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"Public Service is a noble calling and we need men and women of character to believe that they can make a difference in their communities, in their states and in their country"
- George H.W. Bush
41st President of the United States
Public Service & Volunteering
At the Bush School, the mantra is "Public Service is a Noble Calling." Students say it to each other in the hallway, mutter it under our breath during exams, share it with a smile during meetings and events, and are especially fond of saying it when we are doing things for people in the community. One specific part of public service we students are taught is to be the person who volunteers for the hard jobs. Without someone stepping forward, what would be accomplished? I truly believe the reason I am here is because I truly believe that, yes, Public Service—and all the blood, sweat, tears, laughter, joy, and satisfaction that comes with it—is a Noble Calling.
Work with the Moved and the Shaken
Recently, I was able to attend an event where John Quiñones from the show 'What Would You Do?' spoke about his life and career. In addition to his excellent discussion about diversity and inclusion, during his presentation he shared a piece of advice he received, “Don't just work with the movers and shakers, work with the moved and the shaken.” That statement is profound because service and leadership is about the people, and not the people who are creating change, but the people those changes impact. We must never forget for whom we make decisions and whom we serve. We must be the leaders that people know will serve them.
People Matter
I strive to remember that leadership is serving the people. Throughout my life I have striven to continually gain the knowledge and tools to become an effective leader and public servant. I believe service and the ability to focus on the people you are serving are essential core values of leadership. In order to lead, you must know how to serve.​ As a leader, I strive to focus on individuals. One of the most valuable things I have learned about President H.W. Bush is that he knew the names of every person on his staff, from assistants to gardeners. Something as simple as remembering the names of people you work with, or who work for you, is a small act of service that emphasizes that dedication and service to individual people is vital to leadership as a public servant.
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