Citizenship
Citizenship takes place once an individual does more than just live in a community, rather they contribute to their community. The individual becomes connected and actively works towards the bettering of those around them through care, service, social responsibility, and community involvement.
During the beginning of my time at Virginia Tech, citizenship would have been something that I related solely with citizenship of a country. I am a citizen of the United States on paper, and that status has granted me certain rights. What I did not know is that it does not always take a passport or birth certificate to be a citizen. This is something I have learned since being at Virginia Tech. College has given me interactions with others, from peers and professors, to people you meet studying on the Drill Field, to roommates. I learned that citizenship often started with a common ground, allowing for you to discover passions and drive of those around you. You begin to care for others and their passions, taking on their goals and supporting other’s missions. When you have an organization or a community that is selflessly working towards the bettering of those around them, this is when citizenship truly comes to fruition.
Citizenship has shown itself within my major, organizations, jobs, and the Blacksburg community as a whole. When I think of my personal definition of citizenship, I think of selfless action for the advancement of those around you. This was particularly prevalent in my campus ministry, sorority, and job. My campus ministry holds the value of really loving each other and sharing that with the world, even for some on a global level. My sorority encourages volunteering and supporting those in the community of the New River Valley but that starts with a strong internal support system within the organization. Sisters are able to comfortably share causes they are passionate about, and they are backed by the entire chapter. One of our sisters lost her father to cancer, and we were able to support her by raising money through Relay for Life, resulting in the sorority with the most money raised. Finally, I see citizenship in my current job and future career. In sport sales, I personally find it paramount to relate to each fan and client. Sports are often very close to people’s hearts, and I want to be the person that can help them experience memories that will last a lifetime. Citizenship means working for the bettering of other individuals, and my career goals are surrounded by my passion for people.
LDRS 4044 