Growing up, I always had a strong sense of justice, but for a while, I struggled with where to place it. It wasn't until I became engaged in my community that I truly found my purpose. At some point in our lives, especially when it comes to our service and impact, we start to search for greater meaning in our actions. We start to question why and for whom we do it. Finding one's purpose in life can be a daunting task. It often involves a great deal of introspection and self-reflection. While some people may find their purpose through personal exploration, others may find it through serving their community.
Serving the community through active involvement is an excellent way to find your purpose because it allows you to connect with others and make a difference in their lives. Whether volunteering at a local shelter, organizing a community event, or running for office, serving others can provide a sense of fulfillment and purpose that is hard to find elsewhere.
For me, serving the community looks like contributing to efforts that promote positive change, specifically through criminal justice reform. Through my work, I aim to address the systemic issues that plague our criminal justice system and disproportionately impact marginalized communities. My mission is to serve the community by advocating for criminal justice reform and uplifting solutions that prioritize safety, wellness, and rehabilitation. I find my purpose in changing the narratives fueling mass incarceration and fostering communities where people won't live in fear, desperation, or constant need. Furthermore, I am committed to amplifying the voices of those who have been directly impacted by the criminal justice system. Their stories and experiences are crucial in shaping policy and creating meaningful change.
To be a leader is to learn and listen. Being involved in my community opened my eyes to the needs and challenges that people face on a daily basis. I have made vital connections that have taught me how to identify issues, brainstorm solutions and amplify the voices of those who are impacted by them. Serving your community helps people form bonds and develop a sense of trust when they cooperate to achieve a common objective. Even in the face of disagreements, this trust may foster collaboration and help conquer divisions. There is no bigger motivator than bearing witness to the gaps you dream of filling and putting a pen to paper for an action plan to fill them.
Serving the community exposes you to new experiences and perspectives that help you find your true passions. It can help you break out of your comfort zone and learn about the needs and challenges facing your community. By doing so, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your values, and develop a stronger sense of purpose and direction in life.
Today, I am grateful for my community and the role it played in shaping my life. Without the support and guidance of those I share my little corner of the Earth with, I may have never discovered my purpose.
