On Thursday, I had a Engaged Cornell Dinner I felt so refreshed and rejuvenated. Despite having read Rachel Naomi Rechen’s “Helping, Fixing, and Serving” article before, the words jumped out and touched my heart in a new way. As I am continuing on my years at Cornell, becoming more involved in many things, it is SO important to remember why I am involved. Here are some things that I reflected upon:

• It can feel draining to feel like you’re pulled in so many directions. However, remember that your goal is to serve and not help or fix. You are entering this community without assumptions and without the power dynamic that you are a “superior” Cornell student here to make their lives better. This way, unity is emphasized and there is mutual benefit from the relationship. No feeling drained because you are “helping” or “fixing”. Instead, be motivated that you get to be a part of these people’s (or this person’s) journey,
• I felt saddened that I was learning about all the injustices of the world but couldn’t make a huge impact. In a discussion, my partner mentioned that he likes to think that even making a difference in one person’s life is significant. That uplifted me. In a lot of the things I am involved in, I work one-on-one or in smaller groups with people. I hope that in the same way that I can make an impact through as a Rose Service Scholar.