Volunteering: Giving Back to the Community

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Recommended: The advantages and disadvantages of community service

Many college students will find themselves asking, “How am I to pay for school?” and it often seems to go unanswered. In recent years, many programs have developed to offer students a solution to that problem. The solution is volunteering. Whether you have a specific interest such as disease control, developing communities, medicine, or simply to just volunteer your time, these programs offer a versatility that is unparalleled. These programs take recently graduated or current students and help them to optimize their skills in a setting in which they can grow from, all while paying off their student loans. Not only can a student gain hands on experience in a new and rewarding setting through volunteering, they can specialize their skills in community and teamwork.
Understanding the benefits of volunteering is a vital part in truly gaining from the experience. I believe that many people begin a volunteer position with their own notions of how they may positively effect a situation; but can’t hold an interest for long, thus dropping the job. Many places are constantly looking for volunteers for this reason. It’s not that the job itself is bad or that it is too demanding, it generally is because the original volunteers cannot retain an interest in their job. I have personally volunteered and seen this happen many times, and it is why I think that having a deeper understanding of a volunteer position is key. If every volunteer approaches their job knowing that it may not always be exciting, but that what they are doing can genuinely help someone in need will change the aspects that many people find to be negative about volunteering. A volunteer can provide a great service and make tasks easier for everyone involved; if they are aware...

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...e student to expand their interests and gain experience in fields of work related to their studies. Furthermore, it can help recent graduates to lighten the burden of student loan repayment. Volunteering is a wonderful gateway to help give back to the community, and to provide a service to those in need. There is much to be learned from volunteering, and there are always positions available seeking the help of those who are willing to give their time.

Works Cited

“Benefits of Student Participation in Community Service”. Umich.edu. n.d. 20 April 14. Web.
“Benefits of Volunteerism in College”. Scholarships.com. n.d. 21 April 14. Web.
Goldberg, Eleanor. “How You Can Pay Off Your Student Loans By Doing Good For The World.” Huffingtonpost.com. 21 Ferbruary 14. 20 April 14. Web.
“Scholarships for Volunteering and Community Service”. Finaid.org. n.d. 19 April 14. Web.

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