Government service is an honorable career aspiration
Author: Fretz, Kristin; Kirschling, Neil
Publication info: The News Journal [Wilmington, Del] 15 Mar 2012.
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Abstract: According to a New York Times/CBS News poll conducted in late 2011, 89 percent of Americans say
they distrust government to do the right thing, and 74 percent say the country is on the wrong track.
Links: Linking Service
Full text: In this season of presidential primaries and political campaigns the most pressing public issues have
not been given adequate attention. Whether it's education, the economy, the environment or alternative energy,
crime or health care, there are many areas in which the government needs to make improvements.
As sophomores at the University of Delaware, we study public policy, a field that we were drawn to because it
will prepare us to address some of the largest problems facing our country today. Virtually every aspect of our
lives is affected by the public sector, but not enough people aspire to pursue this line of work. We plan to make
a difference.
It is frustrating to witness the public cynicism directed at the government. According to a New York Times/CBS
News poll conducted in late 2011, 89 percent of Americans say they distrust government to do the right thing,
and 74 percent say the country is on the wrong track. However, we can honestly say that we suffer from no
crisis of confidence after spending this past winter in Washington, D.C., studying and interning with 20 of our
UD classmates.
There, we talked with a wide variety of civil servants, public officials, journalists, think-tank leaders, and policy
advocates and analysts. They all shared a common belief that they can make a difference.
Someone told us that the closer you are to government, the more you appreciate it. Our hope is that others, like
us, can see the truth in these words.
There are myriad jobs available at all levels of government, from federal agencies right down to local
governments in Delaware. Public service embodies all of the virtues that we extol in community service:
leadership, compassion, proactivity, and selflessness. Yet it does not get the same recognition.
UD's School of Public Policy and Administration, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, has long aimed
to change that. This month, the school is celebrating this milestone by hosting a conference for students on the
array of careers in public and community service.
Bringing together notable leaders and alumni from government, public policy, and the public and private sectors,
the daylong event on March 19 aims to provide students across the university with a better understanding of
career opportunities and how to prepare for them.
We applaud their investment in our future.
The problems that face our society are vast and far-reaching. They require an interdisciplinary approach and the
combined engagement of all members of the community, especially those who will one day inherit these
problems.
We don't have to run for office; but we do have to engage in public service. If you have an interest in politics,
then volunteer on a campaign this year. If you're passionate about giving back to your community, then
participate in a local nonprofit organization. If you dream of making an impact on people and making a
difference in this world, then act on that dream.
As our school celebrates its 50th anniversary, we have taken this occasion to reaffirm our commitment to
address the critical public issues of our times. Please join us.
Kristin Fretz and Neil Kirschling are sophomores at the University of Delaware.
ID_Code: BL-203150301
Subject: Leadership; Public policy; Colleges & universities; Community service;
Publication title: The News Journal
Publication year: 2012
Publication date: Mar 15, 2012
Year: 2012
column: Delaware Voice
Section: OPINION
Publisher: Gannett Co., Inc.
Place of publication: Wilmington, Del.
Country of publication: United States
Source type: Newspapers
Language of publication: English
Document type: Editorial
ProQuest document ID: 928019944
Document URL: http://search.proquest.com/docview/928019944?accountid=10457
Copyright: Copyright 2012 - News Journal Wilmington, DE - All Rights Reserved
Last updated: 2013-01-06
Database: Gannett Newsstand
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