Combining priorities: academics and service

By Annie Ramos

I started to watch Associated Students President Annie Selak talk about how we could, as students, become more involved in our community. She challenged us to become involved, to leave our "bubble," and actively live out the Jesuit traditions of "solution, justice, and community." Selak also implored us to "pursue several co-curricular activities."

Selak's speech caught me off guard. Her plea for a more involved student body came over a little strong. I found myself asking: What is the role of a Santa Clara student? While some might argue that community service is part of the Jesuit education of our whole person, these activities take time and commitment. Shouldn't our first priority be to succeed in class?

I am aware of the many opportunities of service here, but I didn't realize they became such a priority. I didn't know that the State of Student address became an evaluation, not of my school, but of my own contributions to society. I sympathized with Selak's hope for students but her address made me feel like I needed to earn my place as a student through service -- as if working hard in class was insufficient. Service in our community or on campus indirectly educates and enhances our lives, but sometimes we are just too busy; there are only so many hours in a day.

I never intend to be selfish with my time and potential to help. I think service is a gratifying experience. I will try to help the Santa Clara community at one point during my college career. Perhaps that was all Selak was asking of us in the first place: to give it a try, to entertain the possibility that through our contribution to society, lives can be changed and justice served.

Selak was right to encourage involvement. We are responsible for creating the community in which we live.