Personal Worldview Essay Examples

Unlike many people, I feel like my worldview has often been shaped by people that I disagree with—particularly the authoritative knowledge of my parents. My father initially comes to mind: Like most people, his worldview integrates aspects of how he was raised and the major events in his life. He grew up in a middle-class family with both of his parents and his older brother, and he is known for being opinionated and outgoing. He never really left the town where he grew up, and never gained a broader understanding of the world. Thus, his worldview was shaped only by what he experienced in his daily life. Today, he and I often disagree on our opinions of the world. Granted, I have gained some worldview perspectives from him. For example: we

Because we have both endured our share of hardships, we both value hard work and perseverance. However, when it comes to almost anything else, we do not see eye to eye. For example, we disagree on the purpose of education (college specifically), vocation, and employment. He believes that I should go to college and focus primarily on getting a degree in a field that I could make the most money in, and he says that time spent with friends and doing fun activities can take away from scholastic potential. This is because he was not especially social in his college years, and one of his primary fears is not making enough money to provide for his family. Based on his experiences, it makes sense that he consciously values money and stability more than social interaction. It also explains why he works so hard at his job, even though he truly detests it. I, however, see my dad’s worldview and how it has affected his life and wish to live the opposite way. I try not to put money at the top of my priorities, because I’ve seen it bring much stress into my dad’s

I have been on three mission trips with Graham, served with him at my church, and spent the last two Christmases with him and his family. He is constantly trying to find ways to serve the community and make an impact on the students in our town. As a youth group leader, part of his worldview involves reaching out to kids, particularly those who have a difficult home life. This includes myself, who he took under his wing as a mentee and family friend. Graham’s worldview has influenced me in more ways that I can express, but the most evident way is in my choice of university. Graham is a Whitworth alumnus and is currently attending grad school here. He noticed how many of my personal standards and values lined up with those held at Whitworth, and strongly suggested that I apply. His Christian worldview—particularly his passion for helping people—has had an enormous impact on me. With three small children at home, his wife owning and managing her own business, and his job as a pastor, their family has no shortage of tasks to keep them busy. However, they always find time to invest in the community and in individuals in a way that demonstrates God’s love. Graham has expressed to me numerous times the power that he thinks leadership can have on both followers and leaders. He recruited me to be a part of the church’s youth leadership team, as well as a church intern, and I