Seervice to the Community is the Best Work Of Life

By Robert N. "Bob" Hathaway

This Paper oulines why I believe that Service to the Community is the best work of my life.

Governing Board Member, Fullerton Joint Union High School District

I was recently asked why I had become a School Board Member. In reflecting back, on the days when I was first approached to seek the position, I remember how honored I felt that someone would consider me to be qualified to serve in this office. After considering the scope and responsibilities of the office, I decided that serving as a School Board Member was the next step in my focus on service to the community that has been at the center of my entire adult life.

When I completed college in 1958, and our family began life in Buena Park, we became determined to be an active part of this fast growing area. With the support of my family, I became active in various service organizations that are committed to building a better community. I have lived in Buena Park and Fullerton for 57 years, and during this period I have served organizations in different capacities and have led and worked on numerous community projects. I have been given many awards and recognition for this effort, but the experience in leadership, satisfaction from the many wonderful project outcomes, working with dedicated people, and the knowledge acquired about the area was the best reward I have received from this service.

In initially deciding to seek election to the Board, I felt that I had the experience and knowledge, and that there was no better way for me to touch the future than to have an impact on the educational opportunities of young people. I believe that this record of community service and accomplishment, along with my diverse careers as an engineering manager, attorney, and mathematics teacher, has had a positive influence on my service as a Governing Board Member. It has equipped me to be responsive to the needs and requirements of all the parents and students of the Fullerton Joint Union High School District. It takes time to be an equipped and effective Board Member. I am proud of the outstanding accomplishments of our students, while I have been on the Board of Trustees, and I look forward to continuing the superior educational opportunities being afforded to all of our students.

This service, which is summarized in my Detailed Biography, has been the best work of my life!