Since I couldn’t make it to the Council reception last friday, I promised Rachel I would write an awesome blog post to make up for it….so here goes.
Asking someone why they do anything doesn’t often yield very elaborate responses– it takes a time and effort to really understand why we all do the things that we do. In the context of service to the community, it’s taken me a long time to truly understand what motivates me to participate and lead service activities.
The way I see it, I don’t do service simply to particpate– when I am a part of any service activity, I view it as completing a transaction. It’s necessary, it’s worthwhile, and it feels really, really good. In my 4 years at Penn State, I’ve made lifelong friends, went on some wild adventures, and learned a few things along the way. Hell, I think I even grew up a little bit.
You can’t buy those things with money– how many times have you seen or heard of someone with an extraordinary amount of money, who is miserable with their lives? Service has helped me recognize the moments that MasterCard would call “priceless”. I recognize the real value in those moments, and to me, service is what I pay in return. Service represents the completion of a beautiful transaction (bear with me, it wont be long) that results in growth, progression, and the fulfillment of life in general (really, just a little more).
Currency is a simple way to carry on tangible transactions within societies. But what if they transaction isn’t tangible. What if it actually means something more? Does paying 20 grand per semester to attend school here include an expense category for “finding soulmate”, “discovering your true talent”, or “making lifelong friends”? No, which is why I participate in service. Participating, and especially being a leader in service is the best way that I know how to give back to Penn State for everything that I’ve gotten outside of a diploma. It completes the cycle, and has had the benefit of making me a better person along the way.
Jim,
Thanks so much for posting. I think you hit the nail on the head, and I really appreciate your thoughtfulness. You earn a degree in college, but college is about so much more than that–it’s about growing as a person and a citizen. There may not be expense catagories for the really important things, but I’m glad your service work has helped you find these things. And I’m glad I had the chance to work with you this year!
Best,
Rachel