This year, I went on a spring break trip with the Habitat for Humanity chapter at Pitt-Johnstown. Volunteering is fulfilling and humbling. I was introduced to inspiring people who regularly volunteer for Habitat and the kind families who would be receiving a house. In hindsight, I wish I would have become involved sooner.

My peers and students of other colleges worked in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with Habitat for Humanity Broward for a week. The students were divided into smaller work groups, and the woman who mentored my group was working for AmeriCorps. Talking to her made me begin to consider taking that path in life, to work for non-profit organizations with inspiring, selfless, positive environments. Volunteering with Habitat over spring break rerouted my ever-changing future and directed me toward a possible career path.

My two roommates also volunteered at Habitat for Humanity Broward for spring break this year. It was our first trip together in our four-year friendship, and I am thankful for making these memories with my friends in our last semester at UPJ.

Here are the reasons why I recommend that college students should spend a spring break trip volunteering for a non-profit.

1. Self-Development

As a volunteer, you are introduced to real people in the real world, and you get a glimpse into the future responsibilities of adulthood. You learn about yourself. You learn about hardships of others who are less fortunate than you. You see the selflessness in the volunteer leaders. As Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

2. You never know who you will meet.

Volunteering can result in meeting someone whose story shakes your core, facing the reality of the damage of natural disasters or the hunger pain too many children and adults suffer through. These people can change how you see the world.

3. Give back to your community.

Everyone should give back to the community. Helping your neighbors creates a healthier and friendlier environment to live in. Maintaining the community is necessary to properly care for Mother Earth and prepare the youth for a successful future.

4. Cheap vacation with friends.

It was much cheaper to travel to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from Johnstown, Pennsylvania, through the Habitat for Humanity chapter on campus than it would have been if I had tried to go to the beach with my roommates and stayed at a hotel for a week. Transportation is provided, some meals are paid for and you often have free evenings to soak up the sun and chill with your friends.

5. Looks good on a resume.

Employers prefer to hire an applicant with volunteer experience because it resembles the individual’s passion, demonstrates teamwork and communication skills and speaks for a person’s character.

Volunteering is a deeply rewarding experience. To become a Habitat for Humanity volunteer, follow this link.