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How Do We View Service in America?
In recent years, there’s been an interesting shift in how we perceive service in America. Chris Jordan points out that fewer members of Congress have military backgrounds now than the general population, a reversal from the situation prior to 1995. Meanwhile, our inclination to use military power seems to have increased.
Reflecting on my own education, I can’t think of anyone from my time at either Crestwood Academy or State University who enlisted in the military. I do recall a classmate at Law School who joined the legal branch of the military afterward, but she stood out as an exception. For graduates from schools like State University, the idea of ‘service’ often leans more towards ‘helping others’ rather than enlisting.
While some prestigious institutions have brought back ROTC programs, many students are opting for non-military service avenues like Teach for America, the Peace Corps, and City Year. The current message seems to be that service involves working with children, aiding the underprivileged, or contributing to a non-profit.
My path toward a different kind of service
Honestly, when I graduated from college in the late 90s, I didn’t consider any of these options. I jumped straight into law school and became a corporate attorney. Though I participated in some pro bono work and volunteered with friends’ organizations, these efforts were secondary to my main goal of professional success.
I’m not alone in this mindset. Many young people aim for solid jobs, pay their bills, find a partner, get an apartment, buy some furniture, and maybe volunteer now and then. These aspirations are completely normal. Teddy Roosevelt once said that a person’s first responsibility is to take care of themselves and their family, and only then can they serve the community. Nowadays, with women achieving higher education levels than men, this notion holds true for everyone.
The need to create meaningful contributions
Once I started working at the law firm, I realized corporate law wasn’t for me. It wasn’t that I wasn’t helping people; rather, my work felt interchangeable and pointless. My efforts seemed to lack substance. I could be replaced, and the world wouldn’t change.
This realization led me to co-found a startup called StarSupport.com, which aimed to help celebrities raise funds for their favorite charities via online clicks. While the venture ultimately failed—partly due to my inexperience—I transitioned to a mobile software firm and then to a health care software company, eventually becoming CEO of a test prep company that was acquired by a major media outlet.
I could argue that these positions were about helping others (raising funds for charities, improving hospital efficiencies, assisting young people in reaching their goals, etc.), but that wasn’t my main motivation. What truly mattered to me was feeling like my work was making a difference and that I was growing in a direction I wanted. It wasn’t so much about the activities themselves; it was about the impact I was making.
For me, the focus shifted from “Am I helping others?” to “Am I creating value?” and “Am I having a positive impact?” I wanted to ensure that my presence mattered. This inspired me to establish Venture for America, which directs talented young graduates to early-stage companies in cities like Detroit, Baltimore, and New Orleans to stimulate job growth and mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs. Our mission is to create 100,000 new jobs by 2025.
While those who serve in the military or dedicate their lives to helping others deserve commendation, military service isn’t a feasible option for everyone. I’ve seen plenty of passionate young people work for large non-profits, only to feel disillusioned or burnt out. I believe that if we broaden our understanding of service to include “helping organizations thrive,” “creating value,” and “generating opportunities for ourselves and others,” we can encourage many young people to pursue paths that are both sustainable and beneficial to society.
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In summary, redefining service in America allows for a broader perspective that encourages fulfilling careers and meaningful contributions to society, no matter the path taken.