Service Above Self: Why and How do We Serve Others? by John

Service Above Self: Why and How do We Serve Others? by John - March 2024 Scholarship Essay

“Be men and women for others,” a Jesuit ethos, is said in our house almost as often as “did you brush your teeth?” Our family mission is to use all the tools in our toolbox to grow and use our talents to serve our community.

Two summers ago, I applied to be an overnight summer camp counselor at Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp (“MHKC”), a non-profit that offers outdoor recreational programming for campers with developmental, intellectual, and physical differences. I was partnered with one camper (MHKC ensures a one-to-one camper-counselor ratio).

I’d packed for many overnight camps over the years so, while I knew this would be a different experience, I felt prepared. The first day was great. My camper and I got to know each other a little bit, I helped her settle into her cabin, and had dinner with her. I was excited for the rest of the week.

But then anxiety crept in. I was afraid of making mistakes, ranging from “what if I don’t offer her enough water throughout the day?” to “what if I don’t control this tandem bike and we fall down?”

My camper sensed my anxiety. She started guiding me. It was supposed to be the other way around! She told me what to do, where to go and how to get there, and suggested different places we could explore. She assured me we wouldn’t get lost because she was a seasoned MHKC camper and had explored much of the 22-acre campsite before.

She put me at ease, and I had a moment of clarity. I had wrongly assumed she needed my help with everything. That was not true. And, if she needed my help, she was more than capable of asking for it.

We began to share stories. She told me about jobs she’d held and how customers often avoided her. Hearing how she had been marginalized struck a chord with me. I had to step outside of my comfort zone. I wanted to interject with solutions or a plan, but I realized that what I really needed to do was be present and listen. That was not easy to do.

As our relationship grew, I clued in on her non-verbal cues. If she felt uncomfortable with certain things like sunscreen (she really hated applying sunscreen) or her clothing, then she would squeeze my hand. She would make a certain facial expression if she had something to say. I noticed that facial expression on zipline day, so I asked her. She wanted to zipline, but she didn’t want everyone clapping because it was so loud. A “jazz hands” solution was born, and she was able to zipline, repeatedly.

This camp experience was life changing. I went into it with the mindset of helping someone “different.” I learned more than my camper did. Service isn’t just about “doing” for others; listening and understanding are essential. We all deserve dignity and respect. Our differences should be honored, and strong relationships can be built despite differences.