The most exciting thing about President Obama’s inaugural speech was his emphasis on personal responsibility. At this crucial time in U.S. history, there is nothing we need to hear more.

President Obama highlighted a crucial truth about how the United States must operate. He said, “For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies.” There couldn’t be anything healthier right now.

At this time, there is no greater temptation than to hope that President Obama and his Cabinet will solve all of our nation’s problems. We are prone to believe that if we simply think happy thoughts and complain when things don’t go our way, change will take place. This is simply wrong. It is bumper sticker punditry or passive-aggressive Seattle-style thinking. I am as guilty of it as anyone else.

Instead of hoping, being sold short and then complaining, we must take America’s destiny into our own hands. Obama spoke of ushering in a “new era of responsibility,” and I must agree that this is our only hope if we wish to see our society bettered.

This means responsibility in all areas. It includes personal actions like reducing energy usage, spending our money wisely and participating in local politics. But it also includes what we do outside of our own homes. What can you and I do to help the underprivileged, disenfranchised and overlooked people in our city? Instead of hoping that the government throws money at problems, we should seriously consider serving. And I don’t mean serving in word by being vocal about problems or inequalities. I mean serving in deed.

What would it look like if more Seattleites were to give volunteer hours at local schools in the interest of improving our education system? There has been a lot of press about the possibility of Rainier Beach High School closing. I was quick to form opinions and call out the school district for being short-sighted in closing a school, but then I remembered that I’ve never stepped into Rainer Beach High School myself or sought to give back any of the benefits of my protected and privileged academic background. I hate to admit it, but I realized I was hypocritical in the way I looked at these issues. It is easier to complain than to leave my comfortable house and actually do something.

Not everyone has what many UW students have: the opportunity to do whatever they want. Recognizing this is the first step to giving back. Obama highlighted this in his inaugural speech — that the success of our economy is dependent upon “the reach of our prosperity, on the ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart — not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.” This is a philosophy we must implement in Seattle. We are an economically prosperous city, with many opportunities to both give financially and participate in service.

So here’s my recommendation from Obama’s inspiration: I am going to find a way to give back to the community. And I don’t mean picking up a piece of litter or giving 50 cents to a homeless person so I can check off some moral responsibility box. I mean seeking out ways to bless and give. How can we, as bright and strong UW students, best use our talents to instill hope, love and responsibility in our city? There are many ways and many degrees of giving back. The important thing is the expended effort. I hope this conversation continues throughout Obama’s four years and beyond.

Reach columnist Jackson Rohrbaugh at opinion@dailyuw.com.