Police officer questions the impact he made

I was at my daughter’s college graduation. It was a 2-year community college— the kind where they do a lot of vocational training.

I found myself speaking with one of the administrators— not much older than me— who had been there for 39 years. He had worked all kinds of positions at the school and was about to retire.

“You’ve seen all kinds of things here,” I observed.

“I have,” he replied. "Lots of change in the technology and in how the education system works…”

Then he hit me with the thing that stuck the most— “… and a lot of students. That’s been the best part. I’ve watched kids come here and graduate and then bring their OWN grown kids back here to attend school 20-25 years later. I’ve watched them meet someone special here at the school, get married, and then go on to start their families.”

He continued, “I’ve seen problem-students we really didn’t think had much of a chance completely transform and build a great life for themselves. It’s been an awesome experience to watch all of this…”

I thought about my work as a police officer.

•  I’ve watched neighborhoods change— most of the time for the worse.
•  I’ve pulled a few drug dealers off the street, handed-out a lot of tickets, and even arrested a few DUIs.
•  I’ve missed holidays to manage the traffic flow at the shopping malls.

But I don’t have any real stories of life change like the school administrator.

Does my work even matter?

Did I waste my time “protecting and serving” all those years?

Was it worth all the stress & potential danger?

I’m not really sure…