What's good for your future, fun and makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside? Volunteering! In this article, I would like to take an approach not often used when talking about volunteering: explaining how helping others can help you.
When I first started volunteering, it took quite a while to find what was right for me. This is a step most people skip, and it's probably the most important. Take your time and think about what you want to do for a career. Future doctors can work at a free clinic. Business-minded people can work at a food drive. Fashion designers can put together outfits at clothing drives. There is something for everyone, and if you need help, contact your local Volunteer Center (try City Hall for the office). Really motivated, but can't find anything that fits you? Start your own organization.
Since I strive to always tell the truth in my writing, I'm going to get to the point. Even if you don't want to volunteer, do so! It can help you so much in your future career. Volunteering is great to put on a résumé, and all over the Internet they give away huge scholarships and cash rewards to teens who volunteer. Eventually, you will feel so good about aiding your fellow man, none of the other things will matter!
I started volunteering through work with my parents, and it took me everywhere. Our project was the first of its kind in our area. We created Sensory Stimulation Gardens for the disabled. In this process, I was able to visit a Sensory Stimulation Garden in a big city, tour it before it was open to the public, attend a party thrown by the people the garden was made for and meet influential people in the community. Imagine planting flowers next to VIPs of a major company! I spent several weekends of my summer working and gaining a sense of myself. I was taught how to use power tools correctly, create fountains, plan landscapes and seek donations from the community all while getting a killer tan (wear SPF!) and making friends!
You might think that something like this won't really help you, but I promise it will. At sixteen, I'm able to tell you about something amazing that I helped complete. So on the first day of college, when an instructor has you fill out a form on what you feel you have accomplished in your life, you will not have to sit and contemplate (like most of your classmates). Instead, you will have something to be proud of.
Remember, volunteering won't only improve other people's lives, establish a place for you in the community and make a great start for your résumé, it will also give you an amazing sense of self-esteem and fulfillment. This isn't a feeling that can easily be explained in words, but believe me, it is a feeling that is like nothing else and one you'll never forget!
This article originally appeared on MakingItCount.com.
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