The Cervantinian student is a human being who loves the truth, is eager for knowledge, is communitarian, aspires to transcendence, is interested in spending free time wisely, cultivates the spirit through contact with different artistic, scientific, sportive and cultural manifestations, and makes good use of technology to strengthen his/her learning. In order to achieve these personal characteristics, children and young people progressively incorporate qualities that are reflected in their attitudes in daily life.
The profile of the Augustinian student is found throughout a great number of texts spread in the texts of the Eagle of Hippo. Concerning the student, St. Augustine insists on the need to put into practice this principle: “Learning must begin with the exploration and recognition of oneself, and must culminate in the discovery and enjoyment of the Truth”. Consequently, the ideal Augustinian student:
Is essentially restless, dissatisfied and discontent. The Augustinian student seeks in order to find and finds in order to keep on seeking. He/She loves in order to keep on loving and so to be thirstier for love. He/She begins by recognising that the main error of the human being is that he/she does not know himself/herself. Therefore, his/her first task will be to know himself/herself, with his/her qualities and limitations.
Is opened to others in altruistic service and respect for all equally. It is only possible to become a person by standing with others, by living in solidarity and community. It is open to transcendence, to God: "Do you desire happiness? Do you love truth? Do you want to be free? Do you seek to love and be loved? You would not seek love, truth, happiness and freedom if they were not within you. These values are the image of God's presence in the human being," writes St. Augustine.
Is humble and receptive. He/She accepts his/her qualities and limitations. The qualities are a reflection of God's presence inside us, the limitations are the fruit of selfishness. The aim is that virtues grow and limitations are humbly accepted. In this way, the student is strengthened by living together to assume the implications of social discipline, establishing adequate, assertive and sensitive mechanisms of communication.
Is a possibility, a capacity, someone who is not already made and must necessarily be made. Life is an opportunity and a stage. By living it and, never letting ourselves be lived by it, we will realise ourselves authentically or non-authentically. Everything depends on the order of values.
