What is Service? Why Serve?
There is an old story about an ancient Greek philosopher named Thales. According to this tale, Thales was looking to the stars as he walked about Athens, attempting to answer certain troubling philosophical questions. He became so engaged in thought that he didn't even notice the well he was approaching. Needless to say, Thales, one of the most brilliant of ancient Greek philosophers, fell into that well and became the butt of many Athenian jokes. His head was so lost in the clouds, some said, that he didn't even notice the world around him.
In our current tumultuous era of fast food drive-thru's and 24-hour convenience stores, we can no longer afford the luxuries Thales had. We can no longer ignore
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But what do we mean when we speak of service? Is it mere self-abnegation? Perhaps an example might aid our answering of this question:
In my most recent work, I have been teaching the Chinese game of "go" (Igo) to four classes at a local elementary school. The game dates back 4,000 years, making it the oldest board game in existence. Its basic rules are as simple as tic-tac-toe, its possibilities endless and complex. Through a multicultural program, the game of "go" has facilitated communication between elementary students in Virginia and six-year-olds in Northern Japan (where the game took root and developed). Questions are asked, stories are told and games are played. Even aside from the immense benefit of early exposure to other cultures, the game of "go" teaches a lesson in and of itself - a lesson we would all do well to learn. The ideas behind the game, while often interpreted as Buddhist in nature, demonstrate a profound sense of fairness and community. In brief, the game is played in such a way that an individual wins and loses and equal amount of times. The Western emphasis on competition is thwarted with a necessary element of cooperation: Egos cease to
There are so many history stories in history books and on the internet, but the source from people who were actually there is so much better than reading the nonsense. It’s better to hear stories from people who have actually lived and witnessed it rather than just read stories about it. Most students listen better than they read. When you listen to stuff, it sticks in our mind way longer than looking at a book trying to figure out what’s going on. Veterans are an example of this. They tell us stories about the times they were in the training and when they battled, if they did or have already. They have always been an important part of our nation’s history, present, and future. Everyone who went into the military or is currently planning to join has or will have a story to tell. It will be a part of them that they will always remember, the good times and the bad times. So many veterans love telling all the experiences they have witnessed. Thinking of it, it’s not a bad thing; it’s a great thing to be able to say they were actually there. Many students ask what the training is like when they first join the military, although it’s really tough, many still consider going, some even make the commitment to join right after they graduate. Those who do make it, the commitment, are the reason our nation’s history and future is how it is and how
I am very persistent. Once I set my mind to something, I strive for it until I achieve it or it has proved impossible for me to obtain my goal. It was once my goal to join the Army. Although I was overweight, I worked until I made the correct weight limit and kept trying to join until they told me I couldn't join because I had eczema as a child. I believe that I should always try my hardest and do my best as much as possible in every situation.
Service is simply an act of helpful activity and the transferable skills that are gained from service illustrate the importance of being involved. By volunteering in my community and taking part in organizations that are centered on service, I am able to strengthen my understanding of my surroundings, and I am taught more compassion for others. Being involved presents unlimited opportunities to give back to others, and with the skills instilled by service, I am able to make a difference in the lives around me. Experience gained with service creates characteristics in a person that can shape the direction of my life, and I will value that in the future.
Service is something that every person does in their life. I try to do as much service as I can, which means a lot of my service is in the summer or while school in on breaks. While service can be done through organizations and for well-known causes, service is also seen in everyday life. Service can be through small acts of kindness, such as, holding open the door, helping someone who’s carrying a particularly heavy load, or simply just being there when they need a shoulder to lean on. Service is about making someone day brighten with little rays of kindness and to show that someone out there definitely cares for them.
The reason why I want to attend the U.S. Service Academies is not only the goldmine of opportunity I will receive of an educational standpoint including benefits, but also the enrichment of character and self-development, into becoming one of the nation's most exemplary citizens through attending a military academy.
Service academies have proved throughout history that they are capable of producing some of the most influential military leaders . One example being Chester Nimitz , a fleet admiral in world war two who was the commander in chief of the pacific fleet. Chester Nimitz was a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and there he received what has become my reasons for attending a service academy. I wish to attend a service academy because its alumni have proven repeatedly to have received quality education, preparation and a challenge that prepared them for the stresses of leading troops in difficult times.
Serving the United States Military comes with many responsibilities as well as pressure and accountability. However, the military isn’t for everyone, but it offers so much for those who serve. One thing that must be known and dealt with is that this career could be a life threatening one, and there are many obstacles one must go through beforehand.
Reflecting back on my experiences I feel that I finally have an answer to my original question of what is service. Service is a selfless act, but in a greater sense it is self fulfilling. We all approach service with the sense that we are actually helping those in need, but through our actions we help ourselves by feeling the joy to those we bring around
There are a lot of graduates fresh out of high schools that make the decision to use the military. There are some people that join the military because that is a fast and easy choice for them. The military gives everyone a wide variety of options. College for instance, the military allows you to serve your country and still have time to attend college and get a degree if you choose to do that. People that choose to join the military get the option to go to college anytime they feel during their military career. The military pays for part or all the tuition. The military has four different branches, Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marines. Each branch offers different trades. Air Force for example, teaches people to fly, have mechanical skills,
There are a number of significant difficulties for today’s military - the Global War on Terrorism or what has recently been termed the “Long War;” weapon system acquisitions and personnel draw downs. The focus of this paper is on one strategic component of the military quest—Leadership. More specifically, it will center on servant leadership and its impact on the military’s vision.
This section of Service Development Bid on improving access to “rescue therapies” for COPD patients with infective exacerbations through a community pharmacy led service aims to present the way the outcomes of this development will be evaluated. Furthermore, it presents the key challenges of plans for evaluation and strategies to address them. Early consideration of evaluation during the process of service development allows for collection of baseline data to which the service impact can be compared to. Furthermore, delayed evaluation planning can result in assessment of limited outcomes available through an already running service instead of desired outcomes of the development (NHS Wirral Research & Development Team 2011).
The word service has taken on many meanings in today’s societies and has been categorized into various levels. One underling truth remains consistent within its interpretations, and that it is an intangible act rendered and measured by the satisfaction or disaffection of the receiver. My philosophy of service is found in my belief that to be of good service is to serve God. This conviction informs my social perception, spoken word choices, work ethic and understanding.
What is a soldier? What makes a good soldier? Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary defines a soldier as one who “engages in military service”, a “skilled warrior”, and a “militant leader or follower”. The characteristics of a soldier vary in the different military branches but ultimately a soldier is loyal to his or her country, willing to fight and die. In an article by B.R. Burg, the author states “The complete officer must be the complete man, they believed, and to measure up each had to possess an amalgam of qualities that included patriotism, courage, honor, loyalty, absolute honesty, and elevated standards of morality” (439). The epitomes of a good soldier are characters such as Sergeant Elias (Platoon), Captain John Miller
In this paper, I will be giving a report on my best service experience and any recommendations that could have made my encounter better from one of ten service encounters that I conducted throughout the semester. I will also be including my worst service encounter experience from one of those ten service encounter forms mentioned a moment ago as well as any recommendations that could have made the encounter one of my best.
Vietnam folk games have a wealth of meaning. They are very suitable for children. This is one of the interesting ways for children to entertain in their free time or after studying hard. When students are fond of folk games, parents don’t worry they may be involved with useless or harmful games. They give the children a safe environment to stay away from the social evils. Through these games, children can also make friends and have many unforgettable memories.