To students, the end of a school year always means a brief reprieve from tests and teachers, and this absence is filled by the ultimate summer fantasies. In between going to the beach, possibly procrastinating on any summer work you have to do, finding a job, and more, it may seem like the days are filled to the brim. While all of these activities do take up a lot of time, I believe that volunteering and giving back to the community is something that should be added onto this hefty list. Although adding another time commitment to your already busy summer schedule may seem daunting, the rewards of volunteering outweigh the risks. You can even make a difference in the comfort of your own home! Different ways to volunteer as a student include...

1. Donating items from your household

Starting in something as small as your room, you can donate books, clothes, and even old stuffed animals that you no longer cuddle with. There are plenty of common, local organizations that are specifically designed to accept donations like these ones. Libraries often accept old books; firehouses and hospitals can accept toys and stuffed animals, and shelters may accept food and clothing. Although it may take some research and time on your part, you are simultaneously clearing clutter from your house and improving the lives of countless people!

2. Tutoring a local student

While this may not seem like a conventional type of volunteering, you are in fact volunteering your time and efforts to help a student reach success. I personally connected with a student to tutor by reaching out to my guidance counselor, and it only took some time, dedication, and creativity for my student to flourish into a proficient reader and writer. I also volunteered at my local ESY (Extended School Year) program for multiple years, where I helped teach students who had disabilities throughout the summer. If you lack these options, other maneuvers include contacting your neighbors, your local library, and even your relatives, if you can find anybody to tutor through that. Tutoring a student, especially during the summer, will refresh their memories and set them up for success in the following year!

3. Volunteering at a library

If you are someone who loves the written word, then this is the place for you. I volunteered at my local library in middle school and helped out by shelving and alphabetizing books. However, with the incorporation of social media, any teenager can use their local library to make a direct impact on the library's patrons. Whether you spend your time creating activities for younger customers or providing tech support for older ones, there are plenty of ways that you can use your knowledge to improve the lives in your community.

4. Directing a youth organization or a youth team

No matter what you are interested in, there is bound to be a youth organization specializing in it that could really benefit from someone taking on a leadership role. For example, a few years ago, I volunteered to teach children about poetry under the instruction of a local nonprofit organization. As I progressed in my role as a "teacher", I got to hear the children become more confident in projecting their artistic voices. I also got the opportunity to proofread their work and see their ideas develop, which was such a rewarding experience. Whether you are serious about soccer or you have been taken in by the theater, contact any organization affiliated with your interests and see what you can do to shape the futures of the children that attend.

5. Volunteering at a local shelter

The issue of homelessness is something that I am very passionate about solving, given my prior experience volunteering at a shelter. Although the tasks that you will be given vary from place to place, I have gotten the chance to package meals, serve meals, clean tables, assemble gift bags, and so much more. As mentioned before, you can donate some of your physical belongings such as clothes or food, but donating your time is an extra step that will really open your eyes to the world around you. I would highly suggest taking the time to volunteer at a local shelter because my experiences with it genuinely changed my life.

My college promotes the idea of "solidarity" as often as it possibly can, and solidarity can occasionally be defined as "being with and for others". Even though the school year is over, that does not mean that I want to stop promoting solidarity. While I have admittedly taken a lot of time to myself this summer, I am planning to incorporate some of these volunteering options and my college's ideals into the rest of my break. I hope that some of you will do it as well!