Former President Ronald Reagan once said, “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” Volunteering is a great way to make the first step to at least helping someone.
Many people only think of giving back or volunteering when Christmas rolls around, but giving back is perfect any time of the year. Based on observations at a nonprofit organization, most donations are made at Thanksgiving and Christmas, but summer is the time when they are actually needed most.
According to Help Guide, a resource for mental health, volunteering brings happiness and fulfillment not only to your life, but to the lives that you help. For one thing, volunteering connects you to others in a way that nothing else can. Doing something so small and so simple for someone could mean the absolute world to them. Volunteering also opens your eyes to appreciating everything that you have. Those who are struggling pray to have what we take for granted every day.
Help Guide also explains how volunteering can benefit your mind and your body. Helping others will help your psychological well-being and relieve any stress or worries you may have. Did you have a bad day at work? Those without a job would love to be in your shoes. Bummed about failing an exam? There are young adults that would do anything to attend college. Were you late to class because you couldn’t find a parking spot? Some people have to walk place to place every single day.
Lastly, volunteering gives us a sense of happiness and contentment. Giving is much better than receiving. So, the more you give and volunteer, the happier you will be. It can also add meaning and purpose to your life. Perhaps you lose a loved one or a relationship comes to an end. Volunteering can give you a new outlook on life and take your mind off of what caused you heartbreak.
Freshman social work student Kayla Greiss believes that helping others absolutely makes you appreciate what you have. “Volunteering is important not only to help others and the community but in the end, you truly feel better and you learn,” she said.
Professor of communications Claude Taylor believes that there is deep value in volunteering. His parents always expressed the importance of volunteering. “My parents instilled in their children a philosophical approach called servant leadership, which calls upon individuals to demonstrate leadership by putting the needs of others first. It was a way, from a very young age, that I learned to incorporate helping others as a regular part of everyday life.” Taylor also mentioned that there is actually very little in life that separates those in need from those who can help.
Senior communication student, Amanda Gangidino, also said that volunteering can grant you a sense of purpose which will then impact your morale.
She said, “Helping those in need makes you appreciate what you have because it evokes a sense of empathy within you. You witness homeless people that need a meal or elderly individuals that rarely get visitors. That hour or two you spend helping them could truly brighten their entire day. Giving back makes you hope that if you are ever in need one day, people would show you the same kindness.”
With all that being said, volunteer when you can because taking an hour out of your day to help someone could mean the absolute world to them. The next time you have a “bad” day, remember that others have it way worse and you should never take anything for granted.
PHOTO COURTESY of Alpha Xi Delta Iota Nu
