Defining Principles, Essay Example

An individual is part of the community and as such he/she carries an ethical duty to improve the community that nurtures him/her. A community grows when its members respect and care about each other. We perform different roles in our daily lives as members of both formal and informal groups. I am a student within the premises of Diablo College, a volunteer as a member of my local church, and a young leader as part of my community. We don’t exist independently of the greater society. Our actions not only affect us but also others which is why we are accountable not only to ourselves but to everyone that has a stake in the community and the country. This is why when we think, we should think of things beyond ourselves, when we act, we should act for reasons beyond ourselves, and when we succeed we should acknowledge those whose support helped us beyond our own efforts. Most of our daily life exists beyond our personal sphere.

My high school principal taught me a valuable lesson when I was a high school senior. We were walking towards a restaurant when she noticed an empty plastic bottle. She picked it up and threw it in the trash can. She told me she didn’t act as a Principal of my high school but as a citizen of the United States. It is her civilian duty to keep her country clean. That was the moment when I realized that my responsibilities extend to everyone and every place I am a part of. I do not need to be told how I am supposed to act. It’s my job to figure out how I can be an ideal son, brother, friend, and a model citizen. Realizing this has given me a new purpose in life. I want to help myself but above all I want to help others who are part of my life, my community and my country.

As a student at Diablo Valley College (DVC), I joined the student government. To reduce environmental waste, we proposed removing Styrofoam from the campus and serve food in safe containers. I also represented student government in the college Information Technology Committee with faculty and staff. In addition, we created student email accounts, provided more power outlets across campus, and enhanced the wireless coverage across campus. As I prepare for a transition, I believe I am leaving DVC that provides a better academic environment and more enriching college life to its students, faculty, and the staff.

I have experienced what it really means to be a part of the community and living for others beyond yourself. I am excited for the tremendous learning opportunities as well as ready to accept student leadership challenges at Haas Business School, University of California, Berkeley, and the City of Berkeley. I will be successful in life only when I believe I am leaving a better world for the next generation as my elders built a better world for me than what they inherited.