I'm going to take a break from my racial reconciliation series and talk a little bit about something my fellow millennials love: politics! (That is indeed, sarcasm.)
Civil engagement has always had ups and downs through America's history. What's also to consider is that it took a long time for everyone to have voting rights. In many ways, I think we're still fighting for voting rights...the point is, the public's approval of congress since think tanks started taking tally, is at an all time low. In class, I recall it was about 14 percent.
I believe a reason the public has lost trust in their government has a lot to do with who we've put in office...FDR once said: "Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." Now that is passion. Personally that is my favorite quote and one of the reasons (don't hate me!) I want to go into politics.
Public service/civil service should not just be a job, it should be a lifestyle. A lifestyle of servant leadership. A lifestyle of unselfishly representing the people that elected you. A lifestyle that gives voice to the disenfranchised. A lifestyle of putting yourself last. Sounds like the last qualities you'd think of a public official right?
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For many of us, such as myself, we want to get in politics because we believe we can make a difference. We want to represent our fellow Americans. We want to make the world a better place. Me personally, I just know this is my calling.
As a resident assistant, I believe one of my important roles is to connect the students to the higher up admins in our housing department and other departments as well. I also believe I'm there to make their college experience the best it can be. As the student government director of student life, I believe I am here to make the students' voices heard. Sure, I get to meet higher up university officials. Sure, sometimes I get cool stuff, but all of that to me is nothing compared to when I see students happy that their voices are heard.
As I said, it's a lifestyle. Many try to be leaders, but few take the ultimate high road of trying to be a servant leader. Let's make this the generation that puts themselves last and rises up to leadership positions for the right reasons.
