The Importance of Public Service

It’s easy to be so distracted you forget why you’re here in D.C. for the summer. I choose to be here instead of working at home or taking summer classes in Columbus because I wanted to explore my role in the public service sector of the United States of America.

Public service are the goods and services provided by the government to people living in the United States. It encompasses amenities like national defense, education, police protection, taxation, emergency relief, and all kinds of social programs. It includes those who work in government, nonprofit organizations that are connected to government, and private companies with governmental relations. Those who work in public service are often interested in working to fix complicated issues in order to contribute directly to the public good.

While I am still working out the details, I know I want to work in public service and contribute my talents to improve the way the government operates and serves its citizens. There are so many things I could do, and after long hours at work and class and an endless amount of extracurricular activities, I needed a reminder of why I want to work in the public service sector in the first place.

My most recent reminder came on Memorial Day. Even after a day filled with parades and patriotic spirit, I still wasn’t truly awed by the role of public service until dinnertime. I was waiting for my order at Shake Shack and standing by a police officer that was also there waiting for his order. I saw a little boy, maybe five or six years old, leave the table where his family was sitting and approach the police officer. While I could not hear the words exchanged, I could see the officer go down on one knee to talk to the boy and shake his hand. The little boy looked beatific and amazed. They only talked for a few minutes before the boy headed back to his table. His family greeted him with smiles and high fives as he sat down.

This interaction exemplified why I am interested in public service. Public service is about serving and working to improve the lives of others. After watching the police officer take time out of his day to talk to a boy who surely looks up to him more than anyone, I was reminded of the deep meaning associated with serving others. In it there is honor and dignity, but also sacrifice and hard work.  One day I hope to be like the police office: kind, selfless, engaged, and devoted to serving.

-Caroline

Honoring veterans and those who lost their lives fighting for our country is something that comes up all the time. It comes up in presidential campaigns, during football games, and of course a few times a year on Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and the Fourth of July. But for all we hear about the sacrifices that American heroes make to keep us free, it’s always been hard for me to wrap my head around how much sacrifice has really been made. Visiting the Arlington National Cemetery has helped put that all in perspective. The sea of white tombstones rolls over the hills and fills the available green space, wrapping around trees and pathways. Even after wandering around for over an hour, I was still unable to take it all in.

            I’m trying not to use clichés to express my thoughts, but I think the fact that only vague, proverbial phrases come to mind is indicative of the fact that it’s difficult to comprehend just how much has collectively been sacrificed to make America the country it is today (there are those vague phrases again). Everyone chooses a cause to which they want to dedicate their lives. The people in Arlington Cemetery chose to dedicate their lives to the protection of people around the world, and because of my walk through Arlington, I’m starting to get a greater understanding of the scope and depth of that dedication.

-Adam S.

Conquering The Hill

     Living on Capitol Hill is incredible. Until you realize you have to walk up The Hill. Walking back after a long day at work or trying to finish strong on an evening run, The Hill is a huge obstacle. Your calves burn and you’re short of breath as The Hill tires even the fittest of climbers. The Hill could be symbolic of the uphill struggles that I think many of us are going to encounter this summer. Although we may be out of breath, we always make it to the top. 

                Walking is part of the culture here in Washington. I’ve learned to enjoy my twenty-five minute walk to work, which I would hardly consider anywhere else. My walk allows me to pass the hundreds of beautiful plants in the Botanical Gardens or the towering Bartholdi Fountain. Walking alongside the mall allows me to see how this city connects people as they congregate on The Mall or wait in line at the various museums. The Capitol complex is a joy to walk through on my walk, although it is crowded by throngs of school groups and giddy students. My way to work is enjoyable but it’s incomparable to all the other places the sidewalks of DC can take you.

                We’ve walked down Embassy Row to Estonia and through Denmark, we’ve conquered the turns and hills of the National Zoo and we’ve admired the art of the Renwick. And it’s hardly been two weeks. I’ve come to terms with my aching back and perpetually sore feet. I consider it as part of the experience and wear it as a badge of pride. At the end of each night my roommates and I take out our phones which so handily track our steps and miles travelled. So far, I have taken over 200,000 steps and gone over 90 miles. This small competition of who can go the distance is fun but I appreciate how it pushes us to really explore the city in the best way possible: by foot.

                 This summer has just started and from here, it’s an uphill climb. But, as I’ve learned from trekking to the top of The Hill, it will inevitably come to an end. Whatever successes, emotions or stories come at the end will be determined but I’ve come to enjoy the climb, as well as the incessant walking. At the end of each day I can say that I’ve conquered The Hill so come the end of summer I can’t wait to see what else I’ve conquered.

 - Tyler Osborne