Burton W. Marsh Distinguished Service Award: How do I measure my impact?

Institute of Transportation Engineers. ITE Journal, Oct 2003 by Bomar, Marsha Anderson

The Burton W. Marsh Distinguished Service Award recognizes an individual who has contributed to the advancement of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) over a period of yean in an outstanding fashion. Burton W. Marsh was "Mr. ITE." He was a founder, past president and former executive secretary of ITE.

For more than 57 years, Burt was one of the most active ITE members, providing his sage and friendly counsel and always willing to pitch in and do more than his fair share. He was a pioneer in urban traffic engineering and recognized early on the importance of traffic safety programs that incorporate the driver, the vehicle and roadway elements.

INTRODUCTION

The honor of receiving this award humbles me and, at the same time, challenges me. I hope that I have done enough to truly deserve this recognition, but my greater hope is that, even if I have given a lot to this point, I can continue to be worthy. How will I know if my life of service is sufficient? I remember sitting behind Mr. Marsh and his family years ago at an ITE Annual Meeting session. As the award was presented, I wondered if I ever would be able to contribute as significantly as these people I admired so much.

As I ponder this moment, I realize that if I leave an empty road behind me, if my example does not stir someone else into action, then my contribution is small, no matter what I do personally. When those around me understand that doing for others, giving to others and motivating and mentoring others is the most important way to spend a significant part of their day-and they act on that-then I will have left a meaningful mark.

I recently read a statement with which I could not agree more: "I am what I am today because of the choices I made yesterday."

MY STORY

Who came before me and set the example that helped order my life? Caring, giving people surrounded me right from the start. I want to introduce you to a few of them.

Carl Messenger was my elementary school principal at P.S. 101 in Brooklyn, NY, USA. Mr. Messenger went out of his way to bring amazing experiences to this modest public school. I first heard a harpist perform on the school's little stage when I was in the second grade. I also sat at Eleanor Roosevelt's feet as she sat in a rocking chair and read stories to the students.

Mrs. Klotz was my sixth grade teacher. She encouraged me to pursue mathematics even though it was not what girls did back then. I might not have taken her as seriously as I did if she had not gone beyond the classroom to show her students the world and how much they mattered. Almost every weekend, she arranged for six or more of us to attend a concert or a play at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. I believed in her believing in me. Her opening the world to me had a great impact on my life.

Mr. Schneider taught ninth grade geometry. For the first half of the year, I just did not get it. He poured into me and other students who also were struggling. He showed us real world examples of why our studies mattered. I carry this with me today as a way of teaching. He celebrated and sent me a trophy when I scored 100 percent on the statewide geometry final exam.

My mom and dad provided a home life that was humble but rich with love. We had little of monetary value and did not have a new piece of furniture until I was 18 years old. However, I never realized that I might have been doing without something because they pointed me toward the right values and instilled in me a love of family, learning and giving. They also were great examples of working hard and giving to others, but they always wanted to give more.

My mom channeled much of her energy for volunteering into the Women's American Organization for Rehabilitation through Training. She gave hours and hours of service to help others. I saw my first Broadway show in 1966 (Mame, with Angela Lansbury) as part of a celebration of my mom's service to the community. She also got volunteered (by her children) to create costumes for all of my classmates and my sister's classmates throughout elementary school. For 14 years, she sewed skirts, hats, vests, aprons and whatever fit the theme for the festival or event. She never declined and never complained.

I dare not try to cite my contemporaries in ITE who have been-and some who still are-my role models. As sure as I try to list all those who have inspired me, I'll forget someone important. You know who you are and I hope you know that I thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me opportunities to serve and for wonderful life lessons along the way.

I was given the chance to get started, as I moved from ITE student member to new associate, by just asking how I could help. The opportunities have never stopped and I am always glad when I can lend a hand.

Family is a reflection of whether my steps have been valuable. The jury is still out because my children are not fully on their own, but the signs are good. Charles, who is now in college, is an Eagle Scout who continues his life of service through the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity. Ross is two merit badges and one service project away from achieving Eagle Scout. Alexis, with her Girl Scout troop, regularly chooses service projects when given the choice. Of course, they also volunteer me a lot-as I did my mom-another sign that they understand that giving is a team activity.