Working for it

The Teen Insight Seminar Series has been an integral part of my development as a person, instilling within me invaluable knowledge that has enabled me to become accountable for my own life. My awareness of myself has grown to extend beyond my own physical sphere of experience, and I have come to understand my place in this world as one of a whole. As I have grown, humanities interconnectedness has become very present to me. Therefore, I realize the responsibility I have to create positive energy and change in this world so that we may all benefit. That is the Spirit of Service that I live by. Eugene V. Debs once said, “I am under a moral obligation to [my brother] that is inspired, not by any maudlin sentimentality but by the higher duty I owe myself.” I live with the Spirit of Service within me for my own sake. I want to seize every opportunity that I am presented with to serve and to grow. The way I see it, the only way to receive in this world is to give. I feel blessed that I was able to participate in these life-changing seminars at the early age of 13. Since then, I have participated in every seminar offered by Insight at least once, and have assisted seminars as well. The tools and knowledge that teenagers are able to acquire at an Insight Seminar is incalculable, and as Margaret Fuller once said, “If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it.” The intention of Insight is raise humanity’s awareness as a whole, one person at a time. As an Insight graduate, I know that I can be of service by offering myself to others with the intention of assisting in their journey and growth. I never would have dreamed that my journey would lead to me to Tanzania, Africa this summer! The opportunity to travel to Tanzania and participate in a seminar there, while being of service to the beautiful children of the Matumaini Orphanage seems like a dream come true! There are many service organizations that work in Africa, but this one is entirely unique to me. I am so fortunate that I may continue to work with my fellow Leadership graduates as we give back to others. Although I always knew that going to Tanzania was something that I wanted to do, I almost decided not to go because of the all the costs involved in such an intricate trip. However, I knew that the intention of such powerful people would not be foiled by trivialities. I am so proud of the accomplishments that we have made so far in the effort to orchestrate this trip, and I have been busy getting donations from local businesses as well as working the weekly bake sales in the USM building in order to raise money for the trip.

ELLIOT GOLDSTEIN