Working To Serve The Needs Of Others

Free AI web copilot to create summaries, insights and extended knowledge, download it at here

1131

Abstract

ut.Instead, I enlisted into the military, but it was more out of necessity. I needed work with a steady paycheck to save up and pursue what I really believed my calling was: An optometrist. I had plans to sign-up for four years, take my military benefits, and wave off to be a civilian again. After more of a decade of salutes, wearing a uniform, and obeying orders, here I am: Still working as an active duty member.Why?Because I wake up each day and feel privileged to enjoy what I do. For me, work has moved away from “necessity” and is not something I feel forced to do. After all, I volunteered for this job. I raised my hand, took my oath, and serve the American people. That — for me — is not work. It’s a humbling experience and an honorable thing to do.I have gained rank through the years, and my perspective of “work” continues to evolve. Every day, I serve and protect our country. However, I also serve and protect my peers as well. Each day, I wake up and have no idea what the day has in store for me. In a single day, I may have to help a peer who

Options

is contemplating suicide. Did someone just get in a car accident? You can bet that I am on my way to go get them. One moment I may be helping someone get orders to their next duty station, and the next, I might have to close my door and have a conversation to see how they are doing through their divorce. On any day, I feel like I am a mentor, friend, priest, and guardian. There are days that I come home emotionally and mentally drained, but it’s worth it.My job is unpredictable. When I am needed is always unknown, and I am humbled by how much I continue to grow as an active duty member. I come into the office with the mentality of serving others before I help myself. It’s challenging, and there are some days that I have to take a step back and realize that I need to hit the pause button to do my own self-care. That’s okay though. How can I expect to help others if I cannot remember to help myself?It’s a delicate balance, and not everyone is meant for a profession like this. However, if this is what I can expect over the next decade or more, keep me signed up.</article></body>

I never imagined myself as an active duty member, but here I am: Proud and humbled.

As a little girl, I remember wanting to be all kinds of things. I would stand in front of the mirror and pretend to be a news anchor. Playing with my Lincoln Logs, I thought I was going to be the next major architect. After watching The Exorcist, I swore I was going to become a nun. Then, I thought I would be an FBI Agent, astronaut, Olympic gymnast, neurosurgeon…The list went on and on.

Unfortunately, none of those dreams worked out.

Instead, I enlisted into the military, but it was more out of necessity. I needed work with a steady paycheck to save up and pursue what I really believed my calling was: An optometrist. I had plans to sign-up for four years, take my military benefits, and wave off to be a civilian again. After more of a decade of salutes, wearing a uniform, and obeying orders, here I am: Still working as an active duty member.

Why?

Because I wake up each day and feel privileged to enjoy what I do. For me, work has moved away from “necessity” and is not something I feel forced to do. After all, I volunteered for this job. I raised my hand, took my oath, and serve the American people. That — for me — is not work. It’s a humbling experience and an honorable thing to do.

I have gained rank through the years, and my perspective of “work” continues to evolve. Every day, I serve and protect our country. However, I also serve and protect my peers as well. Each day, I wake up and have no idea what the day has in store for me. In a single day, I may have to help a peer who is contemplating suicide. Did someone just get in a car accident? You can bet that I am on my way to go get them. One moment I may be helping someone get orders to their next duty station, and the next, I might have to close my door and have a conversation to see how they are doing through their divorce. On any day, I feel like I am a mentor, friend, priest, and guardian. There are days that I come home emotionally and mentally drained, but it’s worth it.

My job is unpredictable. When I am needed is always unknown, and I am humbled by how much I continue to grow as an active duty member. I come into the office with the mentality of serving others before I help myself. It’s challenging, and there are some days that I have to take a step back and realize that I need to hit the pause button to do my own self-care. That’s okay though. How can I expect to help others if I cannot remember to help myself?

It’s a delicate balance, and not everyone is meant for a profession like this. However, if this is what I can expect over the next decade or more, keep me signed up.