Every college student is involved in at least 12 different clubs, eight on-campus jobs, six intramurals, and taking 40 to 50 credits per semester.
…OK, so maybe that’s not completely accurate, but that’s definitely what it feels like being a second-year college student. The life of a student is constantly in motion; whether it's an internship, extracurricular activities, or academics alone, there is almost no time left over to reflect or to just sit and relax. Although it can be difficult and nearly impossible to find time for ourselves, it's important that we also make room for one more activity in our busy lives -- volunteering.
Giving back to the community is something everyone wants to do but finds every excuse in the book not to. And a lot of times we are being honest in that there just isn’t enough time in the day to do everything we need to accomplish and add volunteering to the list, but rather than simply having time, it's about making time.
It is too easy to get wrapped up into the stresses of college and forget everything we’ve been blessed with. We are so lucky to have shelter over our heads, food to eat, friends to laugh with, and an environment that fosters our growth and development. In fact, we are way more fortunate than the majority of the population, and it is important to give back to those who aren’t as well-off as we are. I’m not trying to say it is unfair and that we should feel guilty for these blessings; however, we need to recognize our privilege and show compassion to those who haven’t been as lucky.
I am a firm believer in the mentality that one who volunteers in his/her community is a happier and healthier individual than one who does not. From personal experience, I can honestly say that whenever I volunteer, I feel happier and overall better about myself. There is something special about directly helping other people in your community and making a difference in someone’s life other than your own. We all have our own personal tribulations, obstacles, and issues; we’re all struggling with something. Volunteering is an amazing way to realize you’re not alone in your battles, and not only does it help the people you serve, but it can also help yourself in ways you wouldn’t even realize.
Don’t volunteer just because you feel bad for people, or because you need something to add to your resume. Give back to the community because you are fortunate enough to have the time, resources, and energy that not everyone else possesses. Make a difference in someone’s life other than your own, and I can guarantee you will start to see a transformation in your life that you never expected.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi
