In recent years, the landscape of service in America has shifted significantly. Notably, the percentage of Congress members with military experience has fallen below that of the general population, a stark contrast to the situation before 1995. Despite this decline in military representation, the U.S. has increased its inclination to project military power.
Reflecting on my own academic journey, I attended prestigious institutions but can’t recall many classmates who pursued military service. The idea of “service” for graduates of elite universities often leans more toward community engagement rather than enlisting. Although some Ivy League schools, such as Harvard, Yale, and Columbia, have brought back ROTC programs, a plethora of non-military service opportunities have emerged. Options like Teach for America, the Peace Corps, and City Year emphasize working with children and aiding the less fortunate, suggesting that service is about making a difference in communities.
When I graduated from college in the mid-90s, I’ll admit I didn’t seriously consider these paths. Instead, I enrolled in law school and became a corporate attorney. I participated in pro bono work and volunteered for friends’ causes, but these efforts felt secondary to my main goal of career advancement. Many young people today share similar aspirations: securing a good job, paying bills, and perhaps volunteering on the side. As Teddy Roosevelt once stated, a man’s primary duty is to provide for himself and his family before serving the public. This notion holds true today, especially as women are surpassing men in educational achievements.
Upon entering the law firm, however, I discovered that corporate law wasn’t the right fit for me. It wasn’t about a lack of noble intentions; rather, I found my work to be interchangeable and devoid of meaning. I felt like my contributions were inconsequential, leading me to leave and co-found Stargiving.com, a startup aimed at helping celebrities raise funds for their preferred charities. Although the venture ultimately failed, it sparked a realization in me about the importance of feeling impactful in my work.
My subsequent roles in various companies, including as CEO of a test preparation firm, were more about personal fulfillment than purely helping others. The crucial factor was feeling that my efforts made a difference and were aligned with my aspirations. I founded Venture for America to inspire talented young professionals to seek opportunities where they could positively impact their surroundings. By connecting graduates with startups in cities like Detroit and New Orleans, we aim to foster job growth and train the next generation of entrepreneurs, with a goal of creating 100,000 new jobs by 2025.
While military service and devotion to humanitarian efforts deserve recognition, they are not feasible for everyone. I’ve seen many enthusiastic young people become disillusioned in large nonprofits. If we broaden the definition of service to include fostering organizational success, creating value, and generating new opportunities, we can empower many young individuals to pursue sustainable paths that benefit society as a whole.
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In summary, the concept of service in America has evolved to encompass a wider range of endeavors, shifting from traditional notions of military service to include various ways of contributing to society and personal growth. As we redefine service, it becomes essential to recognize that making a positive impact can take many forms.