In my late twenties, I came across a book that would leave a lasting mark on how I viewed life and made decisions—The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. One habit in particular—Habit 2, Begin with the End in Mind—resonated deeply with me. Covey challenges the reader to pause and reflect on what truly matters by asking a profound question: What is your personal mission statement?
It wasn’t an easy question to answer. At the time, I was unmarried, had no children, and was just getting started in the hospitality industry. But something about that challenge compelled me to dig deep. I took time and started to write. I thought about the person I aspired to become—not just professionally, but in all areas of life. Eventually, I landed on four guiding themes, or what I now call my four pillars:
- To be a loving husband
- To be an attentive father
- To be an inspiring teacher
- To be a community service leader
These pillars became my compass. Whenever I faced a big decision—whether it was a job offer, a move, or a shift in direction—I would revisit them and ask, How will this impact the person I want to be? Over the years, they’ve helped me navigate opportunities that looked great on paper but didn’t align with the life I was trying to build.As life unfolded, I found myself naturally leaning into the first three pillars. I got married and became a father of two sons, and my work allowed me to teach, lead, and inspire others along the way. But the fourth pillar—community service—remained a bit underdeveloped. I’d supported charitable initiatives through work, volunteered occasionally, and donated when I could, but I hadn’t yet committed to something hands-on and local that allowed me to truly serve my community.
That changed recently!
Wanting to make a more direct contribution to the city I call home, I applied to join the Citizens on Patrol (COP) program with the Barrie Police Service. This volunteer initiative invites trained community members to support crime prevention efforts by acting as the “eyes and ears” for law enforcement. It was the perfect opportunity to live out that fourth pillar in a meaningful way.
My first official duty was at the 8th Annual Barrie Holi Festival on Sunday, March 16th. Holi, the Festival of Colours, is a beautiful celebration that welcomes spring and reminds us of our shared humanity—beyond race, religion, or background. Standing there in my COP vest, among a joyful crowd, I realized how powerful it is to serve—not from a distance, but shoulder to shoulder with the people in your community.This experience is just the beginning. I’m excited to continue volunteering in the coming months, supporting events, patrolling neighborhoods, and showing up for the city that has given me so much.
It took time, but I’m finally living out my fourth pillar—not just in theory, but in action. And it feels right.
