Theme: The Joy Of Volunteering
March 24, 2008 Most of us as college students wake up at the last possible second, run to class, learn little to nothing because we’re tired, eat a cheeseburger, run to another class, take a nap, then wake up in time to watch Lost and get trashed with our friends.
All of that can be fun for a while…but it eventually becomes a huge waste of time and energy.
We all know that we don’t have money for anything. So instead of eating out, going to movies, getting drunk, buying Starbucks…consider volunteering as an option. There is not a single town in the entire United States (and beyond) that doesn’t need help in some fashion.
You may be thinking, “Where would I volunteer in my college town?”. Well, some basic needs in every town are found at churches, hospitals, animal shelters, day cares, and nursing homes. You might be saying, “Old people are gross, I hate kids, dogs have rabies, I don’t want to be around sick people, and I’m not a Christian!”. Well, first of all…..try to change your attitude. Second of all, there are more places than just the basics that could use your help. For instance, if you are a guy that loves sports, consider helping out with after school sporting events at a local high school. If you are a girl that loves clothes, consider helping out at your local Goodwill folding clothes and meeting great people.
These needs may not be easily found at first. If you try to call a nursing home, but their offices are closed that day…don’t give up! Try an animal shelter where you can enjoy walking dogs and petting kittens all day! Or if you see someone in need on the street, try helping them out a little by giving them a ride or buying them some cheap groceries. Also, in most places in the United States, there is a high demand for bilingual Americans to help out at immigration shelters, hospitals, health clinics, even schools!
These volunteering experiences will be very rewarding. We need to consider the fact that, though we are college students and the world seems to revolve around us momentarily, there are people within our own communities that have a great need for basic necessities. It wouldn’t take much time nor effort to help out for an hour or two at a homeless shelter or a nursing home providing happiness for people in need of it.
Remember, not only is volunteering a rewarding opportunity to contribute something decent to your community, but it is also a money saver. Keep in mind, in a few years, your life might be very costly as you pay rent, own a car, possibly have a spouse, maybe even kids! Saving some money during college is a smart decision. You might be thinking, “But there is no way that volunteering is fun!”. Why not take your friends along! The place in need of volunteers will have plenty, and you will be working/helping right along side your friends.
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