The Positive Value Of Service To The Community

Communities are precious, and the most precious – my family – helped prepare me to enter the world with initiative, confidence, and a willingness to serve, while also aiding me in building positive relationships that raise the standard of others, the world and thereby myself. Martin Luther King Jr. said “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.” When one looks at all the great people in history who made a difference, their greatness was in their service to others. Through service, we learn to lead and prepare ourselves to take our place alongside those who make a positive impact on the world.
My parents raised me to be aware of my surroundings and to be of service to the community, starting with my family. Most importantly they taught me to act with foresight and without being asked. This upbringing has made me a spontaneous volunteer, and though I have participated in many organized functions, many of my undertakings are spontaneous opportunities, such as leading activities with neighborhood kids, and later having us all shovel neighbors’ driveways for fun. After finding out that early every Tuesday a man scavenged the recycling bins for returnables, I networked with the neighbors to have all of their bottles assembled, saving him time and effort. In addition, the many conferences, church events, family camps, my DL school and the community in which I live, have provided ample opportunity for how I might initiate my involvement.
When I was younger, my family