I tried in the summer to start something ( a club ) exactly as you were describing. Just somewhere for teens to gather around and talk about what changes they’d like to make in the world, and we’d all brainstorm together to find the perfect way to contribute. This would be esp good for people who don’t like to volunteer alone (i.e. without a group of friends with them). Maybe we could set something like this up. Let me know.

And the great thing is, you don’t need to be Oprah to make a change That’s the most important thing that I learned from going out and volunteering. You can be an “Oprah” to people, even more than that, really. ]]> http://students2oh.org/2007/12/10/student-servants/#comment-146 Winters Tue, 11 Dec 2007 22:39:12 +0000 http://students2oh.org/2007/12/10/student-servants/#comment-146 Wow, this whole article is exactly how I've been feeling the past few months or so since I've started learning more about the world and how large it is compared to how small I am. Sometimes I just wish I was as famous as say, Oprah Winfrey, just so I could leave some sort of mark in the world. I wish there was some type of convention of some sort in my area where I could get involved, like just a place where students could freely express their beliefs without being pressured into other kids thinking they're "too smart" or "and over-achiever". Maybe, somehow, schools could integrate some sort of class or even just a club where you can just throw down everything you're thinking and any random facts you've stumbled across. I know I'm not the only one who's thinking about this, and I surely hope not. I wish that I could come out of school with not only a "textbook mind". The only way to find out what's going on in our world is so experience it first hand without being enclosed in "four very beautiful but also restrictive walls", as you say. Wow, this whole article is exactly how I’ve been feeling the past few months or so since I’ve started learning more about the world and how large it is compared to how small I am. Sometimes I just wish I was as famous as say, Oprah Winfrey, just so I could leave some sort of mark in the world. I wish there was some type of convention of some sort in my area where I could get involved, like just a place where students could freely express their beliefs without being pressured into other kids thinking they’re “too smart” or “and over-achiever”. Maybe, somehow, schools could integrate some sort of class or even just a club where you can just throw down everything you’re thinking and any random facts you’ve stumbled across. I know I’m not the only one who’s thinking about this, and I surely hope not. I wish that I could come out of school with not only a “textbook mind”. The only way to find out what’s going on in our world is so experience it first hand without being enclosed in “four very beautiful but also restrictive walls”, as you say. ]]> http://students2oh.org/2007/12/10/student-servants/#comment-79 Lindsea Mon, 10 Dec 2007 22:44:26 +0000 http://students2oh.org/2007/12/10/student-servants/#comment-79 JV- First, thank you for your comment. I am flattered by your comment, it's nice to know that you think I am "a shining example of a student volunteer". It's true that I wanted to do something, and so I did it, but I honestly was not able to just "do". Something that you said was so easy. To me, it seems more idealistic to believe that people who want to give back to the community will seek out service oppurtunities for themselves. I truly wish people were like that, I know that I wasn't. Although I thought about doing something to give back to the community for a long time, it wasn't until I experienced the "teachers who [were] willing to inspire, and encourage education outside the class room" that I actually began my journey as a student servant. Let me clarify for you: that isn't an insult. I agree with you that it isn't possible to be forcefully inspired (it seems contradictory to the very definition). For me, I was inspired by the caring teachers that actually go out and do something, instead of just lecturing. Of course it's not their sole responsibility (I mean, what about the parents, right?). But they are in the classroom with young adults everyday. As one of the most influencial people in student's lives, they have a huge oppurtunity to be inspiring, and help institute passion for life in the next generation. Another clarification: never do I bemoan the four walls of education. In fact, you might recall that I call them "beautiful". I love school, and I plan to continue my learning in an institution higher education. What was trying to say is that quality education does not, and should not, end when class gets out. There are invaluable lessons to be learned outside of the precious cushion of school. "Listening to intelligent minds speak" is absolutely important, but it can't end at just that. Where have they learned their lessons? From listening to other intelligent minds speak? Is there nothing to be gained from real life experience? "We are shut up in schools and college recitation rooms for ten or fifteen years, and come out at last with a bellyfull of words and do not know a thing. The things taught in schools and colleges are not an education, but the means of education," says Emerson. Service is not the only way to get a good education, nor is it nessicarily the best for everyone. But it is a way to use the knowledge that school gave us ("the means of an education"), and enroll in the school of life. JV-

First, thank you for your comment.

I am flattered by your comment, it’s nice to know that you think I am “a shining example of a student volunteer”. It’s true that I wanted to do something, and so I did it, but I honestly was not able to just “do”. Something that you said was so easy. To me, it seems more idealistic to believe that people who want to give back to the community will seek out service oppurtunities for themselves. I truly wish people were like that, I know that I wasn’t. Although I thought about doing something to give back to the community for a long time, it wasn’t until I experienced the “teachers who [were] willing to inspire, and encourage education outside the class room” that I actually began my journey as a student servant.

Let me clarify for you: that isn’t an insult. I agree with you that it isn’t possible to be forcefully inspired (it seems contradictory to the very definition). For me, I was inspired by the caring teachers that actually go out and do something, instead of just lecturing. Of course it’s not their sole responsibility (I mean, what about the parents, right?). But they are in the classroom with young adults everyday. As one of the most influencial people in student’s lives, they have a huge oppurtunity to be inspiring, and help institute passion for life in the next generation.

Another clarification: never do I bemoan the four walls of education. In fact, you might recall that I call them “beautiful”. I love school, and I plan to continue my learning in an institution higher education. What was trying to say is that quality education does not, and should not, end when class gets out. There are invaluable lessons to be learned outside of the precious cushion of school. “Listening to intelligent minds speak” is absolutely important, but it can’t end at just that. Where have they learned their lessons? From listening to other intelligent minds speak? Is there nothing to be gained from real life experience?

“We are shut up in schools and college recitation rooms for ten or fifteen years, and come out at last with a bellyfull of words and do not know a thing. The things taught in schools and colleges are not an education, but the means of education,” says Emerson. Service is not the only way to get a good education, nor is it nessicarily the best for everyone. But it is a way to use the knowledge that school gave us (”the means of an education”), and enroll in the school of life.

You are well on your way toward turning frustration into action, as well you should. Unfortunately, your frustration will always be with you, if I gauge your character correctly. I encourage you to find your own anchor, from which you can stray and tug at for years to come. You will also discover that this anchor moves from time to time, driven by others and not yourself.

I’m 52, and relate to your anxiety and ambition. In my history, it took me a bit longer to realize that giving was more than having, and that doing far surpassed my expectation of what I ever thought I would become.

Indeed, it was a teacher who created the spark in me, but it took a bit longer to reflect and act. However, this great man passed along two quotations to me back then that still remain on my wall, visible when I contemplate my place in the world:

“What would life be
if we had not the courage
to attempt anything?”........Vincent Van Gogh

“Bright spirits
often encounter
violent opposition
from mediocre minds”.........Albert Einstein

I can really add nothing more except to encourage you to surround yourself with people and challenge that surpass your current abilities. I would wager this is the growth you seek, and you will be rewarded time and again by selfless gain. Making a difference, in some form you seek, will often manifest itself in ways you will never recognize - but you will make a difference!

I have to disagree with what I believe to be your argument. Although you are a shining example of a student volunteer, this appears to be a shining example of idealism. I believe that people who want to do something, do. You can’t force people to be inspired. It is almost insulting when you say “tt takes teachers who are willing to inspire, and encourage education outside of the classrooms to help students find their own service passion.” It is not the teacher’s sole responsibility (yet most are still inspiring people every day). Some people know about their opportunities, yet still do nothing. And passions extend past service. In fact, one of my passions lies in these restricting, four-walled institutions that you bemoan. Why is sitting in a room learning and listening to intelligent minds speak any less valid than this hands-on, on-location experience that you speak of? Can you even define conventional teaching? I understand that you now feel enlightened, and this would make for a good, albeit cliché, college essay, but service is not necessarily the only way to get a good education.

I applaud your ambition.

So many times I have listened and considered the words of those that have found meaning and purpose in life through serving others. Through serving they have not only helped heal the land, save the whales, etc., they have also saved themselves by their serving. I’ve heard countless stories of those who were homeless now providing shelter for others that would be homeless except for the refuge they provide.

Many have the gift of serving, know that is their gift and find joy in their purpose - serving others where ever there is a need. And there are many needs.

The best part of your article for me is that you are aware of the need to help others and are searching out ways to be of help to others - whether it is your gift or not. You are not all about you. You are reaching outside of the box (your school, your self, whatever the box might be). I loved the “telescope” comment - how insightful!

The joy that you receive from serving I think is many times even greater than the joy those you serve receive from your serving. It is not that they don’t appreciate your efforts, most do tremendously. Many though have diminished capacities, or mental illness which prevent them from even comprehending or realizing the sacrifices you are making on their behalf.

By the way, your picture is awesome. I am sitting in Colorado right now with about a foot of snow on the ground. It is beginning to look a lot like “winter” around here finally. The water and the beach was quite a contrast to the view out of my window of the snow capped mountains. Both having the views and being able to see them are special if you think about it.

Enjoy and relish in these moments and opportunities in front of you.

What an utterly thought provoking post. You certainly have a way with words that makes your thoughts and passions leap off the page. You have given me much to think about and hopefully at some point integrate into my math classroom. Thank-you.