Sydney Delbridge
SERVE
November 20th, 2016
Growing up, service has always been an important aspect of my life. While applying to Virginia Tech, a university which holds service to such a high standard, I realized the Living Learning Community ‘SERVE’ would be the best fit for me. College is a complicated time where you meet a lot of new people, take new classes, and live in a new environment. Considering all of the “newness” that college brings, it is difficult, at first, to discover how and different ways to serve. Throughout my first semester in college, I quickly incorporated new ideas of community, leadership, volunteerism, and social change through my service. I also began to ponder the idea of active citizenship and what qualities one needs to withhold in order to be considered an active citizen in his or her community.
Community is defined as, “a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common” as well as, “a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals”. I believe one of the most essential elements of community revolves around the word ‘common’. Whether that deals with common living spaces, common beliefs, or common goals -- having things in common grows the sense of community between one another. Within your life, you are able to form multiple communities, centered around different common interests. Through work, you find your common interest by way of your craft. Through church or other religious ceremonies you are connected by way of your beliefs. According to Frank Shushok, in order to grow your community you must “Make learning. Make a neighborhood. Make a safe place.” (Shushok). A community can be a small book club that meets weekly or an office with hundreds on staff. Although some communities may be more intimate than others, it is beneficial to make the community inviting. College is an opportunity to completely start new and form new relationships and become apart of new communities.
Thankfully, many inviting communities were introduced. Entering into SERVE, I wasn’t aware of how immediate and profound the relationships with the other members of SERVE would form. The community of SERVE unites all of the members through service. However, our passions towards service is one of many common interests we share. We are able to connect through majors, hobbies, sports, and/or (my personal favorite) food. SERVE has brought about a deeper sense of community that goes further than members of an LLC living on the same hall. Through SERVE, I have formed a community of lifelong friends that will continue to challenge me and help me grow through service and in other aspects of my college career.
Prior to my first semester of college, I always assumed a leader was a single person who took charge of a situation or group of people to solve the problem or to properly direct others. Although it is important to be equipped with the proper knowledge on the situation at hand, how you express and act upon ideas is what differentiates different types of leaders. “Skilled leaders are competent people who know the means and methods for carrying out responsibilities.” (Northouse). Growing up, I never considered myself a leader. I felt as if I didn’t hold any qualities a leader is “supposed” hold -- those qualities including outgoing, loud, or assertive. However, I do feel as if I fall into the category of a ‘Servant Leader’. A servant leader is defined as someone who first feels called to serve and then makes a “conscious choice” to lead. “The leader-first and the servant-first are two extreme types. Between them are shadings and blends that are part of the infinite variety of human nature.” (Keith). Some of the key characteristics ‘Servant Leaders’ hold are self-awareness, listening, changing the pyramid, developing your colleagues, coaching not controlling, unleashing the energy and intelligence others, and foresight.
Prior to entering into SERVE and learning within the class, I believed one had to choose between serving and leading. I was excited to attend a school whose motto is ‘Ut Prosim’ because I am obviously passionate about service, but I was anxious to discover where I could lead. Being a member of SERVE gave me endless opportunities to get involved and to become an example to others on campus. Through these service opportunities in a new environment, I was able to step out of my comfort zone -- gradually allowing me to step into leadership positions. Nevertheless, an important element of leadership is citizenship, “If we keep focusing on the centrality of those in charge, we sentence ourselves to the continuing decay of citizenship and accountability.” (Block). I have always described myself as a “team-player” and live out that characteristic through my leadership roles. Leadership can be a complicated, yet significant quality to master in order to become a proficient active citizen.
Volunteerism is described as, “the use or involvement of volunteer labor, especially in community services”. Unfortunately, in recent years, ‘volunteerism’ has brought about a negative connotation. Today’s society has turned into such a “me, me, me” era, that it is difficult to have the correct mindset for sincere volunteer work. David Hilfer, volunteer at Joseph’s House organization, expressed, “How many of our contributors and volunteers end up feeling that their participation with us fulfills their responsibilities to the poor? It will not be a conscious thought, of course. But you come down and volunteer for a while, or you write a check, and it feels good”. Many have found the joy in giving, but haven’t differentiated between the joy it gives themselves or the joy in selflessly giving to others. Although it was difficult for me at first, it is important to search for the criticisms in volunteerism before taking part in a certain service opportunity or organization.
Within our SERVE class, the question, “If you aren’t volunteering for the right reasons, should you even be volunteering at all?” was presented to us. This question is a popular debate amongst those who work in non-profit organizations that routinely advertise for volunteers. We are all guilty for selfishly volunteering. In fact, many high school clubs promote going into a service project you aren’t familiar with so that you can “learn from the experience” and put it on your college applications. I believe, although it’s not moral or honorable, even if you aren’t volunteering for the right reasons, you are completing work that needed to be done and are able to positively serve others through your actions. However, “Within an unjust society, there are limitations to our charity; we need to join others in the struggle for justice as well.” (Hilfiker).
Social change deals with the changes of a society's behavior and the values it holds close to. In order to bring about a social change, the individual must “...[have] development of personal qualities, self awareness, and personal values...”, the group needs to “...emphasize on collaboration and interaction between group and the individual…”, while the society should “...bring about change for the common good…” (Astin). Blacksburg is a small community that is almost entirely made up of the students of Virginia Tech. By living on campus and being “trapped” in the bubble that is Virginia Tech, there is constant opportunity for impact. College is one of the easiest times for social impact. We (students) are constantly immersed and living within the community, involved in clubs, organizations, and other opportunities on campus. However, it is important to realize the time it takes for social change. “For example, if the problem is homelessness, then the solution is not simply providing a shelter… Ending homelessness requires a complex, long-term response…” (Why… Enough). Social change is a never ending issue that needs to continue to be fought.
An active citizen is someone who values their community by actively organizing and participating in opportunities to better the society they live in. When looking at the Active Citizen Continuum, a flow map explaining the steps that lead to become an active citizen, there are many levels one must complete before “earning” the title of active citizen. The first step to becoming an active citizen is to become a member. A member is someone who is a part of a community but is not concerned with his/her role in the social issues. The second step to becoming an active citizen is to become a volunteer. Someone who is aware of the problems at hand but is not well educated on what could be done to fix them is considered a volunteer. The third step is to become a conscientious citizen. A conscientious citizen is someone who often asks “Why?” and is determined to find the root of the problem. In order to be considered an active citizen, his/her community must become a priority in every decision they make. One of the main problems with society today is that they believe they are active citizens, when in reality they fall into the category of ‘volunteer’ or ‘conscientious citizen’. What separates active citizen from any other level on the Active Citizen Continuum flow map is the word “active”. It is essential to realize the importance of being an active citizen. Some simple acts of an active citizen include, voting, keeping your town clean, and educating those younger than you on how they can be involved in the town. One of my favorite stories in the bible comes from James 2:24, 26 which states, “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only… For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” Without works, does our word truly mean anything? Why make promises, when you can display your hard work?
Virginia Tech’s motto, ‘Ut Prosim; That I May Serve’ literally contains the word ‘serve’. Therefore, I believe their hope for all students is to go out and become active citizens. However, every college student’s experience is different. I believe you take what you put in. Virginia Tech advertises abundant amounts of service opportunities; ranging from, Relay for Life and The Big Event. Nonetheless, it is up to the student himself/herself to take action and participate in those occasions. For myself, I strive for ‘Ut Prosim’ to be a way of life rather than merely a motto. Throughout my time at Virginia Tech, I hope to inspire and educate on others on the importance of active citizenship. I believe it would be helpful to educate those on the importance and practicality of service, rather than just meeting required hours or “checking off” your good deed of the month. Perhaps making this a required freshman seminar, would possibly motivate a few to consider the seriousness of active citizenship. Virginia Tech provides us with the resources needed to become an active citizen but it is up to us on whether or not we will accept or decline.
As I reflect back on where I was in the continuum at the beginning of the semester verses where I am currently, I am definitely more aware of my spot on the continuum. Prior to entering into college I was completely unaware of the Active Citizen Continuum. Just like many others, I just assumed I was considered an “active citizen”. I remember one of our first SERVE classes we talked about the Active Citizen Continuum and were asked about where we thought we fell on the continuum. I remember sharing about participating in Reading Hour and how I hadn’t officially began but thought I should be considered an active citizen. I believed I was an active citizen because I had previously worked with kids and was experienced in that area. As I reflected deeper on my spot on the continuum I asked myself if I was truly concerned with problems dealing with Reading Hour. Towards the end of this semester I believe I am more conscientious about reflecting on my service and truly valuing the time I put into my service projects.
I am looking forward to the rest of my time at Virginia Tech to use it to serve. More recently, I am excited to continue to volunteer for Reading Hour. I hope to encourage those to look into Reading Hour and other local service opportunities. Not only do I hope students see 'Ut Prosim' as a way of life but reflect on where their service and where they are on the Active Citizen Continuum.
Work Cited
- Astin, Helen S., and Alexander W. Astin. "Social Change Model Explained." A Social Change Model of Leadership Development Guidebook III (1996): 1-5. Web. 8 Dec. 2016.
- Block, Peter. "From Leadership to Citizenship." Insights on Leadership: Service(1998): 1-6. Web.
- Hilfiker, David. "The Limits of Charity." Editorial. Other Side July-Aug. 2000: 1-5. Print.
- Keith, Kent M., Dr. "Servant Leadership." Editorial. Key Practices of Servant-Leaders 2008: 3-10. Print.
- Northouse, Peter G. "Introduction to Leadership." Editorial. SAGE 2015: 1-20. Print.
- Shushok, Frank, Jr. "Community Builder Peter Block Talks with Frank Shushok, Jr. about the Real Meaning of Community." Editorial. Selected Works July-Aug. 2016: 4-9. Print.
- "Why Good Intentions Are Not Enough." Editorial. Why Good Intentions Are Not Enough n.d.: 1-6. Web. 13 Dec. 2016.
SERVE
November 20th, 2016
Growing up, service has always been an important aspect of my life. While applying to Virginia Tech, a university which holds service to such a high standard, I realized the Living Learning Community ‘SERVE’ would be the best fit for me. College is a complicated time where you meet a lot of new people, take new classes, and live in a new environment. Considering all of the “newness” that college brings, it is difficult, at first, to discover how and different ways to serve. Throughout my first semester in college, I quickly incorporated new ideas of community, leadership, volunteerism, and social change through my service. I also began to ponder the idea of active citizenship and what qualities one needs to withhold in order to be considered an active citizen in his or her community.
Community is defined as, “a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common” as well as, “a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals”. I believe one of the most essential elements of community revolves around the word ‘common’. Whether that deals with common living spaces, common beliefs, or common goals -- having things in common grows the sense of community between one another. Within your life, you are able to form multiple communities, centered around different common interests. Through work, you find your common interest by way of your craft. Through church or other religious ceremonies you are connected by way of your beliefs. According to Frank Shushok, in order to grow your community you must “Make learning. Make a neighborhood. Make a safe place.” (Shushok). A community can be a small book club that meets weekly or an office with hundreds on staff. Although some communities may be more intimate than others, it is beneficial to make the community inviting. College is an opportunity to completely start new and form new relationships and become apart of new communities.
Thankfully, many inviting communities were introduced. Entering into SERVE, I wasn’t aware of how immediate and profound the relationships with the other members of SERVE would form. The community of SERVE unites all of the members through service. However, our passions towards service is one of many common interests we share. We are able to connect through majors, hobbies, sports, and/or (my personal favorite) food. SERVE has brought about a deeper sense of community that goes further than members of an LLC living on the same hall. Through SERVE, I have formed a community of lifelong friends that will continue to challenge me and help me grow through service and in other aspects of my college career.
Prior to my first semester of college, I always assumed a leader was a single person who took charge of a situation or group of people to solve the problem or to properly direct others. Although it is important to be equipped with the proper knowledge on the situation at hand, how you express and act upon ideas is what differentiates different types of leaders. “Skilled leaders are competent people who know the means and methods for carrying out responsibilities.” (Northouse). Growing up, I never considered myself a leader. I felt as if I didn’t hold any qualities a leader is “supposed” hold -- those qualities including outgoing, loud, or assertive. However, I do feel as if I fall into the category of a ‘Servant Leader’. A servant leader is defined as someone who first feels called to serve and then makes a “conscious choice” to lead. “The leader-first and the servant-first are two extreme types. Between them are shadings and blends that are part of the infinite variety of human nature.” (Keith). Some of the key characteristics ‘Servant Leaders’ hold are self-awareness, listening, changing the pyramid, developing your colleagues, coaching not controlling, unleashing the energy and intelligence others, and foresight.
Prior to entering into SERVE and learning within the class, I believed one had to choose between serving and leading. I was excited to attend a school whose motto is ‘Ut Prosim’ because I am obviously passionate about service, but I was anxious to discover where I could lead. Being a member of SERVE gave me endless opportunities to get involved and to become an example to others on campus. Through these service opportunities in a new environment, I was able to step out of my comfort zone -- gradually allowing me to step into leadership positions. Nevertheless, an important element of leadership is citizenship, “If we keep focusing on the centrality of those in charge, we sentence ourselves to the continuing decay of citizenship and accountability.” (Block). I have always described myself as a “team-player” and live out that characteristic through my leadership roles. Leadership can be a complicated, yet significant quality to master in order to become a proficient active citizen.
Volunteerism is described as, “the use or involvement of volunteer labor, especially in community services”. Unfortunately, in recent years, ‘volunteerism’ has brought about a negative connotation. Today’s society has turned into such a “me, me, me” era, that it is difficult to have the correct mindset for sincere volunteer work. David Hilfer, volunteer at Joseph’s House organization, expressed, “How many of our contributors and volunteers end up feeling that their participation with us fulfills their responsibilities to the poor? It will not be a conscious thought, of course. But you come down and volunteer for a while, or you write a check, and it feels good”. Many have found the joy in giving, but haven’t differentiated between the joy it gives themselves or the joy in selflessly giving to others. Although it was difficult for me at first, it is important to search for the criticisms in volunteerism before taking part in a certain service opportunity or organization.
Within our SERVE class, the question, “If you aren’t volunteering for the right reasons, should you even be volunteering at all?” was presented to us. This question is a popular debate amongst those who work in non-profit organizations that routinely advertise for volunteers. We are all guilty for selfishly volunteering. In fact, many high school clubs promote going into a service project you aren’t familiar with so that you can “learn from the experience” and put it on your college applications. I believe, although it’s not moral or honorable, even if you aren’t volunteering for the right reasons, you are completing work that needed to be done and are able to positively serve others through your actions. However, “Within an unjust society, there are limitations to our charity; we need to join others in the struggle for justice as well.” (Hilfiker).
Social change deals with the changes of a society's behavior and the values it holds close to. In order to bring about a social change, the individual must “...[have] development of personal qualities, self awareness, and personal values...”, the group needs to “...emphasize on collaboration and interaction between group and the individual…”, while the society should “...bring about change for the common good…” (Astin). Blacksburg is a small community that is almost entirely made up of the students of Virginia Tech. By living on campus and being “trapped” in the bubble that is Virginia Tech, there is constant opportunity for impact. College is one of the easiest times for social impact. We (students) are constantly immersed and living within the community, involved in clubs, organizations, and other opportunities on campus. However, it is important to realize the time it takes for social change. “For example, if the problem is homelessness, then the solution is not simply providing a shelter… Ending homelessness requires a complex, long-term response…” (Why… Enough). Social change is a never ending issue that needs to continue to be fought.
An active citizen is someone who values their community by actively organizing and participating in opportunities to better the society they live in. When looking at the Active Citizen Continuum, a flow map explaining the steps that lead to become an active citizen, there are many levels one must complete before “earning” the title of active citizen. The first step to becoming an active citizen is to become a member. A member is someone who is a part of a community but is not concerned with his/her role in the social issues. The second step to becoming an active citizen is to become a volunteer. Someone who is aware of the problems at hand but is not well educated on what could be done to fix them is considered a volunteer. The third step is to become a conscientious citizen. A conscientious citizen is someone who often asks “Why?” and is determined to find the root of the problem. In order to be considered an active citizen, his/her community must become a priority in every decision they make. One of the main problems with society today is that they believe they are active citizens, when in reality they fall into the category of ‘volunteer’ or ‘conscientious citizen’. What separates active citizen from any other level on the Active Citizen Continuum flow map is the word “active”. It is essential to realize the importance of being an active citizen. Some simple acts of an active citizen include, voting, keeping your town clean, and educating those younger than you on how they can be involved in the town. One of my favorite stories in the bible comes from James 2:24, 26 which states, “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only… For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” Without works, does our word truly mean anything? Why make promises, when you can display your hard work?
Virginia Tech’s motto, ‘Ut Prosim; That I May Serve’ literally contains the word ‘serve’. Therefore, I believe their hope for all students is to go out and become active citizens. However, every college student’s experience is different. I believe you take what you put in. Virginia Tech advertises abundant amounts of service opportunities; ranging from, Relay for Life and The Big Event. Nonetheless, it is up to the student himself/herself to take action and participate in those occasions. For myself, I strive for ‘Ut Prosim’ to be a way of life rather than merely a motto. Throughout my time at Virginia Tech, I hope to inspire and educate on others on the importance of active citizenship. I believe it would be helpful to educate those on the importance and practicality of service, rather than just meeting required hours or “checking off” your good deed of the month. Perhaps making this a required freshman seminar, would possibly motivate a few to consider the seriousness of active citizenship. Virginia Tech provides us with the resources needed to become an active citizen but it is up to us on whether or not we will accept or decline.
As I reflect back on where I was in the continuum at the beginning of the semester verses where I am currently, I am definitely more aware of my spot on the continuum. Prior to entering into college I was completely unaware of the Active Citizen Continuum. Just like many others, I just assumed I was considered an “active citizen”. I remember one of our first SERVE classes we talked about the Active Citizen Continuum and were asked about where we thought we fell on the continuum. I remember sharing about participating in Reading Hour and how I hadn’t officially began but thought I should be considered an active citizen. I believed I was an active citizen because I had previously worked with kids and was experienced in that area. As I reflected deeper on my spot on the continuum I asked myself if I was truly concerned with problems dealing with Reading Hour. Towards the end of this semester I believe I am more conscientious about reflecting on my service and truly valuing the time I put into my service projects.
I am looking forward to the rest of my time at Virginia Tech to use it to serve. More recently, I am excited to continue to volunteer for Reading Hour. I hope to encourage those to look into Reading Hour and other local service opportunities. Not only do I hope students see 'Ut Prosim' as a way of life but reflect on where their service and where they are on the Active Citizen Continuum.
Work Cited
- Astin, Helen S., and Alexander W. Astin. "Social Change Model Explained." A Social Change Model of Leadership Development Guidebook III (1996): 1-5. Web. 8 Dec. 2016.
- Block, Peter. "From Leadership to Citizenship." Insights on Leadership: Service(1998): 1-6. Web.
- Hilfiker, David. "The Limits of Charity." Editorial. Other Side July-Aug. 2000: 1-5. Print.
- Keith, Kent M., Dr. "Servant Leadership." Editorial. Key Practices of Servant-Leaders 2008: 3-10. Print.
- Northouse, Peter G. "Introduction to Leadership." Editorial. SAGE 2015: 1-20. Print.
- Shushok, Frank, Jr. "Community Builder Peter Block Talks with Frank Shushok, Jr. about the Real Meaning of Community." Editorial. Selected Works July-Aug. 2016: 4-9. Print.
- "Why Good Intentions Are Not Enough." Editorial. Why Good Intentions Are Not Enough n.d.: 1-6. Web. 13 Dec. 2016.