Volunteering is something most people do in high school to put on their college applications. After high school, the onset of the college workload and part-time jobs and social events moves the drive to volunteer down to the bottom of the list. I'm not going to lie and say that this wasn't the case for me. Other than a few times, I haven't volunteered while at college. I've been busy: working, doing homework and projects, going camping, and doing all the other things college kids do has consumed all of my time. A week ago, the school sent me an email about volunteering for an event on Saturday. My roommate was going to be out of town, my friends had other plans, so I agreed to go and work. It reminded me why I went to service and mission camps in the summers. It renewed my interest in finding volunteer activities. It gave me seven awesome reasons to keep pursuing volunteer opportunities.
1. It's good for your resume.
Resume building items aren't JUST good for high school, they're good for college scholarships, internships, and jobs! Saying you've done it once is good, but becoming a regular volunteer and having references who can attest to your character and willingness to work hard are invaluable when you start applying for jobs.
2. You learn new skills.
I volunteered this Saturday to help judge a canoe slalom event. I've never been canoe slaloming or even seen it before. It was really interesting to watch everyone go out there and give it their best, and I learned how the judging system worked.
3. You don't spend your entire Saturday watching Netflix.
If you're like me, free days are few and far between. It's hard to find a day when you don't have something going on, and when you do, you buy food and hole up in your room like a hermit watching a few seasons of your favorite show. When you volunteer, you actually have to go outside and do something which helps to cut down on things like the Freshman 15 or the Netflix GPA.
4. It doesn't take up too much time.
I volunteered this Saturday from 9:30-12:30. That isn't much time in the grand scheme of things. I still had time to eat lunch, go to a movie, go to Walmart, and wash my clothes. Also, if I had gone with the above scenario of spending my Saturday with Netflix, I likely wouldn't have even gotten out of bed until lunch time, so I really didn't miss any of my day!
5. It makes you feel good.
You've heard it a thousand times in church, and they were right. Helping others makes you feel good about yourself. Does that make you selfish? Probably. But you took your selfish self out there and helped someone else out. You gave them your time and your hard work, and they appreciate it, probably more than you could even know!
6. You get to work with interesting people.
The only qualification for volunteering is that you show up. People from all sorts of backgrounds with all kinds of abilities are going to make the experience interesting. You won't like everyone, but they all bring something different to the team.
7. You get to have a ton of fun.
Volunteering is tons of fun as long as you have the right attitude. Working together to provide a service or event gives you the chance to do crazy things and make new friends. You aren't being paid, so no one is going to fire you for goofing off a little bit. You should always follow directions, but don't be afraid to have a bit of fun too!
Volunteering is something everyone should do more often. If these reasons aren't enough, create some of your own. You get to help people. You get to make a difference. You get to be the change you want to see in the world. When you volunteer, however, take advantage of volunteer positions that really suit you and your personality. If you love the outdoors, go work in a community garden or on trail maintenance. If you love kids work at your local YMCA or Boys and Girls club. If you love animals work at the Humane Society or your local shelter. The point is, there are volunteer positions out there for everyone. You just have to show up ready to work and have a good time!
