The college experience has much more to offer students than a great classroom education and a cool social scene. Besides the variety of intramural sports, special interest clubs, and other activities, there are other ways to become involved with campus life.
Volunteering – not only will this connect you with some amazing, kind hearted people, but will also offer you a type of fulfillment that you can only receive from the act of giving.
Whether you go to a small liberal arts school or the largest public school in your state, here are some of the top volunteer opportunities found at the majority of schools across the nation.
If you love saving lives. The Red Cross is a largely popular organization that makes it easy for students to donate blood. Many schools across the country have different clubs that organize donation events and collaborate with the Red Cross. Being involved in a Red Cross organization on campus gives students, particularly those studying the medical field, a good opportunity to involve themselves in some quality work that ultimately benefits the lives of others.
If you love helping peers. If you get queasy around blood, don’t worry. There are many other types of volunteer opportunities to get you involved on or around campus. Most schools offer tutoring services to young kids at local schools in the area. If you are interested in helping people understand a certain subject matter that you have excelled in, consider being a volunteer tutor. If you need volunteer hours to meet a requirement, this is a great and easy way to help others succeed.
If you love helping children. If you are looking to get involved with a club that has a huge national presence, consider joining your school’s Miracle club. The Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals is a non-profit organization that raises money for about 170 pediatric hospitals across the United States. Your school’s Miracle club will host a variety of events to raise money and awareness for their cause. The biggest event is called the Miracle Network Dance Marathon. This incredible event has raised over $200 million for children across North America. The event itself is a 40 hour event where students come together to meet patients and their families and participate in a variety of dancing, games, and fun activities. Like most clubs, there are different leadership opportunities.
If you love helping animals. Another way to put in some quality volunteer time is to work with the local Humane Society or other nearby animal shelters. You can volunteer at these locations by playing with the animals, tending to their need, and helping keep the shelters sanitary. Many schools have student run clubs who’s meetings consist of volunteering at these shelters and this is the perfect opportunity to play with puppies and kittens- especially if you miss your dog at home!
Whatever type of volunteering that you are passionate about, most universities will offer you an opportunity to become involved. Along with organizations such as the Red Cross, tutoring services, the Miracle Network, and the Humane Society, there are many other organizations such as soup kitchens, recycling plants, garden cleaning clubs, and so many more options to explore.
And if there’s something you truly care about, and can’t find an opportunity already available on campus, don’t be afraid to start your own organization for that cause. With so many people on campus, you’ll surely be able to find other like-minded people who want to improve the community.
Like Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”