In a thought-provoking piece, Alex Carter highlights an interesting trend: the number of Congress members with military experience is now lower than in the general population, a flip from what it was prior to 1995. Yet, our willingness to utilize military force seems to have increased.
Reflecting on my own educational journey through elite institutions like Exeter and Yale, I can’t recall anyone from my circle who chose military service. A classmate at law school eventually joined the JAG Corps, and her decision stood out as a rare exception. For many graduates from schools like Yale, the idea of “service” often leans more toward “helping the community” rather than enlisting in the armed forces.
While prestigious universities like Harvard, Yale, and Columbia have rekindled their ROTC programs, alternative service opportunities are more common among students today. Initiatives such as Teach for America, the Peace Corps, and City Year dominate the conversation, sending the message that service is about teaching, supporting the underserved, and working with non-profits.
My Path to a Different Kind of Service
To be honest, I never seriously considered these paths when I graduated in the mid-90s. Instead, I dove straight into law school and became a corporate attorney. Sure, I dabbled in some pro bono efforts and volunteered for friends’ initiatives, but these activities were more of an afterthought compared to my main goal of professional success.
I’m not alone in this mindset. Many young individuals aspire to secure good jobs, pay their bills, find love, and establish their independence, perhaps volunteering on the side. These desires are entirely healthy. Teddy Roosevelt once noted that a person’s primary responsibility is to provide for themselves and their family, and only then can they serve the broader community. With women now achieving higher educational levels than men, this principle holds true across genders.
The Quest for Meaningful Work
However, once I started my career at the law firm, I quickly realized that corporate law didn’t resonate with me. It wasn’t about a lack of noble deeds; rather, my work felt interchangeable and meaningless. I wasn’t generating value—my document review felt like just a transaction. If I had disappeared, life would carry on as if nothing had happened.
That realization led me to co-found Stargiving.com, a platform aimed at helping celebrities raise funds for their favorite charities through sponsored clicks. While the startup ultimately struggled—partly due to my lack of know-how—I transitioned to roles in mobile and healthcare software, eventually becoming the CEO of a test prep company acquired by a major media organization.
I could claim that these roles were about helping others—whether it was raising funds for charities, creating efficiencies in hospitals, or empowering students. Yet, the true motivation behind my decisions was the conviction that I was making a positive impact within each organization. I yearned to feel that my efforts mattered and that I was progressing toward my personal and professional goals.
The key questions for me were less about, “Am I helping people?” and more about, “Am I creating value? Am I making an impact? Do I appreciate those around me? Am I becoming a better version of myself?” This drive led to the founding of Venture for America, which connects talented graduates to early-stage businesses in cities like Detroit and New Orleans. Our mission is to generate 100,000 new jobs in the U.S. by 2025.
While those who choose military service or dedicate their lives to helping the disadvantaged deserve commendation, military service isn’t feasible for everyone. I’ve seen many passionate young people join large non-profits, only to become disillusioned or burnt out. If we can broaden our definition of service to include “helping organizations thrive,” “creating value,” and “opening new doors for ourselves and others,” we empower more young people to pursue sustainable paths that benefit society as a whole.
This article was originally published on Oct. 2, 2014.
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Summary:
The concept of service in America has evolved, with a growing emphasis on community-oriented initiatives over traditional military service. While the need for personal success remains, many young people seek to create value and make an impact through their careers. By redefining service to include supporting organizations and generating opportunities, we can inspire more individuals to contribute positively to society.
Keyphrase: service in America
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