We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
-Winston Churchill
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Volunteering is something that usually gets overlooked or automatically categorized as "boring" or a "waste of time" by young people, especially students.
And for most students, volunteering is a means of fluffing up their resumes or college applications or is a way to earn scholarship money.
However, volunteering is a gift, not only to others but also to the one who volunteers.
It really is uplifting and a really good experience if you look at it with a good heart and a different perspective.
Whether it is something required by school or not, every college, high school, junior high school, etc student should at least try volunteering and see how it changes their life.
Take it from someone who has volunteered a lot so far.
Yes, I know there are lazy days where you don't want to do anything but stay in bed all day binging on Netflix and a bag of Hot Cheetos or Doritos, trust me I've had those days. Those are the days I don't want to do anything else but just lay there like a lazy lump. Those are the days I would shrug and tell myself I can always volunteer later.
I would sometimes even grumble or complain when I would have volunteering on Fridays or Saturdays back home when I would volunteer at a nearby hospital. Trust me, I get it. I totally get it.
But I feel like despite those lazy days (and it's always good to take a break once in awhile, I'm not saying to volunteer 24/7 unless that's your thing) it's always good to take some time out of your life and your busy schedule to volunteer for at least a couple of hours.
It will really change your life and the way you look at things and people.
It will also cause you to really appreciate life and the things you have. Because other's aren't always as lucky as you are. And I know that sounds really cliché, but it is honestly the truth.
Just the other day I tried a new volunteering event called 'Midnight Run' where we went into the city and gave food, clothes, and toiletries to some homeless people living in the streets.
Yes, it fulfilled some hours that I am required to complete, but wow, was it an awesome experience. It really made me think about others' lives and even my own life and it felt amazing helping other people. It was a good feeling knowing that we were helping them and making their day a little better.
The way they smiled and thanked us with such genuine appreciation gave me a feeling unlike any other.
It made me think of how selfish I can sometimes be and how desensitized I am towards the privileges I am blessed with. I sometimes overlook what I have and tend to forget that there are people who aren't nearly as lucky--lots of people don't even have a roof over their heads and are living out in the cold.
And these people are just like you and me. They aren't any less. They deserve kindness, love, and care also.
While I volunteered I had conversations with a few of the homeless people who gratefully took the supplies we provided them. They told me stories of things that happened in their lives and things they enjoyed or have done.
Not one of them forgot to thank us. They were genuinely thankful for our small act of kindness that was making a big impact on their lives.
Just knowing that I was making a big difference in someone's life through such a simple act that only took a few hours from my night, in which I potentially would've otherwise wasted, warmed my heart and touched my soul.
So, I encourage you to volunteer, whether it is required by your school or not.
And when you do, do it with an open mind and heart.
It not only will touch others' lives, it'll also transform yours.
Make a difference.
