People often ask me why I volunteer so much. Why do I serve? It’s because I know what it’s like to be in need. I know the pain. I know the heartache, the financial hardships and emotional turmoil.
Given that, how dare I ignore the hungry? Who am I to turn my back on the children who have been told they’ll never make it? How can I consider writing articles and pontificate on the foreclosure crisis or Katrina when I have the power to help make it better? I give back because I know from personal experience the type of impact one person can have on another’s life.
So I don’t see volunteering as simply volunteering, I see service as an obligation, a duty. Therefore, for this committee to think highly enough of what I’ve done to choose me not only lends credence to my perspective, but to my career path and the decisions I’ve made. It also shows that others value my struggle, my hardships, and respect my journey. My passion to serve, and my love for the community.
Fortunately, Todd is not alone. For many students at all law schools, service is the primary motivator for obtaining a law degree.
Certainly there is nothing wrong with wanting to do well in school or to work for a large firm but the obsession with grades has harmed the legal profession by diverting lawyers and law students from focusing on the skills that they need to serve their clients’ needs.
For worried 1Ls, taking Todd’s words to heart may help keep the Spirit of OCI Future at bay and help you put your upcoming exams in perspective. Keep focused on why you came to law school in the first place.
William A. Chamberlain is assistant dean, Law Career Strategy and Advancement, Northwestern University School of Law.
