service

Running Head : Service

The Importance of Community Service

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The Importance of Community Service

How important is service to the community for an individual ? The status of priority will most certainly vary amongst those to whom this question is posed . For myself , it is , and always has been , an integral component of my life and a way for me to give back to those who have supported me in ways both direct and indirect . While I was growing up , I was encouraged to participate in my

community in various ways . Consequently I volunteered in a retirement home , an orphanage , participated in an exchange students program with my family , and performed the duties of a class monitor . Each of these experiences was personally rewarding and contributed greatly to my current character . Community service enriches and enhances my life experiences by providing a deeper connection to those around me and provides a sense of fulfillment made even greater by the absence of expectation to receive anything in return . It is this , I believe , which is the defining characteristic of community service

Because I firmly believe in the benefits of volunteering my time in the community , I have continued the practice during my academic career . In to round out and add to the variety of my skills , I most recently volunteered as an Emergency Medical Services Technician (EMT ) assistant This experience was completely different from anything I had attempted prior . While it might be a natural choice for those studying biology or medicine to become involved with EMT work , I am a business major , and the only one on the team affiliated with this course of study . However all who volunteer as EMTs bring some valuable quality to the team

The many things I have learned from this experience have already proven invaluable . The work involves experience with the gamut of emergencies from dealing with those under the influence of alcohol , to victims of car accidents , and even pregnant women . I gained knowledge in administering CPR , general medical information , and how to test for vital signs , amongst other skills . Working with a team and learning how to rely on the greater knowledge of others has certainly become an asset in dealing with all facets of my life

My experience as an EMT has proven to be both challenging and rewarding The challenge was in learning things I had little experience with prior but the rewards were far greater . There are few other volunteer opportunities I can imagine being involved with that offer such a satisfactory sense of philanthropy by providing aid to those in immediate need

As I continue my career , both as an academic and a professional , I will always find a way to give of myself and my time in service to the community . Volunteering is a part of my life , and a very important one - that which adds greater meaning to my existence . How important is community service ? Without the ability to give back , it would...