Counselor’s Corner
by MARYLYNNE WEAVER
It is well known that a good grade point average, essay and tests scores can get a student into the university of their dreams, but there are other components to receiving that ever elusive college acceptance letter. As summer approaches, and students’ free time becomes more prevalent, prospective college students might consider volunteering within their community. The act of volunteering is a selfless activity, which helps improve the quality of life for another or benefits and improves the quality of life for a community.
What can be learned from volunteer activities? Volunteering allows a student to learn about themselves and their potential career paths, which makes volunteer work that much more rewarding. For instance, if a student believes that veterinary science is the career path for them, volunteering at an animal shelter or veterinary clinic would benefit both the shelter or clinic and the individual. It would give the student the work experience to determine if this career path is right for them as well as helping out the clinic.
Where should you volunteer? Students should ask themselves what they are passionate about. What am I interested in? If I could change something, what would it be? How can I help someone or my community? Students should start with their interests and what they know. If they love sports and working with children, volunteer with the Special Olympics or with a little league team or at church or summer camp. If helping others is what inspires a student, then volunteering at a soup kitchen or food bank is an option. If a student is politically minded, they should volunteer to work on a political campaign. Interested in a cleaner environment? Why not be part of a recycling drive at the school or in a neighborhood, or volunteer for clean up duty this summer at a local park? Donating time to the elderly at a retirement center or reading to children this summer in the library could be rewarding and beneficial. Find something that inspires and interests you while helping others this summer.
How do universities view volunteering and how much and what kind is enough to get noticed by a university? Colleges value quality, longevity and leadership in community service activities. They want to see commitment to a community, an interest in something important and regular involvement in an activity that has altruistic value. Colleges like to see that the student has taken on leadership roles. They would rather see that a student has participated in one or two long-term opportunities, holding leadership roles than multiple community service activities for short durations. Colleges and universities are interested in volunteer and community service that is genuine, not just “fluff” on an application. They like to see that the student is participating in activities that are related to a possible chosen career or college major. They are looking for passion, commitment and interest in serving the community.
There are so many ways to help others in our community. Students just need to find something they have an interest in and enjoy. This makes for a better community, a better person and more possibilities for a brighter future.
