In recent discussions, the disparity between military service among Congress members and the general public has been highlighted. Chris Hayes notes that, unlike in previous decades, fewer lawmakers have military backgrounds today. Despite this, America exhibits a heightened inclination to use military force.
Reflecting on my own academic experiences at prestigious institutions, I can’t recall anyone from my circle who opted for military service. I do remember a classmate from law school who joined the JAG Corps, but her choice was an exception rather than the rule. For many graduates of elite universities, the concept of ‘service’ typically revolves around aiding communities or social causes rather than enlisting in the armed forces.
While schools such as Harvard, Yale, and Columbia have reintroduced ROTC programs, students today are increasingly drawn to non-military service avenues. Programs like Teach for America, the Peace Corps, and City Year are often viewed as more viable options. The prevailing sentiment is that service means engaging in educational initiatives, supporting the underprivileged, or working with non-profits.
My Personal Path to Service
When I graduated in the mid-90s, I didn’t seriously consider any of these service-oriented paths. Instead, I pursued law school and started my career as a corporate attorney. While I engaged in some pro bono work and volunteered for friends’ causes, these efforts were secondary to my primary focus on professional advancement.
This experience is common among young professionals who aspire to secure well-paying jobs, manage their finances, and establish personal lives. Such aspirations are natural. As Teddy Roosevelt noted, one’s foremost responsibility is to care for oneself and one’s family before extending help to others. This principle remains relevant today, especially as women achieve higher levels of education than men.
However, I soon discovered that corporate law was not a fulfilling fit for me. My daily tasks felt interchangeable and devoid of purpose; I wasn’t creating anything of substance. After realizing this, I co-founded a startup called Stargiving.com, which aimed to leverage celebrity influence for charitable fundraising. Although the venture ultimately failed, it taught me the importance of feeling that my work was valuable and impactful.
Throughout my career, I transitioned from startups to a health care software company, eventually becoming CEO of a test preparation firm. While I could argue that these roles were about helping others, my true motivation stemmed from the desire to contribute to an organization and feel that my efforts mattered. For me, the relevant questions were not, “Am I helping people?” but rather, “Am I creating value? Am I making a difference? Am I growing as a person and a professional?”
To help young talents find meaningful work, I established Venture for America, which connects graduates with early-stage companies in cities like Detroit, Baltimore, and New Orleans. Our mission is to promote job creation and nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs, aiming to establish 100,000 new jobs by 2025.
While military service and dedication to social causes deserve recognition, they are not feasible for everyone. Many idealistic young individuals enter large non-profits, only to become disillusioned or burnt out. By expanding the definition of service to include supporting organizational success and generating opportunities, we can empower more young people to pursue sustainable paths that benefit society.
This article was initially published on Oct. 2, 2014.
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Summary:
In America, the understanding of service has shifted from traditional military involvement to a broader interpretation that includes various forms of community engagement and organizational support. As societal norms evolve, it is crucial to recognize that meaningful contributions can take many shapes, allowing young professionals to find fulfillment in their careers while still impacting the world positively.