By transforming their journey with this skill into a story, writers are invited to 1.) Better understand how they learn and where they find passion in learning, 2.) Reflect on and explore an important aspect of their identity, and 3.) Develop their ability as a storyteller.
Jesuit Inspiration
Between 1553 and 1555 CE, St. Ignatius of Loyola dictated a “spiritual autobiography” to his friend and fellow Jesuit, Louis Gonzalez, S.J. This text, now known as The Autobiography of St. Ignatius, describes historical events in his life—his experience as a soldier, his near-fatal injury in the Battle of Pamplona, his subsequent physical recovery and spiritual re-conversion to Catholicism.
However, the Autobiography also describes Ignatius’s formation as an individual by detailing the steps he took to deepen his understanding of and relationship with God. Moreover, through his famous Spiritual Exercises, Ignatius encouraged his readers to reflect on their lives in a similar manner to find patterns and themes that would give them a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationship with God and others.
After completing this assignment, students should be able to...