In a world increasingly divided by algorithms and echo chambers, service emerges as one of the few true ways to break out of our social bubbles and discover the vast tapestry of human experience.
To truly understand life as an adult, consider engaging in some form of service, like the Peace Corps, military, or City Year in Boston.
Most job-seekers enter the workforce knowing only a small slice of real life, primarily familiar with their own neighborhoods and tribes.
Reflecting on his upbringing, one author recalls that during his formative years, individuals rarely strayed far from these constants.
Two of the author’s best friends from college, both raised in privilege with vacation houses and elite schooling, were drafted into the Army due to an active draft system at the time.
Their experience serving in the military exposed them to young men from diverse walks of life, offering an equalizing environment of basic infantry training.
Coming out of this experience, the author’s friends expressed that their military service matured them and woke them up to new perspectives, emphasizing how that time prepared them for adulthood like nothing else could have.
They later returned to complete college, graduating with high honors and embarking on distinguished careers in law and publishing.
The narrative reflects on a unique period in American history, notably the post-World War II era, when military service was seen as a civic duty.
Young men at the time could choose from various branches of the military, each offering different commitments and experiences, including options for shorter service periods or reserve duties.
Many of the author’s friends opted for the Reserves, eager to start their careers without committing to longer military service.
Similar to the informal advice passed around college campuses, older students advised him to enlist as a way to experience basic training when the weather was still favorable.
The author joined the Army alongside his high school friend, Zeke, both initially intimidated by the experience ahead.
Upon arrival at basic training, the palpable nerves among the recruits quickly turned into a mix of fear and camaraderie as they faced the grueling initiation into military life.
As they underwent the various stages of processing and training, the experience became a true test of endurance and adaptability.
Initially harrowing moments transformed the recruits, stripping away individual identities to build a cohesive unit ready for the discipline of military life.
The author shares anecdotes of fellow recruits adjusting to military life, including hooded Puerto Rican soldiers who initially relied on language barriers to evade demanding tasks.
Over time, the peers in the barracks became friends, sharing stories and experiences, solidifying bonds through their mutual struggles.
This journey from isolation to unity exemplified the spirit of service, revealing that regardless of backgrounds, they all sought connection amid the harshness of military training.
Emphasizing personal growth, every soldier found value in the grueling routine that trained them not just for combat but also educated them about various societal strata.
Upon completion of basic training, the recruits dispersed to their next assignments, marking a new chapter in their military careers meant for specialization and skill development.
Meanwhile, Jim Hughes’ story presents another perspective on service, detailing how his connection to the Peace Corps illuminated a path of purpose that diverted him from the military draft.
After becoming aware of the alternatives available through the Peace Corps, Hughes’ life took a transformative turn as he volunteered overseas, enriching his understanding of different cultures.
His experience teaching in Chile became a profound adventure, shifting his focus from formal education to practical, impactful project implementations that benefited underprivileged communities.
Through trial and error, Hughes found that his engineering background allowed him to contribute significantly to improving living conditions through innovative solutions, fostering a spirit of problem-solving and collaboration.
Decades later, he credits his time in the Peace Corps as a defining chapter in his life, shaping him into a well-rounded individual and compassionate businessman.
Furthermore, Erika Alvarez Werner’s journey with City Year highlights the tangible impact of youth volunteering in education, as she served both as a participant and now as an executive leader.
Founded to address educational disparities, City Year has empowered countless young people to bridge gaps in functional education, emphasizing the value of mentorship in the process.
As volunteers engage with challenged communities, they create meaningful relationships that transform lives—both their own and the students they serve.
The experiences of volunteers like Andrés Carbona McGovern and Lili Bourne reveal the generational connection fostered within City Year, celebrating the potential of mentoring to cultivate personal aspirations and community impact.
Their stories underscore the importance of stepping beyond one’s comfort zone to make significant contributions to societal progress.
In conclusion, whether through military service, the Peace Corps, or programs like City Year, volunteering not only enriches individual lives but also creates lasting change in communities.
Engaging in service fosters understanding and connection, reminding us that valuable life lessons often arise from stepping outside our familiar tribes and embracing the diverse tapestry of human experience that defines our world.
image source from：bostonmagazine
