ASUSU VIEW: Seven aspects of service confirmed over time
As a child I wanted to be a journalist. Not long after, my career aspirations changed to having a dual career as superwoman and queen of the world. With such alterations in my ambitions, my writing skills have since diminished – in short, don’t expect much in regards to literacy appeal from this piece.
Though my views often change as I obtain more information on a subject, these seven characteristics of service have become constant. An increase in experience and knowledge has only further confirmed these key aspects of service.
First, education is a crucial aspect of service. Before you can make a change in the world you need to know where changes need to be made. As a freshman I expressed interest in joining Aggies for Africa; the director asked me what I was doing to stay educated on Africa. I realized then that picking up shoes for those in need in Africa is helpful, but Utah State would not be donating the shoes if someone had not been educated on the diseases experienced due to lack of footwear. Research has also helped PALS, a youth mentoring program in the service center, regarding the possible negative effects of a mentorship that does not continue for a long enough period of time.
While many of us complain about the high cost of education, few realize the amount other people have invested in our education. Which brings me to my second point; we have what we have because of the service of others. While others were protesting the Vietnam War, Val R. Christensen with several others decided to put their efforts into something that would improve the community. They created The Val R. Christensen Service Center, originally called VOICE. Today the Service Center houses approximately 1,000 volunteers and services on a community, national, and global level.
Val R. Christensen was a leader, which brings me to the next point; service is a key characteristic in leadership. Changes in society are due to people who have selflessly sacrificed and given their time. Individuals who have fought for our freedom whether adorned in military attire or speaking up about needed change. Beloved leaders in history have cared enough about the people they are leading to become advocates for a better future.
We all know service looks good on a resume, which brings us to our fourth point. Though service is a selfless act, the server can also benefit from involvement in service. Many of us have had an inclination to participate in service, only to become distracted and to dismiss it. When we act upon these desires it increases personal self-worth and helps us to achieve a brighter outlook on life as we look outside of ourselves. It helps us feel part of the community and our power to improve it. In addition, participation in service provides opportunities to form relationships and learn valuable skills.
Many of us have seen the commercials where someone smiles at someone else and creates a chain of events leading to someone becoming president. Though every time you smile it may not alter someone’s decision to run for president, it does make a difference.
My fifth and easiest point is that the little things matter. I know several individuals who keep every thank you note they have ever received. Acknowledging someone by name, getting to know them, and thanking them for their service can be a key factor in making someone’s day. We can all recall moments of kindness or attention from others that changed our outlook.
While world peace is usually only discussed in the land of beauty pageants it brings us to our sixth component. Service is the first step to achieving a Utopian community. Though many may claim to be perfect we all have both positive and negative characteristics. On campus committees are formed so they can collaborate and solve problems. In a similar fashion we can use our talents and resources to help one another.
My final thought is that you always make a difference, but it is your decision what kind of difference you make. Making a commitment to be sustainable will affect the type of world your grandchildren will live in. Raising awareness of sexual abuse could stop a cycle of abuse, which could in turn save future generations from experiencing that same abuse. Helping an adult learn to read will change the quality of their life. Extending an act of unsolicited kindness can have unlimited benefits. If you see a need, start a program to accomplish those needs. Though you may know what you want to be when you grow up, at any point you can start a dual career as a hero through service.
Tasha Jorgensen is the ASUSU service vice president.