Ever wonder how you can get involved in your community? The answer is simple, take some time out of your day and volunteer. By volunteering you're not only helping others that are less fortunate or serving your community in a positive way, you are also helping yourself. Also, it takes a lot of initiative to utilize your skills or time for something that you are not going to get paid for, but you still don't walk away with nothing. Here is a list of why volunteering is something you should give a try.

1. It will help you gain experience

Volunteering is a great way to boost your resume and it shows that you take initiative and that you are innovative. If you spend your time doing something for others, people will see that you have potential and also like to work with other people. You also gain a lot of useful skills that could help you in your future career and it also doesn't look bad on college applications.

2. You are taught things you can't be taught in a classroom

Getting involved in your community or certain organizations can expose you to many different things that can't be learned from a textbook. You experience first hand different cultures, beliefs and values and you can also bring what you learned in the classroom to the real world.

3. It's not a full time job

Taking one hour out of your day to tutor a student, or spending time at an animal shelter or homeless shelter leaves a bigger impression than you would think. It shows people that you care enough to spend that hour with them when most people wouldn't take the time out of their busy lives to do so. Sometimes an hour is all it takes to change someone's perspective.

4. You create new relationships

Working with others to reach a common goal helps create many lasting relationships. When you volunteer you meet new people that share the same passions as you and by doing so you make new friends and make possible career connections.

5. You make a difference

This world could use someone like you out there making a difference. No matter how you choose to volunteer or how big or small the organization is, it's a form of kindness. Volunteering will change you like it changed me, you're not only making others feel good, you are also helping your own mental health. And sometimes you don't realize how much of a difference you are making. But trust me, you are making a huge difference either for your community or someone less fortunate than you.