Dr. Gregory Cajete (Tewa)
“Education is about relationship. When we educate, we are not just transmitting knowledge, we are helping to shape the person, the community, and the world.”
Reflection:
I chose this quote by Dr. Gregory Cajete because it profoundly reflects the holistic nature of education. It emphasizes that education is not just about transferring information, but about cultivating relationships. When we educate, we shape more than just minds; we nurture the development of individuals, their communities, and ultimately, the world around them.
This perspective shifts the focus from viewing education as a one-way exchange of knowledge to understanding it as an ongoing, dynamic process of growth and connection. By fostering relationships—whether with students, the land, or each other—education becomes a living practice that influences how we relate to one another and to the environment.
It reminds us that true education goes beyond academics; it’s about creating bonds that inspire empathy, responsibility, and a deeper sense of belonging. In this way, learning becomes a shared journey that can transform individuals and, through them, the broader world.
Cajete, G. (n.d.). Education is about relationship. When we educate, we are not just transmitting knowledge, we are helping to shape the person, the community, and the world.