What does it mean to serve your community?

Without me knowing, community service has become my second nature. It’s about contributing one’s time, energy, and compassion. Even if Baruch Scholars Program did not require me to complete an eight hours community service, I cannot imagine going through such long period of time without any. Fortunately, there have not been one organization that I didn’t love working with. It is when one views these commitments as their rightful duty that one truly is contributing to the community. This attitude can take you to many places as it did for me.  Once, I had the opportunity of talking to a group of constituents about their concerns, hopes, recommendations, stories, and stands on political issues. Not only was it a valuable experience because I interacted more with my community, but it gave me the opportunity to think in a broader perspective. If Baruch students have not experienced this feeling of giving back to the community and experiencing their impacts, I sure hope that they find what they’re passionate about. The best thing about community service is that anyone can do it. It gives everyone equal chances to contribute. I don’t believe that one man can run the world. It is all about a good balance between quantity and quality. Personally, my life has gained more meaning by getting myself involved with community service such as campaigning for a candidate running for Congress (interacting with all the constituents), a legislator in my county (aiding his work on programs such as the smart seniors), a lobbyist (learning what it takes to stand for a special interest group), a summer academic school (balancing to work with children and the staff), etc.  I feel fortunate for having the awesome experiences that eventually sculpted my own view and opinion.