Shepherd E. Solomon Memorial Scholarship

Service is not just about donating at some particular point. Rather, it is about being available and willing to help others when they need it, with a lasting effect. Service is when a person uses their skills and time to make other people's lives easier. Service to the community involved working with food distribution at the Crowder Owens Food Bank. In addition, I found out that although there are struggles, not all of them are visible. There are individuals and families who try hard yet sometimes struggle. The experience of participating in food distribution showed me that serving others brings me joy and humbles me. By helping others, I can remember my blessings, thank God for everything, and remain grateful. Serving is also about giving. As part of the Krisp Ties program, I teach students how to tie a tie. Over time, I came to understand that students need to be taught professionalism. The program involves sharing tips on conducting an interview and on how to behave when meeting someone for the first time. In addition, I advise and guide young men. There is always a demand for advice on professionalism and how to become confident. As a student leader at Morgan State University, I realized how necessary it was to contribute. Although tying a tie may not seem significant, it can help one feel confident entering the space. Confidence is always beneficial since fear prevents one from doing anything useful. Another type of service I offer involves mentoring and leading on the university campus. Being Mr. Harper-Tubman Hall and, currently, Mr. Altus involves more than just wearing those titles. I am responsible for serving as a role model, listening to the students' worries, and helping them. In addition, I serve as the Vice President for Student Affairs, a member of the Student Advisory Council, and a Student Advocacy and Innovation Fellow with the Center for Career Development. I want to help students be ready for the challenges they face after graduation. Giving back to the community is important because I understand how valuable help can be to one person. At times, someone might need support and belief in them rather than having everything fixed for them. Moreover, community service makes people want to help others and thus create better families, campuses, and communities. This is the reason I call myself a servant leader. For me, service creates meaning. Otherwise, success means nothing if it cannot help others. Regardless of whether I can influence others through mentoring, my role as a leader, doing business, etc., I try to make it useful. The most valuable aspect of service to me is the understanding that if I have the opportunity to help another person, I should. This is the meaning of my community service.