Why should young people volunteer? Isn't that something only seniors do? Not at all. Young people who volunteer gain valuable insight into the inner workings of their communities and are able to obtain a wider perspective by supporting the diverse missions of nonprofit organizations. Volunteering is more than just a few hours of free labor; it's an opportunity for networking, skill building and individual growth.
I speak from experience. As a gap year student taking a year off before college to learn to navigate the complex twists and turns of the "real world," I can confidently say that volunteering has been an irreplaceable part of my time. The organizational and interpersonal skills I have acquired will assist me at the College of William & Mary this fall and into the rest of my adult life.
As part of this year, I wanted to push myself to try things that were outside of my comfort zone. Though an artsy, creative, bookish type, I found myself on my hands and knees digging holes and yanking weeds at the American Horticultural Society thanks to an entry I found in the Volunteer Alexandria database. I now know the names of various garden tools (scuffle hoe anyone?) and am rather proud of my expanded plant vocabulary. During my time at the AHS, I also met some unforgettable people, staff and fellow volunteers whose exuberance and energy made me feel excited about the work I was doing and treated me like I was part of the team.
I also underwent the volunteer training at Ten Thousand Villages of Alexandria, a fair trade store dedicated to providing artisans in developing countries with fair, living wages. I learned how to operate the cash register, unpack and catalog shipments and interact with the customers in the store. I had not fully appreciated how much work maintaining a retail shop could be until I was behind the register myself.
Volunteering can also unlock the door to a whole new series of opportunities. I began volunteering once a week at my dance studio in 2010 as an assistant teacher. I now am an intern and help teach six classes a week. I love working with the students and giving back to a place that has been important to me since I was a little girl. That for me is truly the best part of service, knowing that I've helped make something that was special for me special for someone else. The bright eyes and young smiles at the end of the day are all I need to know I've made a difference.
For anyone interested in volunteering, you can call the Volunteer Alexandria offices at 703-836-2176 or visit www.VolunteerAlexandria.org and search the many opportunities available in our community.