Making Myself Useful

A breakdown of the practices in my life that positively impact others and myself. 

By: Ellie Boehme

After reading the “Mapping My Impact” prompt, I knew I needed to take some time to reflect on where I’ve truly been investing my time and energy this summer. I know I’ve done a lot to positively contribute to myself, but what have I done for others?

When I looked back at the speed my life was traveling during this past semester, I realized I’d been spreading myself too thin. Somewhere along the way, I convinced myself that being involved in everything was the same thing as making an impact. Looking back, I think I was wrong. Maybe I don’t need to attempt to do everything. Maybe I need to invest more deeply in the things that matter most—the things that not only fulfill me but also help make the world around me a little bit better.

I arrived back home in Orlando feeling like my cup was half empty, so I bear no shame in spending this pre-experience time refilling it. If I’m going to pour into others later this summer, I first need to have something to pour from. That said, I don’t think I’d feel truly fulfilled if everything I did was only for myself. So, here are some of the ways I’ve been trying to positively impact myself, my inner circle, my community, and maybe even the world.

Myself: 

One of the most important habits I maintain is staying active. Whether it’s going for a run or completing a workout, moving my body helps me feel productive. Even on days when motivation is nowhere to be found, exercising gives me a sense of accomplishment and confidence. If I was able to move my body that day, then I feel like it wasn’t a day wasted. It jumpstarts my productivity and often sets the tone for the rest of my day.

Another unexpected way I’ve invested in myself this summer has been through planning and researching our study abroad travels. Somewhere between doing this for myself and doing it for others, I’ve spent tons of hours researching weekend trips throughout Spain and beyond. I’ve mapped out an Italy weekend, an Ibiza weekend, and a trip to Pamplona for the Running of the Bulls! While I genuinely enjoy the process, I also hope all of that research saves the other students in my program time, money, and stress. If my spreadsheets, flight comparisons, and travel recommendations help fifteen people have a better experience abroad, then those hours were well spent.

This summer, I’ve also been carving out time to try out a popular fantasy series, A Court of Thorns and Roses. I’m currently about 1/4 of the way through the second book, and it’s been a great reminder that not every activity needs to be “productive” to be valuable. 

Lastly, I’ve been taking a Science of Nutrition course. Beyond helping keep my brain from completely shutting down over the summer, it’s helped prepare me for my Global Scholars project, which explores the question: How does Spanish food culture influence American students’ perceptions of healthy eating? Every lesson is like a small step toward understanding the topic more deeply before I arrive in Spain.

Inner Circle: 

This past weekend, 7 of my closest friends and I from my first year at FSU packed ourselves into my family’s condo in New Smyrna Beach. We spent the weekend swimming, dancing, playing games, and reliving memories from freshman year. I realized how lucky I am to have people who make me cry laughing but can also have serious conversations about life, relationships, and the future.

For me, positively contributing to my inner circle means being intentional. It means calling a friend and beating a dead horse for an hour or talking about something completely random. It means celebrating their successes and listening when they’re struggling. It means sending an “I miss you” text when someone randomly crosses my mind. 

One lesson my stepdad taught me is the importance of asking thoughtful questions. Rather than just asking “How are you?” and accepting the standard response, I try to dig a little deeper. Hopefully, those friendships not only make me a better person but also positively impact them as well.

Community: 

I have to admit, I most definitely did not return home and immediately make arrangements to serve my community. I feel now I mostly serve my home community by supporting small businesses and treating everyone with respect. However, when I think about how I’ve truly contributed to my community, my mind immediately went back to my first year in Tallahassee and the organizations and people I had the opportunity to work with. 

This year, I served as the Community Service Specialist for my sorority, Alpha Delta Pi. I helped coordinate service opportunities and build partnerships with local nonprofits like Neighborly and the Tree House of Tallahassee. I also worked with Champ’s Chance, a local dog rescue organization, to organize “playdates” where members of ADPi could spend a day with rescue dogs. Seeing a college student take a dog to a coffee shop or on a walk may seem small, but those experiences help socialize the dogs and increase their chances of finding a permanent home. When I return to Tallahassee, I hope to continue these initiatives and potentially serve as my chapter’s Director of Philanthropy.

The World:

Though I’m not sure I’ll ever make a lasting impact on the whole world, I do believe we all have the ability to contribute to something bigger than ourselves.

One way I hope to do that is through healthcare. Through my upcoming position as the Volunteer Chair for FSU’s chapter of Remote Area Medical (RAM). I’ve become increasingly interested in healthcare accessibility and reform, and while I may not solve every problem within the healthcare system, I hope to spend my career helping people receive the care they need and advocating for improvements wherever I can.

Additionally, I hope that studying abroad will make me a more globally minded person. Learning from different cultures, perspectives, and ways of life to return home with a greater understanding of the world. 

It’s still easy to look at this prompt and think, “I could be doing so much more.” But honestly, I’m happy that I’ve taken time to invest in myself this summer. Refilling my cup doesn’t have to be selfish. And as I prepare for the experiences ahead, I feel eager and ready to start pouring back out again.