Leadership in your Community and Government - Senator Jake Garn

Sen. Garn spoke about the importance of serving and giving back to the nation. Please share some reasons you feel gratitude for the opportunities you have experienced.

I am grateful for the opportunities I have experienced here in the United States for many reasons. I have highlighted some of them below:

• Without freedom of religion, I wouldn't have the gospel in my life. I would not have BYU, the blessings of the temple in my life, or my family to enjoy life with.
• Without the sacrifice of many in the military, I would not be free to enjoy life in the ways I want to enjoy it.
• Without the inspiration of the founding fathers, we never would have made it as a great, innovative nation.
• Without the sacrifices of many great leaders (Lincoln, Washington etc), we would have never understand the power our government can have when it is lead by good leaders of integrity.

Sen. Garn described his perception of humanity and the senslessness of conflict, that he gained as he orbitted the planet int he space shuttle. Please describe how remembering this perception will help you serve as a leader in your community.

It is so easy to be overcome by the little difficulties or weakness of others you may be working with. It is absolutely crucial for me to remember to have an eternal perspective. With an eternal perspective, it doesn't matter if someone snaps at you for one second. An eternal perspective enlightens the mind and encourages us to be better leaders to those around us so that we can be better prepared to live in Heavenly Father's presence someday.

As a young man, Sen. Garn witnessed many great technological advancements. His attitude of courage and determination helped him achieve success in his life. How will you approach change in your life and how will you persist in being involved as a leader in your community and government.

For the longest time, I have had no interest in serving in my local community and government. Lately though, I have had a serious change of heart. Our country has a great need for honorable people to serve in the government. I'm not saying that I plan to run for office someday, but I am saying that I plan to be an active participant. I plan to be informed, and to participate in my local caucus meetings. I plan to teach my children the importance of public service. If public service is in my future path, that would be great, but I guess we'll see!