Faith, Imagination, and the Classroom: Why Curiosity Still Matters
Remember when you used to be curious about everything? Like dinosaurs, space, magic, how things work, why people are the way they are.
Somewhere between middle school tests and college applications… a lot of that wonder fades.
But what if your college courses could help you get that curiosity back?
At Jesuit colleges like Le Moyne, we believe imagination isn’t just for little kids: it’s the starting point for deep learning, meaningful faith, and even discovering who you want to become.
“If We Can Imagine It, We Can Become It”
Father Rick “Mugs” Malloy says it best: “If we can imagine it, we can become it. If we can’t imagine it, we cannot become it.”
Whether it’s imagining a better world, a different future for yourself, or simply stepping into someone else’s story, your imagination matters.
That’s why Jesuit classrooms encourage more than just memorizing facts. We want you to:
- Ask all the questions
- Think big
- Disagree (respectfully)
- Read books that shake you
- Reflect on what you’re learning and why it matters
Learning That Stretches You — in a Good Way
Jesuit education is about becoming your deepest, truest self. That means you’re invited to explore philosophy, literature, theology, and history, even if you’re majoring in business or biology.
Sound idealistic? Maybe. But it’s also real.
Too often, school beats the curiosity out of kids. The best day of the year becomes a snow day: the day you
We want to flip that and help you rediscover what it means to enjoy learning again.
Curiosity Connects to Faith, Too
This isn’t just about academics. It’s spiritual.
In Jesuit tradition, imagination is a way of praying. You read a gospel story — Jesus calming the storm, healing someone, calling someone out — and you imagine you’re there.
You calm yourself down like you’re making a movie. Where are you in the story? What do you feel? What do you say?”
It’s not about “getting the answer right.” It’s about being open, honest, and human.
Why This All Matters (Especially in College)
- Curiosity keeps you from getting stuck in “just get it done” mode
- Imagination helps you dream beyond survival to impact
- Being stretched intellectually also stretches your faith and confidence
- Wonder leads to growth not just grades
If you’re tired of going through the motions and wondering if college is just job training, this kind of education might be what you’re really looking for.
You have to make a living, but you also have to make a living so that you can have a life.”
Take a Deeper Dive
Inspired by His Story?
Fr. Mugs reminds us that imagination matters — in the ways we dream of a better world, picture a new future for ourselves, and see life through someone else’s story. At Le Moyne, you’ll have the chance to live that on The Heights.
Meet Fr. Rick "Mugs" Malloy
Fr. Rick "Mugs" Malloy helps bring Le Moyne’s Jesuit mission to life—ensuring that the College’s values of faith, service, and community are visible in all we do. He supports campus ministry, mission integration, and spiritual life across campus, and works with students, faculty, and staff to keep the spirit of St. Ignatius at the heart of The Heights. You can find him in the Grace Center for Faith and Community in the Panasci Family Chapel (and making an appearance as Santa around the holidays).
