Learning To Lead Through Service | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Learning To Lead Through Service

For all those who want to serve in their community but feel like they don't understand service.

37
Learning To Lead Through Service
Fan Pop

Service: what exactly does it mean and why is it important? While in high school, my only exposure to the idea of service was the need to volunteer to remain eligible in different honor societies. At this point in my life, I only served to fulfill requirements. As bad as that sounds, I feel like many of us have been in this position because that was the only way teachers and administration could expose us to the idea of interacting with the community. Going into college, I never imagined that I would ever consider myself a “servant leader,” but the experiences that I have had with service have changed me for the better. Sure, I enjoyed helping others and “giving back” sounded important, but I didn’t truly value the idea of impacting something that didn’t directly help me. If you have ever felt like this described you at one time or another, please don’t be ashamed in any way. This feeling is not something that reflects you or your character. If anything, I feel like this simply means that you have not witnessed what changes you can be a part of through service.

My first exposure to what servant leadership is began when I was a freshman at TLU. As part of our orientation we were required to attend different informational sessions that would show the incoming students different components of TLU that we could be a part of. By chance, I stumbled into a campus job opportunity to be a Civic Engagement Coordinator for a Mexican-American cultural arts center. I had no idea what I would be getting myself into, but the opportunity to dive deeper into my culture sounded interesting. After a few interviews I was lucky enough to get hired and become a member of the Center for Servant Leadership, something that would impact my life forever. Initially work was hectic, and I was constantly running from practice to work at least three times a week, but once the chaos passed I was able to learn the importance of community and service.

Since then I have continued my work at the CSL and have had the opportunity to be a part of many school-wide service days. I have been able to learn more about the members of the Seguin, Texas community and hear their stories and why service is a significant component in their life. Many of these adults have come from different backgrounds and found different callings in life, but they all had one thing in common; each of them knew that the idea of service was something bigger than themselves. They felt like they were put on this earth to impact others. Each of these individuals further enhanced my understanding about what service is. I learned that service is a two-way street and that it is important to understand the need before you engage in service.

A man that I highly respect, Tim Barr, once wrote about the importance of knowing the need before you act. More than this, my service mentors also emphasized the importance of serving with love and respect. When you are able to learn this, then the idea of service is more impactful and meaningful. I hope that understanding that service is more of a process than a privilege will encourage others to pursue and develop as a community service leader. Whether you tutor others, do highway cleanup, or are a part of service projects within your organizations, this is all significant in growing as a servant leader. I hope that you use this story as a way to jump start your own service experience and I wish you the best of luck when you look to find your calling.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

1842
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

448367
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

21008
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

44131
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments