The first few weeks of summer for many college students are a much-needed break from the stressors of school. As summer goes on, one can easily find herself bored and without anything productive to occupy their time. Volunteerism is a great way to spend this time, as it can brighten one’s outlook on life and help to gain indispensable skills.

We oftentimes get so caught up in everything going on we forget to think about the hardships those around us have to endure. Volunteering to help the less fortunate can give perspective on one’s own life and the lives of others. It can help us appreciate the things we have in our lives. It can also help to increase our empathy towards others, something that is lacking in today’s society.

Giving back to one’s community can also help increase our awareness of the issues the community faces. You might just find a worthy cause you’ll become passionate about and be able to dedicate your time to. It can help you realize the important things in life and build character.

You may meet like-minded people. Befriending people who care about the same issues you do is a great way to increase your knowledge of the issues as well. It’s also a great way to network and form alliances with people you may need help or advice from in the future, as well as people who you may be able to help.

It’s especially a great way to figure out what you want to major in if you have not yet decided. Working in a particular area will help you learn its ins and outs. By the end, you’ll have so much experience you will know if it is something you want to pursue.  

Working as part of a team is something many companies look for in recent graduates, and it’s a skill you’ll acquire if you volunteer. Teamwork is vital to success in any career. But it is something that is not taught enough to students. Volunteering is a great way to gain this valuable skill.

Volunteering can also help to learn to work with people with different opinions than you. Once you move on to a four-year college, you’ll surely meet and have to work with people who don’t think the same way you do. Volunteering can prepare you for this by helping you learn to work with and respect people you don’t always agree with.   

There are multiple ways volunteering can help you achieve personal growth. It’s equally as rewarding for the volunteer as it is for the people and the organization that you’ll be lending a helping hand. With all these benefits, if you’re not sure how to spend your summer vacation, volunteering should definitely be on the top of your list. It will teach you invaluable lessons and allow you to become a more well-rounded and thoughtful individual.  

You can visit givingdupage.org for more information on volunteer opportunities in the community.