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Christopher West
"I've never believed in serving just for personal gain. It's about something bigger."
It's about doing what's best for your community, regardless of whether someone is rich or poor, educated or not.
Public service isn't a job. It's a calling. From the time I was young, watching “Good Times” and taking civics classes, I knew I wanted to serve. My father was a minister, and he taught me what it means to be a servant leader. I've served in the military, worked in a senator's office, and now I'm an Associate Minister at one of the oldest African-American churches in Memphis.
People today look at public service with less enthusiasm. They see it as just a job, but it's so much more. It's about doing what's best for your community, regardless of whether someone is rich or poor, educated or not. My goal has always been to be my brother's keeper; to help people, to understand them, to encourage them to be better than they were yesterday.
I've led more than 200 people in the military and served on community programs, and every single day, I ask myself: “Am I doing the best I can to help my neighbor live the best life possible?” If the answer is no, then I'm not doing what I'm supposed to do. My leadership was never about rank or power. It was about understanding people, knowing what motivates them, and helping them become better versions of themselves.
Public service is a privilege. It's an honor. The people have trusted you with a special responsibility, and you're not just another face in the crowd. You're someone who can make a difference.
Some days, the political process feels discouraging. But I have faith in young people. I believe they'll answer the call, reimagine public service, and continue making this world a little bit better.
My family has always been about service. My sisters blazed the trail before me. One worked as a scientist at NASA and the Redstone Arsenal, and the other was a probation counselor in criminal justice. I'm the youngest, and I saw their example of dedication.
When I interned for Senator Albert Gore during college, I wasn't getting paid. It was for college credit. What I gained was so much more. It was a chance to see how you can truly make a difference by addressing people's needs. I've never believed in serving just for personal gain. It's about something bigger. I always say, “Many are called, but few are chosen.” Public service isn't about recognition or awards - and I've received plenty over the years. It's about uplifting human potential.
People often ask what drives me to keep serving. The truth is, it's about being spiritually grounded - not in a narrow religious sense, but in an expansive, human sense. I believe in embracing all faiths, all people.
My whole life has been about being a good neighbor, about understanding that what happens to one of us ultimately affects all of us. That's the real meaning of service.
