[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 42 (Monday, April 18, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 18, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
              HONOR IN PUBLIC SERVICE: THE VALUE IN EFFORT

                                 ______


                           HON. LARRY LaROCCO

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 18, 1994

  Mr. LaROCCO. Mr. Speaker, I recently had the privilege of attending 
the 11th annual Frank Church Conference on Public Affairs at Boise 
State University. As part of the conference on Honor in Public Service, 
Bryndi Joyce, a senior at Boise High School was awarded first prize for 
her essay, entitled, ``The Value in Effort.'' I ask that the essay be 
printed in the Record.

           First-place Essay Praises Value of Helping Others

       The following is the text of an essay written by Bryndi 
     Joyce, a senior at Boise High School. The essay won first 
     place in a contest sponsored by the Frank Church Conference 
     on Public Affairs. The topic is, ``Who Me? Responsibility to 
     Public Service.''


                          The Value in Effort

       It is hard for me to imagine a life without endless 
     opportunities. Having a father who devotes his time to saving 
     the lives of others, knowing wonderful teachers, and being a 
     volunteer has allowed me to experience the benefits of public 
     service. I realize that my success is a result of others, and 
     by becoming more publicly involved, I can give this time and 
     devotion back to society.
       My father's occupation as a firefighter has driven me 
     towards public involvement throughout my life. I see his 
     happiness each time he has saved the life of another human 
     being, or risks his own life at times when others are in 
     need. His efforts have embodied the importance of providing 
     services for the public, because without people to fill these 
     jobs, society could not function. People too often take these 
     services for granted, and fail to imagine what it would be 
     like without firefighters to extinguish the burning flames of 
     a house. My father's occupation has also demonstrated that 
     one's willingness to give up something brings about a 
     stronger community. My family and I have witnessed his 
     sacrifices for public safety as he works 24-hours shifts and 
     often misses out on valuable sleep. I, too, want to help the 
     individuals who have given up their own time for me.
       The teachers who devote energy and thought into students' 
     learning provide another source of public service that cannot 
     be appreciated enough. Considering the amount of time a 
     teacher spends with a student each day, the teacher becomes 
     one of the greatest influences in developing our minds and 
     attitudes. I have been fortunate enough to know individuals 
     who have shown me that my efforts do make a difference. These 
     teachers have encouraged me, as well as other students, to 
     have a voice in society and value our own opinions. This 
     motivates me to be a part of school clubs and organizations 
     because I know that my ideas are important in helping others 
     succeed.
       I believe that others would become more involved with clubs 
     and volunteering if they realized the power each individual 
     has in shaping society. I would like to be in a position that 
     encourages every type of student to develop and pursue his/
     her talents, and provide an atmosphere where students can 
     become familiar with playing a part in society. I can, and by 
     devoting my time to individuals who need tutoring or 
     improvement in certain areas, inspire students to take part 
     in public services. Once a person sees that my effort to help 
     them are making a difference, he/she can also do the same for 
     someone else. A teacher's positive attitude and enthusiasm 
     offer a basis for students to learn the benefits of public 
     service.
       Volunteering to serve the public has demonstrated that 
     individual efforts benefit society. Contributing services to 
     our community is so important in preventing crime and 
     maintaining a healthy atmosphere for everyone.
       Unfortunatley, I see many individuals steering towards 
     private business jobs and concerning themselves with only 
     their personal goals. More responsibility must be taken by 
     everyone in order to create better education systems and a 
     less violent country. There are no quick solutions to these 
     problems facing society, but the best measure for prevention 
     is to assume an active role in helping troubled teens or 
     other individuals who need direction. Designing youth 
     involvement programs makes volunteer work more accessible, 
     allowing students to see that a solution to violence and 
     crime relies on their own individual effort. As students see 
     that their efforts are valued by teachers and other citizens, 
     they will have a greater interest to continue public 
     involvement.
       I feel that this attitude is implemented by those around 
     us. Teachers, parents, and other people who are serving the 
     public should encourage more students to have a functioning 
     voice in society. This influence will allow students to 
     recognize a responsibility for the well-being of citizens at 
     the same time they are pursuing personal goals and interests.
       Those who aspire to ``save the earth'' or ``change the 
     world'' often fail to recognize that achieving these goals 
     depends on their dedication to get people involved with 
     public service. My individual efforts can encourage others to 
     have a more active voice in society, and as James Baldwin 
     suggests, our aspirations for a better community will begin 
     to take place. ``The world will change according to the way 
     people see it, and if you alter, even by a millimeter, the 
     way a person sees reality, then you can change (the world).''

                          ____________________