DEGREES AND EGOS

July 21, 2024 Educator's Corner

Agueda A. Pal-iwen

In the pursuit of knowledge and career advancement, many individuals strive to attain degrees and certifications. These accolades often come with suffixes like “PhD.,” “MD.,” or “EdD.,” which are meant to signify a high level of expertise in a particular field. However, the acquisition of these titles sometimes leads to a sense of entitlement and arrogance, as individuals begin to perceive themselves as superior to others. According to Norlan Martinez, a teacher and technical writer in higher education, “…a great number of people who possess certain terminal degrees believe wholeheartedly that they belong to a higher class — a class of people who hold greater professional, personal and overall human value than others.”

It is important to remember that degrees are not a measure of a person’s character or worth. While academic achievements are commendable, they do not give anyone the right to boast or belittle others. True humility comes from recognizing that there is always more to learn and that everyone has something valuable to offer, regardless of their educational background. For teachers, this humility is especially crucial. As educators, it is essential to model the values of respect and kindness in the classroom. Demonstrating humility means treating every student with dignity, acknowledging their unique talents, and fostering an inclusive environment where every learner feels valued.

Being humble means acknowledging that degrees are merely symbols of knowledge and expertise, not indicators of moral or intellectual superiority. It means treating others with respect and kindness, regardless of their educational attainment. It means understanding that true greatness lies not in the letters after one’s name but in how one uses knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on the world. A teacher’s role goes beyond imparting knowledge; it involves shaping character and instilling values. By embodying humility, educators can teach their students the importance of empathy and the strength found in recognizing and embracing the contributions of others.

This helps build a culture of mutual respect and continuous learning within the classroom. So, the next time one feels tempted to let his or her degree inflate his or her ego, remember that humility is a far more valuable trait than any title or suffix. Embrace the opportunity to learn from others, and strive to be a person of integrity, compassion, and humility. After all, degrees may open doors, but it is your attitude and character that will truly define your success. As outlined by Winter (2018), modesty and humility are ways that we relate to ourselves, to our own goodness and limitations. It involves placing ourselves among others and in the world at large.

Immodest people have, among other things, an inflated sense of themselves, their accomplishments, and their place in the world. Therefore, let us redefine success not by the degrees we hold but by the lives we touch and the differences we make. Let our academic achievements serve as a foundation for empathy and service rather than a pedestal for arrogance. In a world increasingly divided by status and credentials, may we choose the path of humility, recognizing that the true essence of greatness lies in our ability to uplift, inspire, and connect with others.

For educators, this means nurturing students not just academically, but also morally and ethically. By doing so, we can ensure that our legacy as teachers is not just in the knowledge we impart, but in the positive impact we have on the lives of our students. Remember, the most profound legacy we can leave behind is not etched in titles or accolades but in the hearts and minds of those we have positively influenced