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Volunteering. Hot or Not?
By Kathryn Knight
April 21, 2009
Remember Paris Hilton’s stint in jail a few years ago? After the fact, her first few interviews revealed that she had a new priority besides partying. It was volunteering. Whether or not she has fully exercised this endeavor since is debatable. Plenty of other celebrities, however, have made a show for volunteering. “That’s hot.”
As students begin preparing for college and scholarship applications, you’ll find that almost all will ask about volunteer experience. For college, it is a top priority.
However, there are still many students out there who may have the heart but don’t put it into volunteering. That’s not hot.
It’s time for you to turn over a new leaf. And get this…you can actually help yourself while helping others.
Pursue a passion. So what if your passion is Guitar Hero? Become a Big Brother or Sister and provide some musical entertainment and engagement for an underprivileged child once or twice a month. Or if you enjoy cooking, work at a Soup Kitchen. It is so simple to find volunteering activities that actually interest you on a personal level.
Financial Benefits. Just like you got an after-school job to finance your personal life, volunteer experience can help subsidize your education as well. Many scholarship essay questions are volunteer-based. Some scholarships are even exclusive to those students who have helped out others in their spare time. Essentially, volunteering now can have a huge financial payoff later.
Get results. College admission is sometimes a game. Like any other game, the individual or team with the most points is the winner. If an admission officer is deciding between you and another student for admission, every point counts. With volunteer experience, you have a slight edge on the competition.

Bdub555
4 months ago
Volunteering is one of the best things that anyone can do
eskinnero11
5 months ago
I agree, volunteering is an excellent way to bolster one's college or scholarship applications. I have to admit, I am thankful for that. However, an even more important reason to volunteer is just for the sake of helping others! Trite though this may sound, volunteering truly is its own reward. :)
Cassie60592
over 1 year ago
I have volunteered throughout my life ever since i was 14 years old. Volunteering at daycare centers, daycamps, and even in an office as an intern. I personally think that volunteering with different organizations helped me find and build my own character and it should do the same for you if you just believe that you can do it and put your mind to it. As a young adult when i look back it helped me become a more responsible young lady and take precaution in what i do and what say.
MaryO272
over 1 year ago
I have volunteered at a shelter I loved it so much I got a job in the future when I finish college I want to have a shelter and help run it or hire people to run it.
akeemhall89
over 1 year ago
Volunteering is greatest gesture of all time!
scarletangel478
over 1 year ago
Volunteering is so much fun! I've been volunteering at my local library since March, and it's the best decision I made in my life!!
AndreaS967
over 1 year ago
After I transfer schools, I've decided to really dive into volunteering. I would really love to work for a non-profit organization in the future, and I've always wanted to make a difference. I think volunteering is the first step in that direction. :)
KayaChan17
almost 2 years ago
Volunteering is amazing! its so much fun and beneficial to others, whether you know it or not and looks great on a resume.
N_rivera1507
almost 2 years ago
I love it , I volunteer all the time [:
pdiana
about 2 years ago
i like to help no matter if is with kids, people, or animals.
cuzj92
about 2 years ago
I adore animals with a passion and I would love to help and work with them.
echol1991
about 2 years ago
i will love helping people with animals and thinks.
sexyvet4life
about 2 years ago
i would love to vallonteer anywhere where i can help animals
sexyvet4life
about 2 years ago
these is not bad
lilmisspiggie123
about 2 years ago
wow i never thought of it like that ive been involved in all types of volunteer stuff cuz my church is always helping with one event or another or even running events themselves like the Big Pumkin Run and Back 2(009) School and No Home Alone or even Street Reach theres prob a list taller than me of stuff i've volunteered in and didn't even think about it helping with my college....hmmmmmm.... something to ponder!!!! lol