Honor • Duty • Respect - The Citadel

fill his shoes as he traveled to help raise support forthe work here.My job is simply to serve those who are makingthe difference, connect them with the people andresources necessary to transform the country, andwhen possible, give away some of what I have learned.If “to whom much is given, much is expected,” then Irecognized that I have a great responsibility to use mygifts, skills and talents to make an impact on the worldaround me.Much of the developing world is dependent oninternational aid. We want to equip our partnersso they will eventually be able to support their ownwork financially, and the people doing these jobs willbe Burundians. We empower them, which creates asustainable future. Through social enterprises andprojects in which our partners own the vision, weknow that any changes made will endure. Sometimesthe job requires servant leadership and doing small,thankless tasks that contribute to a larger cause.Leadership, at its best, is simply service. It is notglamorous, but it is rewarding, especially when I knowI’ve contributed to something greater than myself.As a freshman at The Citadel, I would often reflecton how being at the bottom of the pile was teachingme how to do something without the expectation ofrecognition or praise. Then, as I worked my way upthrough the cadet chain of command, I realized thatthe higher the position, the greater the responsibilityand the more selfless service required. As ThirdBattalion Commander, it did not take long to see thatthough the position was high in the rank structure,it actually meant being a servant of many. I also sawhow every individual in that structure is vital. The jobat the top is pointless if those at the bottom fail todo their part. It would also be pointless if I failed torecognize their vital role and was unable to provideadequately for those at the bottom. And so it is withworking among the poorest of the poor in this world.Everyone wins when the poor are empowered.The unexpected part of living in Burundi is what I learnfrom the people around me. As I give away from mybank of education and experiences, I am also learningvaluable lessons only the poor and hurting can teach.One powerful example comes from the Burundianperseverance and ability to forgive after suffering theThe Citadel 2011 47