As university students, we know how busy your schedules can get! But did you know that taking some time to volunteer for a local charity can provide amazing real-world experiences?
How to do it?
Luckily, finding opportunities is simple. Browse online directories or visit charity websites directly to discover causes you're passionate about in your community. Common areas include food banks, homeless shelters, animal rescue organizations, and more.
Once you've selected one, just give them a call or send an email to learn about their current volunteer needs. Many charities rely on helping hands to carry out important work.
One of our members' own experience:
For the past year, I've volunteered weekly at a homeless shelter near my university. When I first started, I helped with tasks like preparing and serving meals in the kitchen. 🍲 But over time I took on more responsibilities like assisting case workers as they met with clients.
One of my most memorable experiences was helping to organize a holiday toy drive. We collected hundreds of gifts which brought such joy and smiles to families during a difficult time. Seeing the happiness it created was incredibly rewarding. 🎁
While some of the stories I heard from clients were emotionally challenging, it gave me a new perspective on life. I'm also grateful for the friendships I've made with other volunteers. Overall, helping out at the shelter left me feeling fulfilled for making a difference in people's lives.
What can you gain?
Beyond the great feelings, volunteering also looks excellent on a resume and is perfect for networking. It helps you build skills like communication, teamwork and leadership too. I'd highly recommend taking some time each week to give back - you won't regret it!
0 Comments