Why You Should Go On A Volunteer Trip | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Why You Should Go On A Volunteer Trip

Take advantage of an opportunity of a lifetime

15
Why You Should Go On A Volunteer Trip
Casey Koenig

I’m a huge fan of trying new things and meeting new people. Sure, it can be scary, but it is almost always worth it.

At some point during the fall semester, I sent in an application to participate in my school’s Alternative Spring Break. I figured that either I could go home for spring break and be relatively bored and do nothing, or I could volunteer in a cool location and make new friends. The latter seemed much more exciting.

Spring break came, and I, along with seven other students and our group leader, left for Kiptopeke State Park. We barely knew each other but got along very well at our first meeting, and I was feeling pumped.

The trip was nothing like anything I had ever experienced before, and I realized that these trips are really a once in a lifetime opportunity. We got to work outside, explore the park and stay in a really neat cabin. I have never spent so much time working outdoors, and I loved every minute of it. This type of volunteering confirmed that I would like to work in a park one day. The group I was with also became fast friends, and I am confident we will all remain in close contact. So far, we’ve been successful. We managed to sing and dance almost the entire time we were working, and we constantly cracked jokes and had lots of fun.

The rangers were all really cool, and I admire the type of work that they do. It is very important to conserve these parks and to make sure that they bring money in, because the Trump Administration may try to de-fund them. The parks are essential to our earth, as they bring people closer to nature and have them realize how important it is.

Of course, in order to volunteer, you do not have to be outside, do any work that is strenuous or even go on a week long trip. You can volunteer locally, and you can go to a food pantry or a nursing home. You can also help out at your local park, or even just go around and pick up trash that you see and be conscious about recycling and limiting your plastic use.


If you do ever have an opportunity to go on a trip, however, I would highly highly recommend it. ASB was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, and I really don’t think there is anything else quite like it. I can’t wait until my next volunteer trip when I get to meet even more new people, see another beautiful park and get to volunteer outdoors surrounded by nature and lots of beautiful scenery.
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

442429
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

15900
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

41214
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

7 Types Of Students You Will Meet In College

You wish you could be #5, but you know you're probably a #6.

21047
cool group of lazy college students in class
StableDiffusion

There are thousands of universities around the world, and each school boasts its own traditions and slogans. Some schools pride themselves on sports, while others emphasize their research facilities. While there is a myriad of differences among each and every school, there will always these seven types of students in class.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Rhyme Without Reason Greek Life Function Ideas

When you have no ideas for what to wear to this date function

321451
A dog and a frog
Healthy Pets

I am going to a rhyme without reason date function and I have looked at so many different rhyming words and I figured there need to be a new list of words. At these functions, there are usually at least two rockers and boxers and an umpteenth amount of dogs and frogs. I have come up with a list of creative and unique ideas for these functions.

If you like what you see, get a shopping cart going with these costumes.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments