In a notable observation, Chris Taylor highlights that the number of Congress members with military backgrounds has diminished below that of the general American populace—a stark contrast to the situation prior to 1995. Concurrently, our nation seems more inclined to exert military influence than ever before.
During my time at prestigious institutions like Exeter and Yale, I don’t recall anyone who chose to serve in the military. A classmate from law school did join the JAG Corps, but her decision was an anomaly. For graduates of elite universities, ‘service’ often translates to endeavors such as aiding communities or teaching rather than enlisting in the armed forces.
While schools like Harvard and Yale have reintroduced ROTC programs, there are now numerous non-military service avenues for students, including Teach for America, the Peace Corps, and City Year. The prevailing narrative suggests that service equates to working with children, teaching underprivileged communities, or engaging in non-profit work.
My Journey Toward a Different Kind of Service
I must admit, upon graduating in the mid-90s, I never truly considered these options. I immediately pursued law school and entered the world of corporate law. I engaged in pro bono work occasionally and assisted friends with their charitable ventures, but these efforts were secondary to my primary ambition of professional success.
I am not alone in this sentiment. Many young individuals aspire to secure good positions at respectable firms, settle their bills, date, rent their own apartments, furnish their homes, and maybe volunteer on the side. Such aspirations are commendable. As Theodore Roosevelt noted, a person’s first responsibility is to provide for themselves and their families; only then can they extend their service to the community at large. With women now achieving higher levels of education than men, this principle applies universally.
The Quest for Meaningful Contribution
However, once I joined the law firm, I realized corporate law was not for me. It wasn’t the absence of noble intent in my work; rather, it felt meaningless. My tasks felt interchangeable, and I believed that if I stopped contributing, no one would notice.
I then co-founded Stargiving.com, a platform aimed at helping celebrities effectively raise funds for their favorite non-profits through sponsored clicks (think of it like freerice.com but with celebrity interactions). Although the startup didn’t succeed—partly due to my lack of experience—I then transitioned to roles in mobile and healthcare software companies. Ultimately, I became CEO of Manhattan GMAT, a test preparation firm later acquired by the Washington Post.
While I could argue these positions were about helping others, my true motivation lay in the belief that I was making a difference within each organization. I sought significance in my work and a path aligned with my aspirations. My measure of success was not solely about whether I was helping others but focused more on the value I created, the impact I made, and whether I was growing as a person and professional. I founded Venture for America to connect enterprising young graduates with startups in cities like Detroit, Baltimore, and St. Louis, aiming to generate job growth and nurture the next wave of entrepreneurs. Our mission is to create 100,000 new jobs by 2025.
While those who choose military service or dedicate their lives to helping those in need deserve admiration, we must acknowledge that military service is not a viable path for everyone. I have seen many idealistic youth join large non-profits only to feel disillusioned or burnt out. I propose that if we expand our understanding of service to encompass ‘helping organizations thrive,’ ‘creating value,’ and ‘generating opportunities for oneself and others,’ we can empower many young people to pursue sustainable careers that contribute positively to society.
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Summary:
Service in America has evolved, with military participation declining among Congress members and alternative paths for service gaining prominence, particularly among graduates of elite institutions. My personal journey from corporate law to entrepreneurship reflects a broader search for meaningful contribution, emphasizing the need to redefine service to include creating value and opportunities. By expanding our understanding of service, we can inspire a new generation to pursue fulfilling careers that also benefit society.