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The Servant Leadership Sentinel
Volume: 2   Issue: 6

Feature Article

The Lighthouse                                                                  By: Mary Johnson

When we hear the word "lighthouse", I'm sure that many of us often think of stormy waters and old ships struggling to find their way to shore. Some of us may even think of lighthouses we have seen, remembering the majesty with which they rise above the ocean waters.  But, I wonder how many of us actually think about how we, as servant leaders, can be the lighthouses of our community, lighting a path for others to discover the "shores" of servant leadership.

The history of lighthouses can be traced as far back as the third century B.C. when Alexander the Great led the construction of the Pharos: the Great Lighthouse of Alexandria.  Like this ancient lighthouse, the philosophy of servant leadership has permeated history, even as far back as 480 B.C. with the Spartan king, Leonidas, and it has continued to live on through the teachings of exemplary leaders over time.

For me, personally, the Servant Leadership Program at CSU has played a significant role as a lighthouse in my life.  As a timid freshman student who came to CSU in 1999, the SL Program provided a constant place where I could find my footing.  Through all the turmoil of college, servant leadership guided my leadership, academics, and service, and the person I am becoming on my journey through life is still being shaped as I continue to embrace the SL philosophy.  As a staff member for the program during the past two years, I have enjoyed the precious gift of being a small part of the lighthouse that guided me as an undergraduate.  I am thankful to all of the students that have allowed me to help light their path here at CSU, and I hope that all of you will remember the wonderful gifts you each have to give to the world.  As I embark on this new journey in my life, I will always look back on these experiences and know where to find a beacon of hope when the skies of life are grey and stormy.  I wish you all the best of luck, and I hope that each of you will continue to shine as a lighthouse for all of the children and people you serve.  You can change the world... as long as you believe you can.

Service Spotlight

This section is dedicated to recognizing outstanding student service in the community.

Melissa Redwood

Melissa is a junior in the program and a pre-vet major in the biology department.  She volunteers at Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center, and is an exemplary volunteer who always approaches her service with a smile and great attitude! 

Did you know?

Oxbow Meadows has a one-of-a-kind Treetop Trail where visitors can view a piece of nature from the perspective of a bird. This trail is only one of Oxbow's educational programs that children and families can enjoy in the Columbus area!

The Servant Leadership Sentinel is made possible through a partnership between Columbus State University & the Center for Servant Leadership at the Pastoral Institute

August 2006