Adventist Education - A Way of Life

As I take on this new role in education and reflect on my life, I realize I have had a connection to Adventist education for as long as I can remember. From the very beginning, as early as kindergarten Sabbath School classes, Adventist education was reflected in everything that was me. Being fortunate enough to have had the experience of attending an Adventist school from kindergarten through grade twelve, my morals and values were guided and directed by my family, church, and school. Together, those three pillars of support have been instrumental in helping shape my worldview and creating in me a passion for education—a passion that encompasses all aspects of my life.

When I was entering the ninth grade, I was curious to explore life outside of Adventist education. My mother was a strong woman and firmly believed in practical child guidance. However, although she was a great supporter of Adventist education, she agreed, after much pleading, to allow me to attend the local public school.

It was a beautiful school! I could take any classes I wanted, be on the sports team of my choice, and have access to all the extracurricular activities one could imagine. The sports field and gymnasium were some of the best in the community. I lived just a few short blocks away, as opposed to the forty-minute bus ride to the Adventist school. What a life! I had it made!

Three days… it took only three days for me to feel alone and disconnected from everything I knew and was. It was then I realized this was not just about changing schools. This was about changing life. I found myself longing for the lunch hour Bible studies with friends, many of whom had other beliefs, the planning and practicing for Sabbath activities, teachers laughing and praying with me, and hanging out on the school steps with the friends who also sang around the piano with me on many Sabbath afternoons. I remembered the school janitor who was always busy working on some project around the school but was never too busy for an encouraging word or uplifting smile. I was disconnected from my "family." I wanted my life back. None of the other things mattered.

Upon returning to the Adventist school, my “school life” changed. It was no longer just an attitude of school requirements, although they still mattered. Life was restored—I was reconnected. As I reflect on the years beyond my ninth-grade adventure, I have come to realize I was in a safe environment in which to learn, experience heartache and healing, grow, and feel the love of Christ.

As I look forward to the future, it is my heartfelt prayer for our students to have the opportunity to experience education as a way of life, not simply a segment on the timeline of their youth. We are educating for eternity.

I believe the Lord utilized my family, teachers, and friends to guide and support me as I developed a passion for learning and a desire for a lifelong journey of service in Adventist education.

As I look forward to the future, it is my heartfelt prayer for our students to have the opportunity to experience education as a way of life, not simply a segment on the timeline of their youth. We are educating for eternity.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Gail Wilton, new Education Director/Superintendent for the Alberta Conference of the Seventh-day Adventists

By Gail Wilton | Education Director/Superintendent Alberta Conference of Seventh-day Adventists