Give Back and Volunteer!

By Keila Flores and Kaitlyn Silva

Get reeeeeaaaady! November 29 is Giving Tuesday, which is held every year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

Many students don’t often volunteer, but volunteering could help you get ahead and add major benefits to your life. Anyone at any age should start volunteering, especially in this stage of our lives. Even middle schoolers should start volunteering! Students should volunteer because colleges are more likely to accept you if you volunteer; especially if where you volunteer is related to your desired profession. It is also shown that volunteering increases your chances of being hired by 27% . Colleges and employers view you as a responsible, kind, giving person. You can also learn a lot of skills like leadership, communication, and teamwork.

A student, Kaitlyn, tells me that,

“I volunteered during 6th grade at an animal shelter. I volunteered because I love animals and wanted to get some experience. My work was to train and walk the dogs. Overall I had a good time and I would do it again”.

Susan Albers, PsyD, psychologist for Cleveland Clinic says that " said when you help other people, it activates the reward center in your brain and releases serotonin, dopamine and endorphins. Studies have indicated that volunteering is great for your mental health. It has been shown to decrease stress levels, depression, anxiety and boost your overall health and satisfaction with life.”

If you're looking to volunteer, some great places to volunteer at are food banks/ soup kitchens, nursing homes, schools/ daycare centers, animal shelters, and at parks/beaches as you volunteer to help clean up our environment.

Click here to choose one of the many exciting volunteer opportunities available in Richmond!

But don't just wait until November 29 to activate the reward center in your brain that releases serotonin! Volunteer on a regular basis now. Last but not least, you'll make this world and our community a better place.

Source: Workable.comcollegevine