Service
I believe in service. I believe
that we are born to make the world a better place than the one we arrived in. I believe that that through
service we can do just that.
First off, let me introduce myself.
My name is Bryce Mitchell. I’m 15 going 16 (and ready to finally get my
license). I live in Marion, Arkansas. I’m a Conservative Republican and a Christian
(just letting you know where my alliances lie), Most importantly, I am a human
being who wants to make a difference.
I was probably about 5 when I asked
my mother a question she wasn’t expecting to hear. No, I wasn’t asking her
anything about the birds and the bees. Instead, I was asking her why she worked
so much, and after deep thought she gave me this answer, “People need Mommy’s
help.” My mom was an EMT at the time when she gave me that answer, and I found
that her answer would be echoed from the mouths of others in similar
professions. Those people knew that out there, there are people, nations, and a
world that needed their help.
I can’t help but revere those who
serve the greater good. Service is in my blood. I come from a long line of
service men and women. My mom as I said earlier use to be an EMT. My uncle was
a Fire Fighter. My grandfather is retired army. My great grandfather was a Marine
during World War Two.
I define service as an act of
compassion or bravery that betters or helps someone other than yourself. I like
to think I lead a prosperous life of service, but honestly I know I could do a
lot more to better the world. That’s okay though, I plan to keep serving the
rest of my life so I know I’ll make a difference. I probably wouldn’t be here
if service was an uncommon thing.
I was seven years old when I
witnessed a shooting. Apparently a drug deal or gang violence or something had
gone bad two doors down. All I remember was hearing multiple SNAPS and then my
mom telling me to get under the car as fast as I could. After a while, I heard
the sirens and someone yell put the weapon down a couple more SNAPS. Then it
was over. The shooter was caught and sent to jail.
That event scared the living
daylights out of me, but I was comforted by the fact that I had just witnessed
a hero in action. I remember dressing up as a police officer that Halloween. I
was inspired to try and live a life with as much compassion and valor as that man
had showcased. I still try to follow that example and I encourage others to do
the same. So I ask you, how will you serve.
