Getting Things Done

I used to be a big “taker”. I took everything my parents gave me without paying back my fair share, whether it was simply doing chores or showing them the respect they deserved. I expected friends to give everything they had to a relationship without offering anything in return. To top it all off, I also took my comfortable upbringing for granted. I rarely thought about the millions of people less fortunate than me, and I never did anything to help.

One year ago I began my dream internship at a popular sports talk show in Philadelphia. I had the opportunity to make a career out of chatting about sports. However, working behind-the-scenes was much less glamorous than I imagined, and I felt I was wasting my time. I thought about my previous internship at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where I hosted educational game shows, talked with patients about music and television, and provided an outlet for kids and their families to feel normal in the hospital. I never felt more fulfilled than seeing a smile on a patient’s face.  I went to college thinking that being a sports broadcaster was the most important thing in the world. I discovered it was merely a hobby, and I would be happier doing something that would truly add value to my life and to my community.

Fast forward to September 12th, 2014 and I’m taking the AmeriCorps pledge. Although I can’t pinpoint the exact moment I decided to change my future, I do remember what reassured me that I had made the right choice. It was the 20th anniversary of AmeriCorps, the day my fellow service members and I said “I will get things done.”  I’ll never forget what President Obama said when addressing the new members:

“I began to understand what citizenship meant … not just rights and privileges, but duties and responsibilities.”

I am proud to live in a society where people are guaranteed rights and privileges, but I don’t think enough emphasis is put on our duties and responsibilities. We have a duty to protect each other’s rights. We are responsible for the education of future generations. Instead of taking everything we can from our country, we need to give everything we can. Too often, we ignore the oft-quoted John F. Kennedy, who asked not what his country could do for him, but what he could do for his country. I believe in those words and those of President Obama. I will always answer the call to service and good citizenship.

My previous endeavors left me unfulfilled, but one month into my service term and I finally feel as if I am making a positive contribution. As a Health Educator for the Florida Department of Health in Baker County, I'm showing teenagers how to say no to drugs and focus on positive goals. I'm helping people of all ages quit using tobacco products. I'm learning how to be a better citizen. I know it’s early, and I know I can always do more for my friends, family, and my community, but I could not be more excited about what this service term has in store for me. By serving others, I feel more complete than when I was taking from others. I am ready to give back to my community and my country. I am ready to get things done.

This post was written by NFHC member Danny Glenn.

Danny serves at the Florida Department of Health in Baker County as a Health Educator.