The new school year will be here before we know it and high school seniors will be filled with a mixture of anticipation, excitement and anxiety as they think about what lies ahead of them. As they decide which college to attend or job to seek, some students already know which career paths they want to follow and many others have absolutely no idea. In either case, both of which are natural by the way, I hope all students will consider how they can serve others today, tomorrow and into the future.
Too often, we think of serving others as something reserved for the clergy, teachers, doctors, nurses, police, firefighters, the military and similar professions. But we all can – and should – serve others. Volunteering creates a stronger sense of community, inspires and motivates others to act for the greater good and makes the world – and our communities – a better place. It’s a way to express how thankful we are for the blessings that we have received and to, in turn, be a blessing to those we are serving. Volunteering is proven to enhance self-esteem, develop skills and character, improve our health and even add years to our lives. I don’t know how many times people who volunteer have uttered the same words, “I got far more out of it than I put into it.” So, the old saying that it is better to give than receive really is true.
In the April 2012 article “Why helping others makes us happy,” U.S. News and World Report writer Phillip Moeller offered these insights specific to young volunteers:
• “Children who volunteer are more likely to grow up to be adults who volunteer. Even unwilling children who volunteer fare better than kids who don’t volunteer.”
• “‘Among teenagers, even at-risk children who volunteer reap big benefits,’ according to research findings studied by Jane Allyn Piliavin, a retired University of Wisconsin sociologist. She cites a positive effect on grades, self-concept and attitudes toward education. ‘Volunteering also led to reduced drug use and huge declines in dropout rates and teen pregnancies.’”
• “‘Other research links youth volunteering to a higher quality of life as an adult,’ Piliavin adds. ‘Participating in high school tends to boost participating in adulthood, which is related to enhanced well-being. One clear message from this for parents: Get your children involved in community volunteer programs.’”
At the University of Dubuque, service to others and character development are ingrained in our students, faculty, staff and alumni because we know how important it is to promoting a better quality of life. The Wendt Character Initiative, established in 2004, promotes a campus culture that nurtures the formation of excellent moral character, and encourages all members of the community to live lives of purpose. And, that’s just what we see happening.
For example, Assistant Director of Admissions Jose Escoriza, a member of the Class of 2009, runs marathons, but he also enjoys participating in races to raise awareness and money for Alzheimer’s research and the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Brianna Caldwell graduated in May with a Bachelor of Science degree. She plans to stay at the University of Dubuque (UD) to earn a master’s degree in business administration and work as a graduate assistant, but she intends to serve the greater good by conducting coral reef restoration in the future.
Rabea Muneer Ali and his wife, Razan Murad, traveled from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to further their education. They recently graduated with Master’s degrees in communication and were active in promoting student involvement. Rabea helped launch the Saudi Students Organization at UD to introduce Saudi culture and tradition to students, and to the City of Dubuque.
Rev. Tim Polley worked in security for John Deere for 20 years before graduating from the UD Theological Seminary in 2011 and now enjoys a second career as a pastor. Even in a profession devoted to others, Polley still takes time to volunteer. He serves as chaplain for the Carrollton, Kentucky Police Department, helps collect food for his local food pantry and even inspired one of his seminary classmates to become chaplain for the Ottumwa Police Department, according to The News-Democrat in Carrollton.
No matter what path this year’s seniors choose as they prepare for college and careers, they will never stray if they include service to others as a vital part of their journey.
Bullock's blog, "Leadership Matters for a Changing World," can be found at www.jeffbullock.com.