Being A Volunteer Isn't Just About Extra Credit
Start writing a post
Student Life

Being A Volunteer Isn't Just About Extra Credit

You can make a difference in someone's life.

35
Being A Volunteer Isn't Just About Extra Credit

If you are a student, faculty, or staff at The University of Tennessee, then you're a Volunteer. Whether you like it or not, you represent this University, and you're held to a standard. A Volunteer standard. But are you really upholding what it means to be a Volunteer? It's not just about the football games and Smokey. It's about being a citizen of this community, and about representing this fine institution to the best of your ability.

How often do you volunteer? When it's extra credit for a class? Because you're an Honors student and you need 25 hours this year? Because you're trying to get that Torchbearer award oh so badly? Maybe you do it out of the goodness of your heart; because you want to give back to people. And to you, I say "kudos."

There aren't many of us who enjoy volunteering. A lot of people gripe and complain about it. If you're one of those that's shriveling up in your seat right now, keep reading.

Volunteering is about so much more than yourself; that requirement you're fulfilling, or those five extra points you're getting in class. You're actually making someone's life better, easier.

I didn't realize this until I started doing weekly community service. It sounds like a lot, and there are days where I'm a little too stressed to devote two hours to being an Academic Mentor for the FUTURE program here on campus, but I go anyway, and when I'm done, I know I've made my mentee's day better. Volunteering regularly gives me the opportunity to actually see improvement, and it makes my work so much more meaningful.

Don't know where to start? Visit the Sign Up to Serve Calendar through the Center for Leadership and Service, or Volunteer Knoxville, an online database of surrounding agencies that need your help.

The FUTURE Program could always use more volunteers; they're a great group of people, and they're located right here on campus! (Learn more about them here)

Regardless of what you choose-- choose something you love. It'll help you recognize how lucky you are... and the people you help will think better of UT as a result! So be a Volunteer. A real one.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

To The Classes That Follow

I want you to want to make the most of the years that are prior to Senior year

462
To The Classes That Follow
Senior Year Is Here And I Am So Not Ready For It

I was you not that long ago. I was once an eager freshman, a searching sophomore, and a know-it-all junior. Now? Now I am a risk taker. Not the type that gets you in trouble with your parents, but the type that changes your future. Senior year is exciting. A lot of awesome things come along with being the top-dog of the school, but you, right now, are building the foundation for the next 4 years that you will spend in high school. I know you've heard it all. "Get involved", "You'll regret not going to prom", "You're going to miss this". As redundant as these seem, they're true. Although I am just at the beginning of my senior year, I am realizing how many lasts I am encountering.

Keep Reading... Show less
Featured

The Power Of Prayer Saved My Best Friend's Life

At the end of the day, there is something out there bigger than all of us, and to me, that is the power of prayer.

2015
Julie Derrer

Imagine this:

Keep Reading... Show less
Featured

Why Driving Drives Me Crazy

the highways are home

1663

With Halloween quickly approaching, I have been talking to coworkers about what scares us. There are always the obvious things like clowns, spiders, heights, etc. But me? There are a number things I don't like: trusting strangers, being yelled at, being in life or death situations, parallel parking. All of these are included when you get behind the wheel of a car.

Keep Reading... Show less
Baseball Spring Training Is A Blast In Arizona
Patricia Vicente

Nothing gets me more pumped up than the nice weather and the sights and sounds of the baseball season quickly approaching.

Keep Reading... Show less
Featured

Impact Makers: Melanie Byrd

Find out how this TikTok star gets women excited about science!

5044
Impact Makers: Melanie Byrd

How it all began

Keep Reading... Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments