College can get busy so quickly. Between classes, homework, work, and also trying to have some semblance of a social life, it is so easy to feel like there is just no extra time for anything else. However, volunteering has become something I actually really look forward to during my week. I volunteer with food pantry on campus and at the SPCA, and both experiences have given me reasons to get out of my room, meet new people, and do something outside of my normal routine.
At the food pantry, my main job is pretty much just keeping track of what food is being taken. It may not seem like a huge role, but I have had people come up to me while I am there and tell me how much they appreciate that our school offers this resource. Hearing that has made me realize that even being there and helping with a small aspect of the pantry can mean a lot to someone else. It is nice knowing that an hour or two of my time is spent contributing to a resource that people on campus genuinely value.
My time at the SPCA is a little different. I get to walk dogs, spend time with the cats, and meet other people who also enjoy volunteering! One of my favorite parts of the SPCA is that you already have something in common with the people around you. If you are both there to walk dogs, you automatically have something to talk about. It has been an easy way to meet new people while doing something I genuinely enjoy. It is also really nice when I miss my own pets to be able to spend time with the dogs here!
Another reason I think volunteering is worth it in college is that it gives you a reason to get out of your dorm and shake up your usual routine. Having somewhere new to go can be a nice change. Instead of spending another afternoon in my room, I can go somewhere, help out, and spend time with people or animals. Even if I am only volunteering for a few hours, I come back feeling like I did something productive with my time.
Volunteering also does not have to be a huge commitment. You do not need to spend every weekend volunteering or dedicate hours every day. Finding something that fits into your schedule and that you actually enjoy is enough! There are so many different opportunities on campus, so there is a good chance you can find something that interests you.
Volunteering has given me a chance to meet new people, get out of my room, and feel more connected to my community at school. It has also shown me that helping does not always have to mean doing something huge. Sometimes just showing up and giving your time can make a difference to someone else while also making your own college experience a little better.