The most important function of education at any level is to develop the personality of the individual and the significance of his life to himself and to others. This is the basic architecture of a life; the rest is ornamentation and decoration of the structure.

― Grayson Kirk

Grayson Kirk encapsulates that the most significant role of education is to lead an individual towards self-actualization. Without developing a strong sense of one’s personality, strengths, and weaknesses, they are not experiencing a life of fulfillment. Kirk metaphorically describes the function of education as creating a foundation and framework of a building (self-actualization), while the other benefits, (eg. having good grades to attend the best university,) add the paintings and colour to the structure. This idea reminds teachers that their position as an educator is not solely to provide information for their students, but rather to guide them towards self-discovery. If students do not understand their place in this world, they will not be able to apply their education to their lives in a relevant and meaningful way. To ensure that students’ education is opening their eyes to their personalities and diversities, teachers should have a variety of lessons and resources available in all subjects for students to explore and relate with. This could include a diverse range of books from cultures to different personalities etc. Lessons where students are able to share their personal experiences and interests provides an opportunity for pride and further critical thinking of their identities. For this to happen, however, a teacher needs to make their best effort to foster a deep relationship with their students in order to create effective learning opportunities. Education carries it’s students towards a life full of opportunity and fulfillment as they acquire the skills and passion to never stop learning about themselves and the world around them.