The Importance of Volunteering

Pariss

The last day of class in fourth grade was a free day. We got to stay on the playground longer, play board games in class and watched a movie. The highlight of the day was when my mom brought Happy Meals for everyone in the class.

My mom always volunteered at my school. She chaperoned on field trips, made cupcakes, attended PTA meetings and even dressed up as Clifford for the Book Fairs. No one asked her to – she did it because she wanted to. She always found time to volunteer and shared that same value with me.

I started volunteering at fourteen. I’ve volunteered at the public library, art museums, performance theaters and food drives. I recently started volunteering at Goodwill.

I came in to discuss becoming a volunteer with the volunteer coordinator. Based on my resume and prior experience, I was given the opportunity to teach etiquette classes.

In college, I gave presentations about etiquette and how to dress for success. I was thrilled to be able to start again with Goodwill. We cover professional skills such as how to properly prepare, interview attire tips, and power greetings.

Volunteering with Goodwill has been a life-changing experience for me. Helping people learn skills that will help them in the workforce gives me a new purpose. It motivates me. When I wake up to volunteer, I make sure that I go in dressed professionally, with a smile and that I’m prepared to help in any way that I can. I love answering questions, interacting with people in the classes and learning from them as well.

There are tons of volunteer opportunities for people to lend a helping hand. Non-profit organizations, hospitals, shelters and more are in need of volunteers. It may take a couple hours of your time but it leaves a lasting impact.

Volunteering is inspiring and rewarding. Helping other people and seeing them smile because of it is a wonderful experience. My mom showed me the importance of volunteering at an early age. People always ask about my mom and talk to me about times where she came to the school and did something nice for us. It is my goal to have that same impact by volunteering and to encourage others to do the same.

– Pariss

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