because that is what makes us individuals.
-Emily Camire
Emily,
DeleteYou are right! The credo is not only about celebrating one's unique, unrepeatable worth as a person but also the unrepeatable value of other human persons. To paraphrase Gabriel Marcel, "I" only become fully "I" in relation to "you," that is, another person.
Timothy Lent
Rev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the fresh perspective you provide in your credo. It's not hard to find a person who says the things you write, but it is hard to find someone who lives their life the same way. I believe that you are one of these people. From your lectures in class where you are always telling us about your mistakes and what you learned from them, I can honestly say that if nothing else you are not afraid of being "human."
-Ken Homan
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteKen,
DeleteThank you! The reason that I am "not afraid of being 'human'" is that I am, in fact, human. Being human is not only an ontological fact, a way of a person's "being in the world," to quote Heidegger, but also an experience. Thus, while acknowledging the fact that I am a "human being," I also admit that I am a "human becoming," an ever-changing, evolving human person. In other words, a person "creates" himself or herself by his or her choices and moral acts, thus, forming a certain kind of being or "character."
As a person, then, I both do and don't make mistakes. However, make no mistake about this: You, Ken, are no mistake! You are the unique manifestation of you in the world, because only you can be you. In other words, you are, in a very real sense, your own person. Congratulations, therefore, on being you!
Timothy Lent
Rev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the fresh perspective you provide in your credo. It's not hard to find a person who says the things you write, but it is hard to find someone who lives their life the same way. I believe that you are one of these people. From your lectures in class where you are always telling us about your mistakes and what you learned from them, I can honestly say that if nothing else you are not afraid of being "human."
-Ken Homan
Rev Lent,
ReplyDeleteThis credo allowed me to see the complexity and challenge of creating and maintaining a society in which all persons have the right to create a living for themselves while not impeding on the rights of others. It reminds me of the United State's preamble in the Constitution that calls on the document to form a "more perfect Union." Such a task is a daunting one and any possibility of a utopia is a daunting one. The credo also simplifies and makes clearer what we as all humans should recognize in one another. It is a mindset that can be practiced everyday regardless of where we are; as long as we do not raise ourselves above a stranger, we can make the goal of a utopia one step closer
- Joe Dengler
Joes,
DeleteThanks for your post, especially pointing out that the credo "is a mindset." Indeed, it is a mindset, a philosophy of life or basic attitude toward human persons, regardless of their race, religion, gender, political affiliations and nationality.
I respect your ideal of personalism as a utopia in human relationships. However, because of the essential "woundedness" of the human person, mainly due to "the Fall," I don't think a utopia is attainable. Nevertheless, striving toward humanizing the world is a noteworthy aspiration, a life-changing ideal, and can even, in many respects, become a reality.
Timothy Lent
Rev Lent,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your statement saying, "I expect to be treated as a subject, not an object." I witness people being treated as objects instead of subjects far too often. We, as human beings, often undervalue each other and do not fully appreciate those around us until they are gone. Individuals are irreplaceable and your credo really addresses that well. Human life is the most valuable commodity on Earth and we must treat it as such.
-Kyle La Fronz
I thought when you mentioned that I am a human being and I am defined by who I am and not what I do was great. It really spoke to me because its hard not to see yourself and others as what they do.
ReplyDeleteMr. Lewis,
DeleteYou are, first, you, not what you do. In other words, "being" a person is more important than his or her occupation, that is, what he or she does. If that were not true, then when a person can no longer "do," that is, function the way he or she once did, then he she would not longer "be," that is, have value. There is even a term for such a philosophy, which is "functionalism." Unfortunately, either consciously or unconsciously, many Americans subscribe to functionalism, stressing the extrinsic value of "doing" over the intrinsic or inherent (in the being itself) value of a person.
Of course, there is a functional dignity to a person, which is finding meaning in what I do. But that is always secondary to ontological dignity, that is, knowing my value in being a person.
Timothy Lent
Dr. Lent,
ReplyDeleteThis credo definitively joins our class discussions and the ideas from the reading, while incorporating elements of religion. During Fall Break, I will not take my family members "lightly" and will appreciate the gifts that they have brought and continue to bring to my life. I will recognize their value and dignity as human beings and enjoy the time that we have together.
-Ronnie Abbazio, Villanova University
Rev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteI thought it was interesting that your poem begins with such a simple statement: "I am a person." As I read through the poem, however, I realized that to be a person is not no simple. In your words, it is to be unique, precious, unrepeatable in worth, valued, respected, and dignified. I thought it was great how you concluded the poem with the same simple phrase. To me, it showed the complexity and depth that lies behind the words "I am a person," showing how a person is not an object, but a subject. I really enjoyed this piece of writing.
Thank you.
Joelle Abi-Nader
Rev. Lent,
ReplyDelete“A Personalist Credo” spoke volumes to me, from the beginning to the end. As people of society, we unintentionally may speak of other people as objects, instead of subjects. This is especially common when speaking of a person’s race, which should be mentioned second, as you mentioned in the credo. It is something that we need to work on together as a society, in order to create a healthier and less offensive environment that is racially diverse. Also, this credo reminded me of the importance of my family and friends—they add incredible value to my life that sometimes I take for granted. I will promptly admire and value them because of who they are, not what they do.
Brittany Kokoszka
Villanova University
Rev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteI think these words have value on so many levels. It's sad that we live in a world where racism, sexism, ignorance and hate exist. However, if we accepted that those of all skin types, genders, ans orientations are all human, and deserve the right to life and fair treatment, we could help make this world a better place. This year we have seen so many acts of violence and hate, especially in the cases of racism and police brutality. What it really comes down to is this: not all people who are black are criminals. Not all people officers are racist or brutal. However, what they all are is people. Therefore, they all deserve fair treatment and the right to live. We cannot let the actions of a troubled few stand for all members of that group. This concept is inherently where racism and prejudice stem from. Essentially, there is truly only one group of people, for being human is the most important trait, along with all the rights that come with it.
Ciara Baisley
Villanova University
Rev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteI really like how in this you not only referred to yourself as a person who is unique, unrepeatable, and precious in worth, but also reminded everyone that every single human being has these qualities as well. Sometimes it is difficult when we have negative interactions with other people who we don't know very well to remind ourselves that these are unique individuals who probably just have something bad going on in their life. We have to remind ourselves that they too are human beings worthy of the upmost respect and kindness, no matter the interaction. It is a difficult thing to do, but definitely one of the most worthwhile and rewarding.
Julia Barnett
Villanova University
Dr. Lent,
ReplyDelete"A Personalist Credo" is very beautifully written. It speaks volumes, and has so much meaning to us as human beings. I especially like how you state that human beings are "unique, precious and unrepeatable in worth. Many times patients are defined as a room number, or a diagnosis. This defines someone as an object, and not a subject. I am fortunate as a home care nurse, that I get to know the "whole" person. I see many patients at the end of their lives. I love to hear their history, and some of their amazing accomplishments that they have achieved. Many elderly people are forgotten, but they have some wonderful stories to share, if we just take the time to listen. Nurses should read this credo frequently to remind of of how each and every person that we touch is unique, and precious in their own way. Thank you.
Kathy Nassar
Immaculata University
Rev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteThe first thing I noticed in "A Personalist Credo" is the repetition of the word "I" at the beginning of each thought. This sets the stage for the focus of the credo by giving each reader the first person when reading. I believe this tactic emphasizes the power and subjectivity of a human being. Now, looking at the content of the credo, I like the way you open with the first few lines. You state that we are unique, precious, and unrepeatable. Three powerful descriptive words that combine to mean only one thing: that I am "I" and no one else is me, and I am no one else. Another part of the credo that I like is when you say, "I am valuable, first and foremost, because of who I am, not what I do." In a competitive world, it seems that everyone is trying to be the best at a certain task, job, sport, etc. We are picked based on what we do in a certain situation, and how it compares to everyone else who is competing. However, in a wider perspective, I would suggest that we are picked to be on this earth because of who are. God made me in his creation, and I am the only creation that is exactly like my creation. God's creation puts value in the whole being, rather than just what I am able to do. This is what makes me a human being. Overall, this is a beautiful piece of writing, that describes and humanizes the human being. I am happy that I have the pleasure of reading this. Thank you Rev. Lent.
Bradley Gelder
Villanova University
I seek to treat the person, not the disease. This my personalist credo applied to nursing. My nursing philosophy is rooted in Holism
ReplyDeleteMuhammad Shah
Immaculata University
I appreciate the sentiment of this piece and believe that it is relevant to all human beings. In class, we talk deeply about the portion of this document where it is written "I expect to be treated as a subject, not an object." This is the central idea of this credo, since a person can not truly have respect for her body or her peers or her purpose if she does not see herself as a subject. I appreciate this message wholeheartedly. Moreover, when I read this credo it reminds me of the biblical passage (Exodus 3:14) where God says to Moses, "I am who I am". In this moment, God is articulating all that He is by just stating that He "is". If we as God's children are made in his image and likeness, then we should strive to protect our existence as beings who ARE. This credo, as well as the biblical passage, is a reminder to us all to define ourselves as subjects first and to protect our dignity as well as the inherent human dignity of others. I understand this message both academically and spiritually and I think this credo has a definitive place in an ethics education.
ReplyDelete-Madeline Shiley
Villanova University
This post meant a lot to me in the regards of the common quote "Never judge a book by its cover" in the sense that to dehumanize a person or label them as anything less than what they are is to disrespect their character and everything they've worked to achieve. This post to me said one word in bold and that was: RESPECT. Not only respect for yourself, but for others as well. To judge someone on their appearance, their profession, their past achievements, who they associate themselves with, etc is wrong. You must get to know someone, and understand their thought processes to know why they make the decisions they do. Then and only then will you understand the true content of someones character. To judge them anything less than their personality alone is wrong, because not giving them the fair chance to be respected is ignorant. We as humans are not something, but we are SOMEONE, and that's one of the most important things that I've taken away from this post. People should respect others just as they would expect others to respect them. Everyone deserves an equal chance to be heard, and an equal chance to make a difference. So to deny someone that opportunity because of an irrelevant factor such as appearance, social status, or economic status is wrong. We are all humans, and we are all equal.
ReplyDeleteRobert Rolle
Villanova University '18
Dr. Lent (Ethics Course)
One particular aspect of this credo that truly resonated with me was the emphasis on the person coming before the label. Unfortunately -- more often than not – in today’s society, people are very quick to place labels on others. Whether it be for malevolent purposes or just mere description, labels are placed on people to convey who they are. However, labels never truly describe a ‘who,’ but rather a ‘what.’ I truly admire that personalism focuses on the ‘who’ of the individual instead of the ‘what’ of the individual. One cannot know who a person truly is based on the person’s occupation, experiences, appearance, dialect, etc.…One can only gauge another by truly getting to know and building a connection with the individual on a personal level. Actually, one of the main reasons I enjoy this course of Ethics is because you, Rev. Lent, show that you care for us as humans, and not just students of yours. If more people embodied the ideals of personalism and treated others as whos and not whats, the world would become a much better and more wholesome place.
ReplyDeleteMitchell Berrang
Villanova University
As a self-professed perfectionist, performing well academically has always been my determination. In high school, I wanted to be at the top of my class. During my first two years at Villanova, I stove to maintain as close to a 4.0 as I possibly could. Now, this semester, I’ve struggled to get the grades I want for what seems like the very first time-and it’s been emotionally taxing. I’m uncomfortable with admitting it, but I attached my self-worth to my GPA. But, as you often remind us in class, we are not our GPA’s. I’m not a numerical value, nor am I accolades… awards… recognition. My self-worth comes from the fact that I am a human person, that I possess being. A bad test grade will never be able to detract from that. It’s going to take a while to rid myself of a philosophy that has been ingrained in my head, but I will do my best to take on a personalist credo.
ReplyDeleteCara Mathers
Villanova University
Two parts of your credo really stood out to me. Within the first few lines was the phrase “unique, precious, and unrepeatable in worth,” and this was used to describe both oneself and everyone else in the world. This stood out to me, for in today’s world I feel that too many people are self-centered and do not want to be bothered by anyone else’s needs. However, in reality, no one is more important than anyone else, and we are all worthy of love and life, and I though those first few lines summed that up very well. The second part that really spoke was the line “I will not reduce my humanity” followed by the couple of examples. Another issue I think is present in today’s society is that we are quick to pin labels upon others, or see others solely for their appearance, not for who they are as a human. We might be quick to describe someone as “That guy in the glasses” or “That tall engineer kid,” but that person has a name, a passion, emotions, and so much more that goes beyond what is displayed on the outside. I feel that if everyone treats human beings as human beings, or treats everyone as they would like to be treated, as this credo sums up, the world would be a much better place.
ReplyDeleteLiam Trimble
Dr. Lent,
ReplyDeleteThis article serves as an excellent reminder that everyone should be treated with respect. No matter what position you hold in life, from the CEO down to the janitor, we are all human beings. We all have value in life and play a critical role in this world.
-Mike E, Immaculata University
Your credo really speaks to me. I think that if people were able to see the world and other humans from your perspective, there would be so much good in the world. Sometimes we forget the fact that we are all human. We sometimes even forget that we ourselves are human. We should learn to see the worth of other people and ourselves. I really liked the lines, "because persons are infinitely more than all labels, classifications or categories." We always try to label and place ourselves and other people into boxes and we judge each other for being in those boxes. However, we should see each other as unique humans who are not worth the value of their labels. I hope that I can share this view with other people in my life so that they can understand other people's worth and their own worth.
ReplyDelete- Saya D, Villanova
Saya,
DeleteI will miss you at Villanova; not only because you are a good student, but also - and even more importantly - because you are you! Thank you, then, for being you. Keep that up, that is, keep up the good work of being you!
Dr. Timothy Lent
Rev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteI really love this credo, and I think it captures what being a human person means in a well-written, yet easy to understand way. I particularly like the part that states, "I will not label others in dehumanizing terms, because persons are infinitely more
than all labels, classifications or categories." I feel that as a nurse, this is an especially important point to remember and put into practice every day. We talked in class about how nurses or other medical professionals will often refer to patients by the room number that they are in, forgetting that they are talking about a human being. This line from your credo reminds us in doing so, we are dehumanizing people and not treating them with the value and dignity they are worth. Thank you for this beautiful credo!
-Anna Dougherty, Gwynedd Mercy University
Rev Lent,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with this credo. I know that human being can never be perfect but if 89% of the world population could be defined as this credo; this world will be a better and safest place.
Human person can never be satisfied with your action. I like it when you say “I will not allow myself to be used; nor will I tolerate abuse”. Some people will take your tolerance to being dumb and outspoken to being aggressive. You can never satisfy anyone.
It surprised me when you make someone priority but you are option to the person.
As I finished reading this credo; I wondered how one can satisfy Human person.
- Uduak Amusa, Gwynedd Mercy University
I really enjoyed reading this credo Reverend Lent. I feel that this is a very important message to continue to read. As a student preparing to embark upon a journey of nursing, I see many times in the hospital, patients being treated as work rather than human people. From time to time we remind ourselves that "this could be my grandmother, father, brother, etc." However, I think instead of only finding resolution in treating those with love and respect after thinking they could be someone of relation to you, and just treat people with love and respect always, even strangers, no matter the condition of their health.
ReplyDeleteLauren Sparich, Gwynedd Mercy University
Rev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteI truly enjoyed reading your credo, as I feel that you successfully captured what it takes to not only be human, but to live in an image of God; 'Imago Dei.' Human beings, as you have stated, definitely are "unique, precious and unrepeatable in worth." I think it's important that as a society we take this into account; that at the end of the day, no matter what gender, sex, race, social class, or religion you are, we are all humans.
Being a nursing major, this fact holds true when caring for patients. It is important and essential to look at all beings as persons, not objects. In order to provide the best care, we must not "undermine the dignity of another human being."
I agree with you that all humans hold value to themselves, but we should never forget our own value.
Thank you for helping me realize my worth; for shining a spotlight on the fact that I live as an image of God.
I am not, first, a student.
Rather, I am a person who learns.
I am not, first, a nursing major.
Rather, I am a person who strives to one day be a great nurse.
I have truly appreciated your outlook on the world. It has opened my eye immensely. Thank you
Hi Rev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog post because it has so much meaning behind it. I particularly love the part that states, "As a person, I expect to be treated as a subject, not an object." It spoke to me not only as a college student or student nurse but as a "person" first and that we all play a critical role in this world. God created us in His image and therefore we all are made equally and loved. Secondly, I liked the part, "I will not undermine the dignity of another human being; because, in doing so, I undermine my own dignity.I will not label others in dehumanizing terms, because persons are infinitely more than all labels, classifications or categories."
As a student nurse out in the clinical field it is an important reminder that we treat our patients with value and dignity they are worth. I feel like the problem we have in this world is that we judge too soon and love too late. Sometimes we forget to treat others with respect or as a human being yet we expect respect. Everyone should treat people the way they would want to be treated. This is a meaningful piece that I feel everyone should read and can relate to.
Thank you Rev. Lent for writing this credo.
-Tina Joseph
Gwynedd Mercy University
Rev Lent, after reading your credo it really stuck with me. We always label ourselves as what we do not as who we are as a person without even realizing it. We are first a person not a "cashier, or radiologist or teacher". As we label ourselves with what we do. We always come first as a person and have to take care of ourselves while remembering that other people are people too not labels. As I go into the radiologic technology field I am going to come across many patients and it is my job to remember them not by their labels as patients 1 or 2 or 3 but as their name and making sure I am making a difference in their life and not remembering they are also a person first just like I am.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteRev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this. My favorite line is, I also inhabit a world of other human persons who are unique, precious, and unrepeatable in worth. I believe this to be so true because all humans are precious and unique in their own way.Humans are unrepeatable in worth because God creates everyone differently and no one is created the same, and that's what makes every one unique. Throughout the Credo, you made it known what it should feel like to be a person, and as it goes on, I can tell how strongly you feel about it. I agree with this!
Sierra Forman
Rev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy reading "A Personalist Credo". It makes me understand what self worth really is and how unique each one of us is. “I will not allow myself to be used; nor will I tolerate abuse. I will respect my body as well as the bodies of other human persons.” Respecting our patients bodies and treating them with respect goes a long way. I'm currently a nursing student and I love caring for my patients and giving them my full-undivided attention. This credo have values is so many ways. Overall. It is excellent.
Thank you for sharing!
Rev. Lent,
ReplyDelete“A Personalist Credo” was terrific passage on what a credo is and how human life is so valuable. The meaning of what “A Personalist Credo” means to me is how someone believes to live life, value of others, and self-respect. An important thing to remember with personal credo for myself is to believe in yourself, do not disvalue any life lessen, and we are all different, which makes us all unique. Great example of the passage that demonstrates my understanding was, “Therefore, I am valuable, first and foremost, because of who I am, not what I do” (Lent, 2014). “A Personalist Credo” understanding of how it applies to treating other human beings is remaining true to yourself in order to treat every person equally. How could you expect to value another human’s life when you do not even respect yourself? A “Personalist Credo” applies to especially your patients because as nurses to be, we will have to put ourselves in our patient’s situations. Patients are going to feel vulnerable and the only way to help our patients to transition through recovery is to be understanding by not passing judgement for we are all human.
Jayna Blickle
Rev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteI want to thank you for this!!! "Your Personalist Credo" means so much to me as personal growth and self respect for yourself and others. As for the patients nurses encounter are all different in there own way. When you said," I will not undermine the dignity of another human being;because, in doing so, I undermine my own dignity."(lent 2014). This means so much because as nurse we can not judge someone else if we do not like being judged. It give nurses the chance to see from someone else's point of view and really understand what they are going through.
Andrea Hines
Rev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteI just want to first start off by saying you are an exceptional writer. Second, I wish the words above were words we all lived by daily. Unfortunately for all of us, we do not live by those words. We don't treat ourselves with respect first in order to treat others in the same way. I wish more than anything that we as human beings continue to grow in a positive way, continue to appreciate one another, continue to value ourselves as well as others and continue to see how amazing we truly can be. I personally know what is important to me, and I take treating others how I want to be treated very seriously. I entered the nursing field because I have an immense amount of respect and love for others and want to be a part of their care. I want to make a difference in peoples lives and touch others, even if I only get to make a difference for one person that is enough for me. I want to serve people and provide them with the best care possible. I believe we all deserve to be treated with dignity, and not as objects, but as you said above as subjects. I we will lived by your words above, the world would be a much better place.
Thank you for sharing this piece with us.
Erinda Bianchini
Rev.Lent,
ReplyDeleteA Personalist Credo is very impressive and enjoyable. This beautiful piece is saying to me that I should be myself and never devalue myself no matter what. Therefore, I am valuable, first and foremost, because of who I am, not what I do (Lent, 2014). Also, treat others as you would want others to treat you. Every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. This goes to say that I will not undermine the dignity of another human being (Lent,2014). As a nursing student, I owe it to my patients to treat them with utmost respect and dignity, to show kindness, empathy and compassion. And more importantly, I see myself as a true advocate for all my patients regardless of any situation.
Thank you for this posting!
Abimbola (Abi) Odunuyi
Rev Lent,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing this, I really enjoyed reading your own personal credo. Your message is something I believe everyone should be reminded of on a daily basis. We should not only be respectful towards others, but ourselves as well. How we treat ourselves reflects how we may treat others. Being in the nursing field, it is important to respect each and every one of your patients. You wrote, "As a person, I expect to be treated as a subject, not an object", and I believe this is so important to remember. The healthcare field can become extremely hectic at times and it is easy to get caught up in the motions. As nurses, we must remember that it is not just a patient we are caring for, it is a person. A person who is vulnerable and in need of care and help. We must acknowledge they are a real person will feelings and concerns and must address each and every one of them. One of the most important responsibilities of a nurse is to be there for their patients in any way they can. If we all listen to your words, I believe it would be a more peaceful world.
Carolynn Bacho
I love this passage, it moved me in many ways. Not only does it demonstate self respect but also respect towards others. I am going to show this is my children in hopes that they will learn it and more importantly implement this in their lives.
ReplyDeleteThis was an incredibly inspirational poem. My favorite part was when you mentioned yourself as a person first, not as a Caucasian or as a teacher, you were a human. This fact is important to remember during this period when people judge and discriminate against external traits. People try to believe that one race, gender, or religion is better, but in reality, we all matter and we are all equal because we are all human.
ReplyDelete-Alaina Chemey
Rev. Lent
ReplyDeleteThis passage opens my eyes to what it actually means to be a human. My favorite quote is "As a person, I expect to be treated as a subject,
not an object.". I find this statement very inspiration because every individual is unique. Unlike an object that is duplicated over and over again, humans have talents, flaws, goals, and feelings. Not one individual is alike, therefore, we need to take into consideration a persons though and feelings and treat people fairly. Thank you for your poem, i found it very relatable.
Rosemary
Gwynedd Mercy University student
Rev. Lent
ReplyDeleteWow, this is beautiful, these words have a lot of wisdom. It touched my heart. It’s a beautiful “advice.” of how to respect the dignity of others with compassion, and why not with love. Never treat people or say something that can hurt them emotionally instead treat them as you would like to be treated by others. The worst thing that a human being can do is to denigrate the dignity of another human being. We all have dignity, and no one can’t take it away from us. Show the good human that you are and not what you are not.
Julio Zhagnay
Gwynedd Mercy University
Dr. Lent,
ReplyDeleteI found this credo to be very unique because it is relatable to different people, it may be your personal thoughts but I have found words that you have said to hit home for me. I particularly liked "I will not allow myself to be used; nor will I tolerate abuse. I will respect my body as well as the bodies of other human persons." Sometimes in life you gain friends and then you lose them, due to them not actually being there to be friends with you but to "use" you for their own sake. I really liked how you rapped it up to be "I am a person" because sometimes people are not treated as a person but as if they're an object.
-Shanice Duckett
Wow, Rev. Lent, your Personalist credo is very eye-opening and empowering. I believe that everyone should live by this credo. Personally, I was always raised to treat others how I would want to be treated; hence, the reason why I try (because I am not perfect) not to label and dehumanize others. On the other hand, as a future nurse I believe that it is essential that we build a nurse-patient relationship, as well as, practice cultural competence. However, to accomplish these skills and healthy relationships, nurses and patients must respect one another. Therefore, patients nor nurses should not be treated as “objects”. In addition, I wonder what this world would be like if everyone respected and did not judge each others.
ReplyDelete-Latifah Wilson
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteRev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteI was reading your Personalist Credo, and I thought it was very inspiring and most of the words had a connection in my life.
Just like you said, I do believe that it is wrongful to "not to label others in dehumanizing terms" and I was taught to not discriminate others at church. As I am a christian, I remember hearing this bible verse, "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." (Genesis 1:27) and I think it really suits with the topic that people should not treated as an object, or the differential terms.
I also thought your words were remarkable when you mentioned, "Therefore, I am valuable, first and foremost, because of who I am, not what I do." because we all know that God intended to create us and purposely trying to gain the spiritual understanding of who we actually are. And this will help give us the idea of who we are and what makes us unique person.
I want to be future oncologist and/or medical dosimetrist and I believe these words "As a person, I expect to be treated as a subject,
not an object" may relate to the cancer patients that they should not be treated as an object, rather they should be treated as a person with humanity. These words came into my mind also that I should never forget as I purse to become oncologist/dosimetrist in the future.
-Jiyoon Cha
Rev Lent,
ReplyDeleteI was quite moved in reading your blog and as much as I believe I follow this personal credo in my everyday life, I believe we tend to get caught up in the pressures and demands of the workplace. Therefore, patient care may lack at times. This credo reminds me and holds true to my convictions that we must treat our ill with the utmost respect and convey empathy and understanding. In addition, I am by nature an extremely caring and empathetic person and always keep in mind that we are all the same regardless of ethnicity, status level, and religious convictions. I believe patients can feel the difference of someone who is sincere and someone who is just doing their job. Furthermore, I liked how you touched on people being classified or categorized. All patients should be viewed as a spirit who is in need of our healing and compassion and not as a label according to their net worth, status level, or employment. In healthcare, we must treat the disease and at the same time, display how worthy that person is and how we will go above and beyond to make them comfortable. I treat every patient the way I would want my mother treated. My mother passed of a terminal disease and I watched and observed closely how she was treated. I am reminded with every patient that I am treating someone's mother, loved one and a spirit. I also think to myself that I may be in their positon down the road and how would I want to be treated myself. In my experience, sometimes its not the medicine a patient needs, but time spent with them and a heart to heart conversation that can do wonders. Overall, I want my patients to feel safe and know that I will advocate for them at all times. Thank you for reminding me of how we must respect and treat the ill.
Cjay
Coleen Kiehl
The overall symmetry of the credo really resonated with me. As a nursing student, you start to feel in a way, that it is thankless and often a one sided relationship. Meaning that, you may give your patients the utmost respect and your best care, but they may turn around and disrespect you, or not appreciate the care that they are receiving. This is not the case all of the time, but it does happen pretty frequently. I don't expect every patient with whom I encounter to treat me congruently to how I treat them, however, this credo expresses not only love for others, but love for yourself and that these two things are held with equal importance. I think it is really important to be reminded of that.
ReplyDeleteRebecca Heine
Rev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteI found this to be very eye-opening and inspiring. I especially found the part where you stated, "I am someone, not something;
a "who," not a "what;", to be very empowering. At work it is easy to go about one's day treating the aliment of an individual. We must remember as you said, they are first a person, rather than a sick or injured person.
I like to believe that I treat each of my patients as people, not as the aliment which they have. As a future nurse, who will inevitability treat and encounter many individuals, I must always have this on my mind. I must always remember to treat my patients, first as a "who", not a "what".
-Brianne Flanagan
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteRev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteYour credo was very empowering and enlightening to read. Nursing is a profession where it is common to primarily put others before yourself. Although it is an amazing, selfless profession, it is easy to forget that you are not just a nurse - but a person who IS a nurse. This allowed me to reflect on the importance of taking care of yourself in a profession where you are constantly taking care of others. My favorite part of the credo was when you wrote that you will not reduce your humanity to a function. It is important to make a difference in patient's lives but to remember to make a difference and reflect upon one's own life and experiences as well. Thank you for sharing this.
-Christy Thompson
Rev Lent,
ReplyDeleteWhen people see the value in one another, that value is expressed in the way they treat one another, how they speak about one another, and how they disagree with one another. When people don’t see the value of one another, therein lies the risk of the dehumanizing objectivity referred to in “A Personalist Credo”. Focusing only on the surface of a person, and truly not even seeing the value of that.
The color of my skin is a part of my humanity, as the brownness of my skin resembles the earth, and is a type of connection to other part of the world where indigenous people live. It protects me from the sun in warm and tropical climates. So, I value my skin, but the values of a human being lives in their character, and what a person does for humanity, therefore my function is a part of my humanity, when I am truly striving to make a difference.
So, my goal in becoming a nurse isn’t simply to perform a job, to be learn everything that I can to help improve the quality of life for people, while taking steps to learn more about humanity on a whole. I would like to even take advantage of opportunities to volunteer and assist in other countries, to gain a better understanding of global cultures, and the issues in the world.
Kiel Jordan
Rev Lent,
ReplyDeleteWhen people see the value in one another, that value is expressed in the way they treat one another, how they speak about one another, and how they disagree with one another. When people don’t see the value of one another, therein lies the risk of the dehumanizing objectivity referred to in “A Personalist Credo”. Focusing only on the surface of a person, and truly not even seeing the value of that.
The color of my skin is a part of my humanity, as the brownness of my skin resembles the earth, and is a type of connection to other part of the world where indigenous people live. It protects me from the sun in warm and tropical climates. So, I value my skin, but the values of a human being lives in their character, and what a person does for humanity, therefore my function is a part of my humanity, when I am truly striving to make a difference.
So, my goal in becoming a nurse isn’t simply to perform a job, to be learn everything that I can to help improve the quality of life for people, while taking steps to learn more about humanity on a whole. I would like to even take advantage of opportunities to volunteer and assist in other countries, to gain a better understanding of global cultures, and the issues in the world.
Kiel Jordan
I agree with this and believe that as a nurse, you should treat every patient equally and with dignity. There should never be a time when one of your patients is treated differently due to race, gender, age, ethnicity, nor should they be dehumanized in any way. Patient's coming into the hospital need our care, just as if we, ourselves, were entering the hospital for care.It is important to treat others with respect, but it is equally important to treat yourself with respect and take care of yourself so that you may provide the best possible care.
ReplyDeleteRev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteI really liked the way you described who a person is and how that person should be treated, not only by themselves, but by others around them. Your statement “as a person, I expect to be treated as a subject, not an object” is really important to me. As nurses this is exactly how we try to treat our patients. We approach our patient’s everyday as individuals and not objects. By following these principles in your writing, we as nurses will be able to provide the best possible care.
-Logan Kempney
Rev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this post and felt that it is an excellent reminder to always respect each other and treat every individual with the respect and dignity that they deserve. In the nursing profession I feel that some can forget that they are treating individual human beings and can sometimes see it as a task to be done. This can not only be dehumanizing to the patient but can also become dangerous for the patient if the nurse becomes disconnected and sees the responsibilities of nursing as a chore. Nurses must show compassion for others and help those in uncomfortable and vulnerable situations and they must do so while keeping the patient’s fragile ego in tact. Nurses must be advocates for their patient’s emotional as well as physical well-being. This credo helps to remind us to treat ourselves, as well as others as human beings, with the utmost respect.
-Alexandra Worth
Rev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteThe piece you have written will be a reminder that I will carry with me throughout my entire nursing career. I particularly enjoyed the way you used your words that jumped out at me through the page. Respect, worth, person, and subject to name a few. Emphasizing that every person is unique and is worthy to this world helps remind nurses that the patients we are taking care of are more than gathering vital signs, and reviewing labs, but they are people that need to be treated with respect. I also really liked how you integrated that we must respect ourselves in order to also treat others with respect. I think that is an important point that we often over look.
-Brianna Cwenar
Rev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteWhile working with patients with disabilities, it is so important to value everyone’s lives and to see the patient as a person. Many of my patients doubt their self-worth by what they cannot do. It's so difficult for them to see how important they are and what they bring to the world. I will be definitely share this with my patients because I hope they will be inspired and see the truth as I did.
-Annie Chan
Rev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteIn healthcare we deal with all different people from different age groups, different religions, people in poverty to those who are more fortunate, the list goes on and on. I think it is incredibly important for us to get to know our patients as well as possible to be able to address their care in a personalized manner. I believe this starts by addressing the patient the way he or she would like to be addressed. Maybe they are a doctor, maybe they do not go by their birth name, maybe they prefer a nickname. This is just the beginning of getting to know our patients but is a crucial part of the nurse-patient relationship.
Lisa Fischer
Dear Reverend Lent,
ReplyDeleteThis credo reminded me of the importance of all of the other class materials we have been studying this week. The importance of ethical principles can be identified throughout this piece in an abstract and interpretative way. I believe that the credo was successful in declaring the importance of autonomy and treating everyone equally. No one should ever be treated as an object and in order to avoid viewing them as objects we need to concentrate and fine tune the ways in which we address and treat them in the clinical setting. The notion that we have to respect ourselves first before we can respect, treat, and be sensitive towards others is something that a wholeheartedly agree with and is something that we are taught over and over again within the classroom at GMU. We must evaluate ourselves and our potential areas of bias before we can craft a culturally competent care style. In order to correctly advocate and care for our patient, we must be able to identify how we can make them always feel comfortable and confident in the ways they identify themselves.
Dear Rev Lent,
ReplyDeleteThe personalist credo was very influential to me because people can get wrapped up in a title but lose the factor that their themselves are humans. The credo point about respect and dignity means so much more today then ever before especially for the youth. They have to learn to respect themselves and others. I agree with the whole credo basically pointing out that you should treat people how you want to be treated while also not accepting abuse from others. In addition we must self-evaluate our own standards and what we call ourselves. Like Rev Lent said, "I am someone not something, I am a person who teaches rather than a teacher". Others can judge and criticize you according to what you do but not who you are, look at the court systems. I am not saying everyone is perfect but we should be looking at individual face to face not from information on the paper. For an example, during morning report as nurses in the hospital it would be wise to visit the person first rather than get the objective data of the report according to the credo. The credo is well written and concise looking forward to reading more!
Azaria Middleton-Bey
Rev. Lent,
ReplyDelete"The Personalist Credo" serves as reminder to us that every single person is a unique individual who is worthy of our respect. When working with people is your job and you work with hundreds upon hundreds in a given year, it is easy to see people as a means to your end; deal with one and move onto the next so you can get paid and go home. However, this poem reminds us that each person is unique and should be treated with respect, understanding, and a plethora of patience that you would hope to be shown if the roles were reversed. As a nurse, our job description may include treating and educating patients, but as a good nurse, our job is first and foremost to build a rapport with the patient. The easiest way to build that rapport is to recognize them each as precious human beings who are unrepeatable in worth and to treat them with all the dignity and respect that they deserve. I will try to never view people as my job and therefore, never see them as a means to my end. Thank you for sharing this credo with me, I hope to carry the lesson into my nursing career.
Nick Dolhancryk
Hi Dr. Lent,
ReplyDeleteThis is such a beautifully written piece. The line "Hence, I am not, first, a teacher. Rather, I am a person who teaches" really stuck with me. We are not defined by our occupations, rather, the nature of the occupations we choose to pursue reflect who we are as individuals.
I am not, first a nurse. Rather, a person who is dedicated to caring for others. In regards to the individuals I care for - They are not first, patients, or sick people. Rather, individuals suffering from an illness.
Thank you for sharing.
Kelly Golden
"Hence, I am not, first, a white person.
ReplyDeleteRather, I am a person who is white.
Nor will I reduce my humanity to a function.
Hence, I am not, first, a teacher.
Rather, I am a person who teaches.
Therefore, I am valuable, first and foremost,
because of who I am, not what I do.
I am someone, not something;
a "who," not a "what;"
begotten, not made.
I am a person."
Rev. Lent
This whole last part of your writing resonated with me a lot because it seems as if recently people have been using color to identify themselves and it has been used to try to divide us as humans. I think it's important to know that even though we may not look the same because of the color of our skin but our souls as humans are alike. We are compassionate, caring, and understanding creatures and we need to stop focusing so much on the color of our skin, rather how we portray our souls. I may be a nursing student, but I am not just a nursing student. I am taking all the knowledge that I have and putting it towards helping to people who come to me during their worst and sickest times in their life.
Lena Kinzinger
I worked in an ER for many many many many years. I think we all start out with this optimistic view of working at the hospital but it's hard to keep it after awhile. The hospital has this way of grinding you down to your basic work functions if you let it. After 15 hour work day, sometimes its hard not to see people as a bag of problems you have to deal with. But after some time off it comes back a little, it's just about keeping a good outlook on the patients and not letting the hard ones get to you.
ReplyDeleteJohn David Licus(your new class for summer 2 2017)
Wow. I am in awe. These are truly words to live by. Can you even imagine a world where everyone lived by a credo such as this? I guess that would be pretty close to heaven on earth. There would be no need for oaths or codes to guide us in medicine or in life. I know people(more than a few) in medicine who should keep a copy in their pocket and read it every day before assuming patient care. I for one have printed it out for future inspiration and support if I should ever feel anything but caring and compassion for the people whose lives I have been entrusted to care for.
ReplyDeleteElaine Martorano RS231 OL
I feel like this credo is the reason as to why we become nurses! As nurses, we truly must care for every single one of our patients as an individual. Patients may have the same diagnosis, BUT that could be the only similar thing about them...everything else is unique. Their circumstances will not be the same as anyone else's. I feel like as nurses we cannot forget this as we go through our daily responsibilities. Our days may be long and we may have our own issues going on in our lives, but we have to remember that we must put our patients first. We step into the hospital, clinic, or whatever health care setting, and nothing else should matter at that moment other than helping our patients and treating them as an individual.
ReplyDeleteChandler Kraus RS231_POL2
For sometime now I have been trying to think similarly to this credo. Honestly, it is very difficult to do because of the society and culture I was raised in. But now, this type of thinking has really broadened my perspective on myself and others and will be especially helpful when I become a nurse. Looking at the person as just that, brings humanity back into medicine and nursing. While we are trained to be caring and compassionate, we are also trained to be almost mechanical in thinking. Thinking that a person is a patient instead of just patient brings humanity back. Another example would be diabetes. We often address those people as a diabetic, when I should think of them as a person who has diabetes. We are all people first, and as such, we are human. Humans make mistakes, but it is important to recognize these mistakes and change our ways. As nurses this is even more important to not stigmatize a patient and continue to show the compassion and care and knowledge we have in a way that still makes patients know they are people.
ReplyDeleteAlexis Maniscalco RS231_POL2
When talking about words to live by, I truly cannot think of a better representation than the beautiful words you have chosen to describe a person. It is not always so easy to overlook the labels, race, and many aspects society these days has put into many minds, especially in the healthcare system. As a nurse it means doing your overall best to put your patients first regardless of who they are or what they believe in; it is our job to put their health above all other aspects. I will definitely keep this in mind when I am working in the real world soon. Thank you for sharing your words with all of us, it really is eye opening and refreshing to read!
ReplyDeleteMichaela Wyatt RS 231 OL
Personalist Credo
ReplyDeleteI will seek to provide comfort, encouragement, as well as advocate for my patients on their behalf. I will look past cultural differences and be aware of my own biases; recognizing how they may hinder the nurse-patient relationship and in turn, be harmful toward the promotion of health. I will be considerate, and respectful, of my patients’ values, and honor their wishes, even if they are different then my own. I will remember that they too are individuals with feelings, thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. To respect their opinions and validate their feelings, regardless of my own views. I will provide a holistic approach to my patients and seek to nurture their mind, body, and spirit. I will demonstrate compassion toward them, as well as their families, in the attempt to achieve comfort and enhancement of overall well-being. I will provide care regardless of diagnosis, sexual orientation, age, culture, or gender. I will do my best to be nonjudgmental and to take an individualized approach with each person I encounter. I will provide them with comfort and reassurance whenever possible; but, will always be honest, no matter how difficult this may be.
~Jacki Wilson
RS-231-OL
This is a beautifully designed credo as it reminds me that despite race, religion, sex, or any other factor we as people are all bonded first and foremost as just that, human beings. So often as a society we shed a negative light on differences rather than seek out and celebrate our similarities. This is a credo all people should live by but particularly as an aspiring nurse, the line "I will not undermine the dignity of another human being; because in doing so, I undermine my own dignity" resonates with me. In order for me to live the life of fullfillment I desire I must always treat others with dignity, kindness and respect. The profession of nursing is the perfect vehicle for which I can share these gifts.
ReplyDeleteRandall Yingling RS231_POL2
After reading " A Personalist Credo" It gave me chills. Especially, "As a person, I expect to be treated as a subject, not an object". To me as a future nurse, it is our fundamental right first to see our patients as human beings rather than the disease that brought them there. This credo is something we all should live by especially, in nursing where we are bonded with our patients to provide best standard of care and ultimate well being of the patient. In addition, to have compassion, dignity, and utmost respect to our patients. Overall, I think it is important to remember that we all are human beings and no one is superior than the other and that under God's eye we are all created equal and should show respect to one another.
ReplyDeleteMomodou Ceesay
RS-231-OL
The biggest lesson I feel this Credo is stressing is that everyone is of the same cloth first and foremost. That lesson shows that although everyone may have their specific interest, careers, skin colors, or religion. We are all first and foremost humans before all else, and as a result the house an innate unity through that. This Credo also promotes self-identity, recognizing that you as an individual is also very important and that you should be proud of that, expressing and receiving no more or less than what you rightfully deserve. While in the same breath, you should also recognize that other people are just as important as you are, and that you should treat others with the same amount of integrity and support of belief, as you would expect someone to do for yourself.
ReplyDeleteQuyntyn Gaston
RS-231-OL
I really liked reading your blog. Your words can be inspiring and so many different ways. Working in a critical care unit, sometimes it can be hard to remember that we are caring for a person rather than just treating the disease. We must remember that our patients are people with thought and feelings, not at all just being poked and prodded. I like how you said, "As a person, I expect to be treated as a subject, not an object." I think those words have a strong meaning in our society today. With social media having such a large influence on our growing generations, everyone seems to be seen as an object, when really everyone is their own book waiting to be read.
ReplyDeletePaige MacDonald
RS-231-OL
This is an awesome piece that touches upon a very important point. As a future nurse its an especially integral thing to keep in mind. We cannot look at people as a job or as the disease or illness that brought them in there but rather a person with feelings and loved ones that care about them. Being able to have compassion and see people for what they are is going to be something that I strive to practice everyday in my career as a nurse.
ReplyDeleteKatie Lenz
RS231_POL2
To me, this credo is a useful and beautifully written way to affirm the personhood, uniqueness, and intrinsic value of both the self and every other human. It is important as a nurse to recognize that every patient we treat, as well as those we work with, is a person. Too often, in the course of a busy shift, there is a temptation to only view a patient as only a biomechanical machine that is breaking down and that must be fixed with the appropriate inverventions, neglecting the patient as a person. Additionally, this credo reminds us that every person has value and inherent dignity that must be respected; no matter the choices they have made and the circumstances in which they live they deserve the best care we can give them.
ReplyDeleteHello Rev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteI read your blog named, A Personality Credo. It moved me to think how people define themselves by what they do and where they are at in life at that moment. However, I try to avoid thinking of myself in that matter or my patients. During clinicals in Spring 2017, we as student nurses, were trained to interview our patients. It allows nurses to see and describe the patient as more than a sick person in a bed. The patient in the bed typically do not want to be there, however for some reason they are seeking assistance during a vulnerable time in their life. Being vulnerable is more of a reason to respect your patients, treat them with dignity and provide privacy. At times, people get so focused on their own needs and goals causing them to forget about how a patient/another person may feel. I believe that society has lowered their compassion towards others and has become self-absorbed. We, as society need to return to a place where life and people are more valuable then replaceable objects.
Rasheedah Davis
RS 231-OL
This credo can be perfectly applied to the nursing profession. It discusses how we are people who deserve dignity and respect. After reading, I immediately thought of the "Golden Rule" (do unto others as you would have them do unto you). Once you apply this credo to yourself, you must apply it to others as well. It is a great guide to use when interacting with patients - they are not sick people; they are people who are sick.
ReplyDeleteKimberly Day
RS 231-OL
ReplyDeleteProfessor Lent,
I enjoyed your writing and thought it spoke to me on many levels. First, I thought one of the themes of the piece was to treat all people respectfully. Also to treat people how you would want to be treated. This applies to treating patients as a nurse. A nurse must remember that a patient is more than just numbers or data, that they have feelings and need to be treated with respect. I think your writing piece is important piece to remember when practicing medicine but could also be applied to everyday life.
Cody Mullen RS-231-OL
"A Personalist Credo" highlights the main points of being a human and how important it is to view others as human beings first. We live is a world made up of a melting pot of ideas, ideals, viewpoints, appearances, and love. It is important to treat others the way we would like to be treated, by putting our humanity first and foremost. This can be related to nursing as our patients deserve the best quality of care that we can provide - every single patient. When a patient comes in for care they need to be seen as a human being who needs our assistance, our help, our care. We are there to support them, care for them, and advocate for them as fellow human beings first. As you have stated in this piece, "persons are infinitely more
ReplyDeletethan all labels, classifications or categories." They are a "'who', not a 'what'." We are unprejudiced in care.
Ann Sanchez RS231 POL2
To me, this credo illustrates the meaning of the individual and the profound connection between individuals that strengthens humanity. One of the most important responsibilities of being a person is recognizing the worth and dignity of all humans, regardless of creed, race, religion or any other factors. This is especially vital in healthcare professions, where nurses and physicians treat people’s illnesses and strive to bring heath to them. Not only does this necessitate having knowledge about a person’s medical condition, but also having an open mind and understanding attitude in order to treat all patients with the dignity they deserve, as they are humans just like us. This is partly why I chose the nursing profession as my career path. I want to help people and discover myself along the way and learn how to be a human who sees the humanity in other people.
ReplyDeleteElvira Belova RS 231 OL
Professor Lent,
ReplyDeleteI thought this was a great credo to share because there are aspects everyone can relate to with the central lesson being we are all people first. For me, this is a reminder to always acknowledge patients as a person and not to dehumanize or reduce them to a chart, room number, disease, or disorder. It has become so commonplace in many settings to refer to patients this way, but in instances when patient’s do not want their names used (for various personal reasons) it becomes more difficult not to revert to using room numbers or diseases to identify them.
I also think it is easier to be kind and treat others with respect when you know your own self worth first. You must first learn to love and respect yourself before you can give that same respect to someone else who will be completely different than you. As a student nurse and future RN, this is going to be one of the most important parts of providing appropriate care to patients. This credo serves as a very useful reminder that we are all people and should be treated as such all the time.
Janelle Scruggs
RS 231 POL Fall2017
Dr. Lent,
ReplyDeleteI read this twice. It completely embodies and encompasses what it means to be a person and how to treat another person. For me, it completely outlines how special each person is, and therefore should be treated as such. Specifically, this will be a constant reminder of how all patients should be treated. The theme of this great credo reflects the thinking that, I am special, but not better than the next person. It is reminiscent of the saying, "do unto others as you would like them to do unto you".
So, this credo really breaks down why we should treat others with care and genuine love.
John Manning
RS 231, POL Fall 2017
This reading was extremely inspiring! It reminded me of how beautiful and unique we all are in our own special way, it does not matter what color, religion,or cultural backgrounds. We are beautifully made. When we take the time to understand and appreciate each others differences,we then see the real beauty within ourselves. One of the most important needs human desire is respect and dignity. That need does not change as a person gets older or becomes sick. As a future nurse, it is my duty to always treat my patients the same way I would care for a loved one. I will value my patients worth by providing them with compassion, honesty, and trustworthiness. These values is What I believe are the foundation of caring.
ReplyDeleteAs a nursing student, this spoke to me as a a reminder that the patients we have are each individuals with their own stories and should be treated as such. Patients are not simply a task to be completed even on our worst and busiest shift. First and foremost, our patients, and everyone we come in contact with, are individuals, and we all share in that common trait.
ReplyDeleteWhat I really enjoyed is how the writing also incorporated the need for people to respect themselves. I see this as a stepping stone on the way to respecting the dignity of others. It does no service to others if we reduce our own humanity.
This serves as a powerful reminder on how I can provide care that encompasses all aspects of a person.
Erica Miller
RS 231 POL Fall 2017
Rev Lent,
ReplyDeleteYour personal credo is a great reflection on who we are about to become as a person. It is a reminder to us on how to be humble throughout life and not take anything for granted that comes our way. It is also a daily reminder that we must take care of ourselves first in order to better our care for our patients as a nursing student to one day becoming a nurse. Beautifully written.
Barbara Florek
RS 231 POL Fall 2017
Dr. Lent,
ReplyDeleteYour personal credo was very profound and moving. Your credo is applicable to all individuals no matter what background. As a nursing student I was very moved and inspired by this reflection in your credo:
"I will not allow myself to be used;
nor will I tolerate abuse.
I will respect my body
as well as the bodies of other human persons."
I found this section so moving because it speaks to how I should treat myself but also how I should treat patients. No matter how many bodies a nurse may see each day, or how many tasks the nurse needs to complete for each patient, the nurse should always remember to treat each body with respect and not view them as another task to complete. Your credo perfectly expresses the behaviors and beliefs that nurses and all individuals should value each day.
Meghan Christman
RS 231 POL Fall 2017
Dr. Lent,
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed reading your credo. As a future nurse this intimately relates to what we will likely experience and how all people, especially healthcare providers should think. As a EMT for the city and technician in an ER, I too personally adhere to these beliefs and lean on them to guide me in my everyday life and career. I take tremendous pride in being an advocate for my patients as well as myself. Respect, both giving and receiving it, is also a huge caveat in human interaction and also should be a priority in every individuals life and behavior.
Michael Worthy
RS 231 POL Fall 2017
Dr. Lent,
ReplyDeleteThis post was extremely touching to me. As a student nurse, I have an image of the type of nurse I want to be. I think it is extremely important to remember that these patients are not only patients but they are humans. They are parents, brothers, sisters, daughters, etc. It is important to look at patients as who they are and to treat them for who they are and not their illness. I liked how you said “I am valuable, first and foremost, because of who I am, not what I do.” I also think this is important to remember when life starts to get hectic. We need to remember to slow down and remember the important things in life.
Megan Doherty
RS231 POL Fall 2017
Professor Lent,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your personal credo, it really opened my eyes to a lot to a new way of life. As a nursing student this personal credo will help me embrace every situation I stumble upon in life. I will learn to respect others especially myself because in reality everyone is special and carved differently in every way perfectly.
It will help me improve my patience with my present and future clients and I will always become a great nurse by loving my line of work and help others embrace their flaws. The credo opened my eyes to the fact that we can not live life through what others say or the mistakes we make in life, but through our beliefs and morals. Thank you so much for sharing, it was extremely inspirational.
Dear Rev. Lent,
ReplyDeleteI love this and plan to share it with everyone. However, one particular part I find the most important is,
"I will not undermine the dignity of another human being;
because in doing so, I undermine my own dignity.
I will not label others in dehumanizing terms,
because persons are infinitely more
than all labels, classifications or categories."
This part is something I try to live my life by and it will be something I will take with me when I graduate and begin to work with patients. As a nurse my job is to treat a patient with the utmost respect regardless of race, religion, political affiliation, or sexual orientation. I make it my goal to treat everyone respect and kindness as I try and treat myself and my close friends every day. I believe this goes along with the two quotes you mentioned in class, "People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care" and "It was my caring that meant more to my patient then my training". I think our job as human beings is to treat each other with respect and care we all want and deserve regardless of the decisions we make it our lives (to a degree of course). I plan to save this and reread it anytime someone does fulfill their basic duty as a person to me or or show it to someone else when they feel as though they were being dehumanized by someone.
Lara Pesci
RS 231 GMU Fall 2017