2008 Woodie Awards
Two Sides of Volunteering
Ethan Moore
Issue date: 3/31/06 Section: Opinion
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The number of weeks before commencement is dwindling, and, as a graduating senior, I can't help but reminisce upon my four years at Hendrix. College has been a mixture of different and various experiences from those in the classroom, work and research outside the classroom, social experiences with friends, and leadership experiences in campus organizations. But, when I think of all the experiences I have had during my college years, my volunteer experiences stick out as some of the most important and profound.
I feel incredibly fulfilled when I volunteer and useful because I'm giving back to the community in some capacity. But the volunteer relationship is not one-sided, whether it be tutoring, raking, painting, or sorting a pantry I get as much and learn as much from the people for whom I am volunteering as they do from the work and time I give to them. I've learned about the education gap through my tutoring experiences, the importance of environmental laws and programs from helping with Conway Earth Day, and the plight of the working poor from the Arkansas Rice Depot.
I've volunteered for many different organizations in Conway and Little Rock as well as my hometown in Texas, but one sticks out as the most significant to me and has helped me figure out my path in life: Menifee tutoring. I started doing Menifee tutoring my freshman year and have been doing so ever since. I give help in math, English, or whatever else they have. But I don't just help them with their homework and leave. I've built strong bonds with the Menifee kids and I get a youthful feeling just being with them. I talk with them after we finish homework and I feel like I'm just hanging out with friends.
I've been privileged enough that through my volunteer experience I have realized what I want to do in life. Volunteering at different service agencies has allowed me to do various different kinds of work and has helped me decide what I like doing and the type of work I'd rather not do. My volunteer work has greatly impacted and helped me find my identity. It has also helped me realize causes which are important to me. Education and educating children has become the most important thing to me and I've realized through my various service projects with children that I want to educate and counsel kids.
I encourage people to volunteer their time to causes that are important to them. There are a multitude of organizations that are always in need of volunteers. There are tons of great causes out there that need help from people like you and me. You don't need experience to volunteer, just a willingness to help. Find your volunteering niche and share with the community the gifts you possess. Service and volunteer work may even help you decide on a major or a career path and will allow you to gain great work experience. By giving to the community skills that we possess, we strengthen ourselves and our community. We should all feel an obligation to share our knowledge, skills, and time with others. Go out and volunteer!
I feel incredibly fulfilled when I volunteer and useful because I'm giving back to the community in some capacity. But the volunteer relationship is not one-sided, whether it be tutoring, raking, painting, or sorting a pantry I get as much and learn as much from the people for whom I am volunteering as they do from the work and time I give to them. I've learned about the education gap through my tutoring experiences, the importance of environmental laws and programs from helping with Conway Earth Day, and the plight of the working poor from the Arkansas Rice Depot.
I've volunteered for many different organizations in Conway and Little Rock as well as my hometown in Texas, but one sticks out as the most significant to me and has helped me figure out my path in life: Menifee tutoring. I started doing Menifee tutoring my freshman year and have been doing so ever since. I give help in math, English, or whatever else they have. But I don't just help them with their homework and leave. I've built strong bonds with the Menifee kids and I get a youthful feeling just being with them. I talk with them after we finish homework and I feel like I'm just hanging out with friends.
I've been privileged enough that through my volunteer experience I have realized what I want to do in life. Volunteering at different service agencies has allowed me to do various different kinds of work and has helped me decide what I like doing and the type of work I'd rather not do. My volunteer work has greatly impacted and helped me find my identity. It has also helped me realize causes which are important to me. Education and educating children has become the most important thing to me and I've realized through my various service projects with children that I want to educate and counsel kids.
I encourage people to volunteer their time to causes that are important to them. There are a multitude of organizations that are always in need of volunteers. There are tons of great causes out there that need help from people like you and me. You don't need experience to volunteer, just a willingness to help. Find your volunteering niche and share with the community the gifts you possess. Service and volunteer work may even help you decide on a major or a career path and will allow you to gain great work experience. By giving to the community skills that we possess, we strengthen ourselves and our community. We should all feel an obligation to share our knowledge, skills, and time with others. Go out and volunteer!