Finding meaning and purpose in life, falls under a stage of life that may undergo realization throughout many different time periods. It may seem as if the purpose of life is to broaden your horizons, take every chance that is given.

As for me, I have recently come to the realization of my purpose for life. Personally, I strongly believe that my purpose for life is to serve others.

From a young age, my mother always told me about the many times were she asked for my help around the house, and as expected, I was always willing to help with open arms. I thoroughly enjoyed helping others in elementary school – whether it be with homework, looking for a lost pencil, or answering their questions about the book we were reading.

Helping others gave me a sense of accomplishment. Knowing that I could put a smile on someone else’s face, was – and still is, the best feeling of achievement.

At the age of seventeen years old, I volunteered at a summer camp in my hometown, entitled Winshape Camp for Communities. This summer camp is sponsored by Chick-Fil-A, and travels through numerous cities throughout the United States each week – bringing all materials, setting up the camp site, and implementing the word of God to nearly five hundred children, each week of the summer.

As a veteran camp attendee, I was excited to volunteer my time to serve the Winshape Camp Staff and my community. During the week, I fell in love with Winshape Camp, and the Chick-Fil-A Company – catching on to their contagious willingness to serve others – no matter what the action may be.

Following the week of camp, I applied and was hired at the local Chick-Fil-A Restaurant in Gaffney, South Carolina. With the only previous work experience I had being a dance instructor, I was anxious about the job, that seemed as if it was all about serving chicken.

Quickly after learning how to properly talk to guests, refresh beverage orders, and restock the sauces, I began to realize that the Chick-Fil-A Company was much more than just a fast food restaurant. It was saying “my pleasure” after every thank you, going above and beyond guest expectations, and delivering a quality service to the customers to ensure that they would return to our restaurant very soon.

The Chick-Fil-A company prides themselves on the quality service that is given to each and every customer that walks through their doors – and I can say, as a firsthand witness, their mission is fulfilled to the fullest extent – day in, and day out. I am incredibly thankful for my time at Chick-Fil-A because it gave me the best insight on how simple it is to serve others.

As a future educator, I look forward to serving the children, parents, and families of the community that I will be serving. It is important to let children know, that they are the future generation of our world. IF, we as teachers do not serve them to the best of our abilities, then we are doing a disservice to the future of our country.

While attending the College of Charleston, I knew I wanted to become a teacher however, I quickly discovered that I had an interest in the Hospitality and Tourism Management field. Again the mission of this largely growing market – to serve others. I cannot wait to continue learning about numerous countries and their missions to serve their guests.

One may not believe that the purpose of life is to serve others – and that is, OKAY. Our world is made up of millions of people that all contribute different aspects to our society. Some people may enjoy being served by other’s, while many enjoy serving those in any and every way possible. The commonly known term “servant’s heart” is not an idea to take lightly.