Serving on and off the court

I’ve spent most of my life on a volleyball court. It’s where I’ve learned discipline, how to lead, and how to fall and get back up, literally and figuratively. But it wasn’t until I stepped off the court and into a remote village in Guatemala that I truly learned what it means to serve.

In volleyball, serving is the one moment you’re in complete control. The game starts in your hands, and it’s up to you to put the ball in play with purpose. I’ve always loved that feeling. But this summer, I found myself in a very different kind of “serving” position, one that came with the most joy. 

I traveled to Guatemala on a mission trip, where we fixed structures, spent time with families, and met people who redefined resilience. One of those people was Karen, my sponsor. Although she didn’t know where she was going to sleep each night, she studied nursing, inspired by a paralyzed patient who told her, “Be a nurse, this is what you’re good at,” the day before she passed away. Karen’s story reminded me that real service is rooted in strength, selflessness, and a deep desire to care for others.

Even though I never touched a volleyball the entire trip, I saw the spirit of the sport in every interaction. The focus, the teamwork, and the joy. I realized that serving is also listening, showing up, and giving your full heart to the people in front of you no matter where you find yourself.

Now, when I step up to serve in a game, I carry more than just the ball. I carry stories like Karen’s and moments from Guatemala that shaped how I see people and purpose. That trip is one of the reasons I want to study construction science, because I’ve seen how safe homes and strong foundations can change lives. Whether I’m building relationships or actual buildings, I hope to keep serving on and off the court for the rest of my life.

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