Torch, Fall 1991

- -------------------- CRITICAL AREAS OF LEARNING by Dr. Robert Abbas he dynamics of learning for the young adult are no different than learning at any other level, except that decisions are made with greater independence. As a result, the consequences are more personal and permanent. For many it is the first time that mom or dad, or some significant other, has not been consulted. The ongoing developmental process reveals that the f01mulation of any given concept has many significant antecedents that have impacted the individual. 1l1ese implications often are borne out in the area of spiritual devel– opment. I have seen so many young adults demonstrate that the spiritual level of the person reflects clearly the spiritual atmosphere of the home in which he was reared. 111e person is the product of years of learning in that home. So the internalization of the value system, or the lack of it, has many times been the result of the home learning environment. Without doubt a person can develop a deep spiritual commitment in his life apat1 from the home environment, for the Lord can suddenly touch and change our lives at any moment. But our leatned attitudes and values so many times hinder the Holy Spirit from working effectively in our daily walk. If these spiritual attitudes and values ai·e not leatned or internalized early in life in a godly home,modeled by godly pai·ents, the entering coUege student could well walk away from the home during the young adult years saying to hirnself"Free at last." In this event,the person appai·ently has not internalized a value system that tells him that some– tlling should or should not be done because it is inherently 1ight or wrong. In light ofthese considerations, then,what are some ofthe critical areas of learning in the lives of individuals at the coUege level? EMOTIONAL INDEPENDENCE One area with which many individuals seem to struggle is that of dete1minir1g and asse11ing increasing emotional independence from parents and the home environment. The question seems to be howmuch, and equally irnpo11ant, how soon. 1l1e difficulty a person encounters seems agair1 to depend upon previous leanling levels. lf the parent has systematically encouraged the child to think for himself and to experience increasing levels of independence, the child will have little difficulty with the transition to personal independence. If the parent has taken a ve1y overprotective approach, the child will more than likely become more dependent and will fmd it difficult to make decisions for himself. If the pai·ent takes a ve1y authoritarian approach, the child will be d1iven to push for independence before either he or the parent is ready. In Ephesians 6:4, the apostle Paul cautions fathers about provoking tl1eir children to wrath. A child learns early on in life whether the father wiJI res011 to untllli1king authority rather than the necessaiy approach ofliste11ing ai1d heai·ing what he has to say. The balai1ce is ave1y .. loving, supp011ive environment in which the child is encouraged to think for himself but still feels secure in doing so. In this drive for independence, tl1ough, the son or daughter should realize that personal and emotional independence can come only with financial independence. Many young adults would like to feel the freedom from parental authority, but still would like mom and dad to "foot tlle bill." VOCATIONAL GOALS Asecondmajor ai·ea of tt·ansition and leanling at tlle young adult level is that of prepaiing for the world of work. Many young adults are tllinking about where they will be ten years down the road. 1l1e individual should be developing aproper Christian perspective concern– ing his or her vocation. In Psalm 56:8 the Lord says, "I will insbuct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye." An important lesson young adults must learn is that if they are buly seeking the Lord 's leading in tlle vocational path they should choose, then their relationship witll the Lord should be such that tlle Holy Spilit can work tllrough them. If the spiritual dimension is the center of the their value system, the spiJ·itual dimension will also be at the heart of their vocational considerations. It would seem logical for individuals who are shuggling with vocational unce11ainty to seek the advice of some Christian professional who can help assess illherent stt·engths and weaknesses for the selection and pursuit of vocational goals. An individual does not have to attend coUege to be properly prepai·ed to ea.in a livelihood, for there are many vocational opportunities tllat do not require a college diploma. In either case, considering the fast– moving pace of the modem technological world, it is a requisite tllat both men and women be adequately prepared to provide for themselves and tl1eir families. Fai·too many individuals have found tllemselves in a very untenable posi– tion financially through divorce or tl1e death ofaspouse. Evenwhen amother desiJ·es notto work while raising afanliJy, tlle exigencies of life do not always allow it. She may have to work,so she should be prepared fully to compete in the world of work and to provide adequately for family needs. ••