Time to get off the bench

May 6 was a weird day for me. My daughter turned 18, it was National Teachers' Day and Primary Election Day.

The day began in the Smith home with a trombone serenade by her little sister of "Happy Birthday." Dad left for work, they left for school and I attended the Excellence in Education Breakfast at the Havelock Chamber of Commerce.

I cried my eyes out as my now 18-year-old sang "You Raise Me Up" with the chamber singers from Havelock High School.

After that, I got to vote, I got to surprise the Craven County Teacher Ambassador of the Year and then I got to attend a board meeting.

Sounds pretty boring to most, probably, but for me the day was bordering on amazing.

Notice how I didn't say I had to do any of these things. For me, the events of the day were a privilege.

It's amazing to me that one of my girls is now old enough to vote. Listening to her talk about her own unique beliefs and issues that she finds most important is a privilege for me. I am so proud that she has grown up in our home and understands that her vote matters. I am proud of her for being engaged in the process.

I'm amazed that she is who she has become, and that 18 years in, I haven't apparently ruined her life - yet. I'm no perfect mom. I do my best and sometimes my best does not cut it.

I sat amazed listening to teacher after teacher being recognized for his or her hard work and commitment in the classroom at the education breakfast. If you listen to media reports, teachers don't care anymore.

But if you were in the tourist center on May 6, you know that teachers in this community care deeply about and are committed to our kids. It was amazing for me and an honor to be there.

Just as amazing were the number of volunteers honored. As I listened to the astounding things these men and women have contributed to their schools, I became rejuvenated on a couple of levels.

I've seen people burn out over the years. Heck, I've been one of them burning a time or two.

But, these are people so on fire for doing anything and everything they can to contribute, not because they have to, but because they want to make a difference.

While I still had tears in my eyes from this event, I went to vote. I was No. 178 at my polling place.

I'm sure many more turned out in the course of the day, but when you look at the number of people registered to vote and the number who actually take the time to cast the ballot, it can be depressing.

I've never been able to understand why people don't vote. Let's face it. Everyone gripes about people in office, so why don't they vote and try to make a difference?

If everyone just gives up and doesn't seek office or even bother to vote, where does that leave us? Voting is our greatest privilege as Americans.

I am amazed at how engaged our young folks are this election and how disengaged many others are at the same time.

After I left the polling place, I went to help surprise the Craven County Teacher Ambassador, Kim Bennett, who happens to be from Havelock High School this year.

Her entire philosophy and attitude toward education was a much needed reminder for me as to why we all do what we do. It's all about the kids we serve.

She was humble and sincere. Her students clearly love and admire her. I was amazed that one person could make a difference in so many lives.

I stood and listened to students talk about her. I listened as a parent told her that she was the reason her daughter had chosen to major in English in college.

What an honor it must be to know that the work you do each and every day is making a real and lasting impact on so many lives. Think how many lives a teacher can touch in the course of a career? I was amazed.

And then I had the board meeting. I'll be the first to admit that I am sometimes an extremely frustrated elected official. I get ill with the hoops and regulations and have to make a conscious effort to keep my mouth shut sometimes.

But that day, my meeting took on all kinds of new meanings.

I was elected because I was engaged in the process and people had faith in me to give my best.

I serve students who are watching every move I make and learning from my cues and my attitudes toward public service.

For me, it isn't about politics. It's about service.

After five years, the events of May 6 reminded me what an amazing responsibility and commitment holding public office is today.

The lesson for me from the day was that no matter how you serve in this life, do it with honor and give it your all.

We should serve in the classroom, the community or our churches because we can, and that in and of itself is a tremendous blessing.

We are free to choose where we live, where we work, where we contribute. We are free to choose who we vote for or if we vote at all.

We are free to try and make a difference in the lives of people as Kim Bennett has clearly done or free to sit on the sidelines and complain.

Starting today, get off the bench. Our community is our team, and we are in this together.

Become engaged in the process and get involved in something that you are passionate about, whether it involves the city, the county or our schools.

Do something. Show our kids and teens that one person can make a difference in this life, starting with you.

Kim Smith is a member of the Craven County Board of Education and the mother of two daughters.