Volunteering in College

Despite the academic rigors they face, college students tend to have lots of free time. Many waste it away by playing video games, surfing the Internet, perusing Facebook and watching TV. But why not do something productive? Volunteering can be a beneficial way to contribute to your community while gaining personal satisfaction.

Is there a particular issue that concerns you the most? Do you want to help adults become literate so they can live easier? Do you want to provide leadership to local youth by running an afterschool program? Do you want to help feed the homeless who've already had to endure a hot summer? It's not difficult to find the opportunity that's right for you. Many colleges encourage their students to get involved, and thus work hand-in-hand with community volunteer agencies. Typically, the career services department or the financial aid department – which handles federal work study – can provide the resources you need. You can also search your city's website for a listing of agencies that currently need help. Conduct an online search for the more well-known national organizations – like Volunteers of America and the United Way – and see if they operate in your community. AmeriCorps allows you to "tutor and mentor youth, build affordable housing, teach computer skills, clean parks and streams, run after-school programs, and help communities respond to disasters," according to the US Department of Education. If you wish to commit long-term, you can join the PeaceCorps and work overseas to provide better living conditions in countries with struggling economies.

The benefits of volunteering are endless. Not only are you helping your fellow man (and woman), you're building your own character. You gain perspective about the real world because you're forced outside of your comfort zone of the college campus. Not everybody has been as fortunate as you and therefore they may not be able to help themselves. You get to meet like-minded people who become friends, and that makes the experience even more enjoyable. Volunteering also looks great on your resume after graduation. Employers will know they're dealing with a productive and selfless individual who puts the needs of others first. You might even like it so much that you make a career out of giving back; agencies are always looking for qualified employees. You don't have to be a social work major to get the most out of volunteering.