Community service, in its simplest terms, means doing something for the betterment of your community without expecting a reward in return. However, I believe that community service is more complex than its definition suggests. I am an Environmental Science student taking several biology courses to better understand ecological “communities” in my education. An ecological community is a group of interacting organisms in any given location. Biologists study in depth how these creatures compete for resources, prey on each other, and mutually benefit from each other’s presence. Human communities are no different. Friends submit resumes to the same job position so they can afford to feed their families? That’s competition. A young girl with insecurities comments hurtful things on a classmate’s social media post to feed her false sense of confidence? In a way, that’s predation. Community service? I believe that is an example of mutualism. In biology, mutualism is a relationship in which two organisms depend on each other’s presence to gain survival advantages. More simply, mutualism states that mutual dependence is necessary for social well-being. For me, community service is how I engage in mutualistic relationships in my community. My best memories of serving my community are from volunteering at a local elementary and middle school, Parker Core Knowledge, as a theater technician for a middle school play. I organized and sewed costumes with the wardrobe director, managed students during rehearsals and performances, and stood for hours pointing a spotlight at each kid when it was their time to shine. My contributions helped the company’s show run smoothly and successfully, but I too gained something from the hours I put in. Witnessing the program teach middle schoolers the magic to be found in working as a team to discover personal identities and develop confidence in their individual skills was a fulfilling and enlightening experience for me as well. The benefits of community service are never limited to the party receiving help—engaging in activities for the betterment of one’s community helps one learn that their efforts are valuable and that they have a place and a role in that community too. I plan to attend law school following my undergraduate program in Environmental Science to pursue a career in Environmental Policy. Protecting our environment by working on policies that address air and water pollution, chemical and oil spills, water quality, land conservation, and sustainable practices is my idea of giving back to not only my local community but to our world community as well. I believe that some of the most important aspects of community service—collaboration, perseverance, and advocacy—are also the most necessary attitudes to address the climate crisis with. In return for my efforts to better the climate situation, I will receive the gift of a happy, healthy world to call my home.