In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that the definition of “service” in America is evolving. Notably, Chris Hayes highlights a significant shift: the percentage of Congress members with military backgrounds has dipped below that of the general population, a stark contrast to the situation before 1995. Amidst this change, our inclination to wield military force appears to be on the rise.
Reflecting on my own educational journey, I can’t recall anyone from my time at prestigious institutions like Exeter or Brown who pursued a military career. A classmate from law school did join the JAG Corps, but her choice was an exception rather than the rule. For graduates of elite universities, the idea of “service” often translates more into social work and community involvement rather than enlisting in the military.
While Harvard, Yale, and Columbia have recently revived their ROTC programs, alternative forms of service such as Teach for America, the Peace Corps, and City Year have gained traction. The prevailing message suggests that service equates to mentoring youth, aiding the less fortunate, or volunteering for non-profits.
My Journey to Discovering a Different Kind of Service
I’ll admit, when I graduated from college in the mid-90s, I didn’t seriously consider these service options. Instead, I headed straight to law school and began my career as a corporate attorney. While I did engage in pro bono work and helped friends with their non-profit initiatives, these activities were peripheral to my primary focus of climbing the professional ladder.
This perspective is not uncommon. Many young individuals aim to secure solid jobs, pay their bills, find their own apartments, and perhaps volunteer occasionally. These aspirations are certainly commendable. As Teddy Roosevelt once noted, a person’s first responsibility is to support themselves and their family, only after which can they contribute to the broader community—a sentiment that resonates even more today with women achieving higher educational levels than men.
However, upon entering the legal field, I quickly discovered that corporate law wasn’t the right fit for me. It wasn’t about a lack of noble intention; rather, my work felt detached and devoid of purpose. Reviewing documents felt like a transactional exercise—replaceable and inconsequential.
In search of more meaningful engagement, I co-founded Stargiving.com, a platform designed to help celebrities raise funds for their favorite charities through sponsored clicks—think freerice.com, but with a celebrity angle. Although the startup didn’t succeed, it was a pivotal moment in my quest for fulfillment. I later transitioned to roles in mobile and healthcare software companies, ultimately becoming CEO of Manhattan GMAT, a test prep service later acquired by the Washington Post.
While I could argue that my roles were about helping others—be it through facilitating charity fundraising, improving healthcare efficiency, or supporting students—I was primarily driven by the need to feel that my work had significance. It wasn’t just about helping people; it was about creating value and having a tangible impact. Questions like, “Am I making a difference?” and “Would my absence matter?” became central to my professional journey.
This led me to establish Venture for America, an initiative aimed at guiding talented graduates towards early-stage companies in cities like Detroit, Baltimore, and New Orleans. Our mission is to foster job growth and cultivate the next generation of entrepreneurs, with a target of generating 100,000 new jobs by 2025.
While those who serve in the military or dedicate their lives to social causes deserve immense respect, military service isn’t feasible for everyone. I’ve witnessed many passionate young people join large non-profits, only to find themselves disillusioned or burnt out. By broadening our definition of service to encompass “helping organizations thrive,” “creating value,” and “opening new opportunities,” we can empower more young Americans to pursue sustainable paths that contribute to societal progress.
In conclusion, redefining service to include various forms of meaningful engagement allows individuals to align their professional aspirations with a desire to contribute positively to society.
For further insights into pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource on artificial insemination. If you’re looking for tools to enhance your journey, consider exploring this fertility booster for men or check out this home intracervical insemination syringe kit for more options.
Keyphrase: redefining service in America
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]