Service Learning and Mentoring Makes America Stronger

Any election is exciting to me because it represents that I live in a free country; a land that I love and appreciate. The November Presidential election is heating up. Political speeches, campaign promises, and catchy slogan fill the airwaves. I usually remember the overall theme of speeches but not the words verbatim; rarely is the speech “electrifying.” There is one statement however, that I remember. Over 40 years John F. Kennedy stated in his inaugural address “ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”
I would like to tell all the November candidates that it is my turn to answer JFK’s question. I can and will give service back to my country. American’s service to the country can and will make us stronger. It is my opinion that the White House cannot be solely responsible for the state of the nation.  The White House makes policy; as citizens, we can help each other become smarter and stronger as business persons and individuals. We all must take on some of the responsibility.
At the University of South Carolina, many professors and students are involved in Service Learning efforts. Service Learning involves students collaborating with a business to solve an existing problem. Throughout the semester, students apply concepts learned in the course and identify solutions to the problem. Businesses obtain creative solutions to the problem. Meanwhile students learn the importance of helping others (i.e., the business) and gaining industry experience. My students and I have been involved in Service Learning efforts for many years. Each year the reward earned gets better; a business finds a solution and students become empowered. My reward is seeing both groups become excited about the outcome.
Another answer to JFK’s statement is act of mentoring. Some may think mentoring is for the sake of others. I believe mentoring is as much for the mentor as for the mentee. Donating my time reminds me that without the benefit of mentors I may not have graduated from college. Mentoring provided me with valuable insight from a wide variety of individuals. As a mentor, I am able to “give back what I have received.”
Mentoring in the workplace, with your family or your neighborhood requires time, skill and effort; these are attributes that everyone can offer. As I think about people who have made a difference, they come from a wide background. Education, age, income and region don’t necessarily indicate the quality of a mentor. Qualities of an excellent mentor include (a) the ability to be patient, (b) be non-judgment, (c) possess wisdom to know when to speak, (d) be willing to work with others that are perhaps different from yourself, and (e ) sometimes go beyond your comfort region are qualities required by an excellent mentor.
Help make Nigeria stronger; become involved in Service Learning and/or mentoring.