Volunteering is one of many ways to help out the community and gain leadership skills. It supports communities and people who are needed. It leads to learning new skills as many of the tasks in volunteering involve doing things that aren’t normally done, like sewing or learning how to package food. Northwood has several clubs that volunteer as part of their organization’s activities.
Student volunteers have better chances of getting into college according to Kaptest. College admissions officers love to see students who are leaders and volunteering show leadership experience. Some schools will require students to volunteer for a certain number of hours.
“I have been volunteering since I was 10 years old,” an anonymous student said. “I volunteered at first because my mom had made me do it. I packaged foods at my church for a non-profit organization… It really made me realize how important volunteering was because these people don’t have easy access to food and I am able to help them out through volunteer work. I feel like I’m making a difference or something when I do this kind of job. I can do something to help others and it fills me with a sense of accomplishment.”
Many students at Northwood volunteer outside of school or are in clubs that volunteer as part of its activities. Sophomore Bones Brock is someone who volunteers often. They balance this with their volleyball and school work.
“I volunteered at Vance County Animal shelter for about 7 years with my grandmother,” Latta Brock said. “I am now a volunteer model for Second Bloom. [At the animal shelter] It made me happy to come in and know that I was helping animals get a chance at a good life. I think it is very important for students to volunteer if they ever get the time, especially right now, because it helps fix the employment shortages.”
Northwood has several clubs that volunteer as part of their extracurricular activities. High school student members of Key Club perform acts of service in their communities, such as cleaning up parks, collecting clothing and organizing food drives. They also learn leadership skills by running meetings, planning projects and holding elected leadership positions at the club.
“Key Club’s main purpose is to volunteer and serve their community,” an anonymous student said. “Everyone needs to volunteer at least once in their life as it is an invaluable experience. It teaches leadership and communication skills for students and it really brings together a community. Volunteering is one of the best ways to show you care about other people.”
