The Science of Service

Why Giving Back Feeds the Soul—and the Community

“When you serve, you grow. When you grow, your community thrives.”

We often talk about service as a selfless act. And in many ways, it is. But science—and lived experience—tell us something deeper: acts of service are not only good for others, they’re profoundly good for you.

In our latest conversation, Katja (a second-year PhD student in Information Systems and Technology at CGU) and I explored how service can blend academic pursuits, personal passions, and leadership into a fulfilling journey of community impact. Katja shared stories of skiing since the age of three, organizing hikes through the campus hiking club, and her active roles in student organizations like Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. As Student Senate President, she champions inclusive initiatives that encourage engagement and highlight the transformative power of giving back. Check out a brief overview of our discussion below!

3 Ideas from Katja and I

I. “Curiosity transforms isolation into connection when you pursue volunteer opportunities and explore new environments—each new setting can become a home for shared purpose.”

II. “Leadership begins with listening. It’s not about the position you hold, but how open you are to understanding and uplifting the voices around you.”

III. “Passion is the universal language of impact. Your authentic enthusiasm for a cause—whether it’s a local cleanup or a global initiative—will inspire others to join in your service.”

2 Ideas from Others

I. “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” —Mahatma Gandhi

II. “No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” —Charles Dickens

1 Question for You

Who do you secretly admire for their acts of service—and what does that reveal about the difference you hope to make in the world?

How Service Changes You

When I reflect on the different ways I’ve served over the years—coaching rugby, donating blood, working at the SPCA, leading campus initiatives—I realize that every one of those roles didn’t just ask something of me; it gave something back. These experiences shaped who I am.

It gives you purpose.

When you show up for others, you begin to understand yourself in a new way. When you engage in acts of service, you can discover hidden strengths, talents, and a renewed appreciation for your own potential. Coaching rugby wasn’t just about drills and game day—it was about investing in people, watching them grow, and realizing that my time, encouragement, and presence mattered. That sense of mattering is something every human needs.

It strengthens your resilience.

In times when I’ve felt uncertain or overwhelmed, the simple act of showing up to serve grounded me. It reminded me that no matter what I was dealing with personally, I could still contribute. Service offers a sense of control and direction.

It boosts your well-being—literally.

Research shows that people who volunteer regularly have lower stress, better sleep, and fewer chronic health issues. Helping others activates the reward centers in the brain and reduces harmful stress hormones. In other words, service heals. It also can imbed components of PERMA+4 into your life (Positive Emotions, Positive Engagement, Positive Relationships, Meaning, Achievement, Positive Mindsets, Physical Health, Positive Environments, and possibly Financial Security).

It connects you.

Joining the Lion’s Club connected me with people I might never have crossed paths with otherwise—mentors, collaborators, and lifelong friends. Community engagement doesn’t just expand your resume. It expands your relationships and your worldview.

How Service Strengthens Communities

It creates momentum.

At Garden of the Gods, our trail maintenance work is about more than just cleaning paths. It’s about people seeing that others care—about their environment, their city, and each other. That kind of visible care inspires others to act.

It breaks isolation.

Through rugby, student life, coaching, and volunteer work, I’ve seen that simply showing up can be a lifeline. You don’t always know who’s struggling—but your presence might make all the difference.

It builds community resilience.

Engaged communities are more connected and more adaptable. They bounce back faster in times of crisis because they’ve already practiced showing up for one another.

It spreads values.

At Paving the Way, we don’t just talk about positivity and well-being—we embody it through action. Every cleanup, coaching session, or uplifting message reinforces that this is who we are: people who care.

The Double Impact of Service

So what does giving back really give you?

🔹 A sense of purpose

🔹 A deeper connection to others

🔹 A chance to grow into your best self

And what does it give others?

🔹 Hope

🔹 Support

🔹 A sense of belonging

🔹 The energy to keep going

Service is never one-sided. It’s a shared act of flourishing—where both the giver and receiver walk away stronger.

My and Katja’s Service Journeys

My Service Journey: I’ve engaged in community service in many ways, from coaching rugby and working at the SPCA to assisting the blind and visually impaired through the Lion’s Club. It’s a lifelong commitment to creating positive impact, whether through local volunteer efforts or broader initiatives with my company, Paving the Way.

Katja’s Service Journey: Katja’s path is similarly shaped by service, with leadership roles at CSU Long Beach and currently as Student Senate President at Claremont Graduate University. From volunteering at charity events to advocating for global causes, she exemplifies the power of connecting people and uplifting communities.

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