Before this experience, I thought that it would be impossible for me to volunteer 100 hours in one year in order to go back on staff at HOBY. I didn’t think I was capable of that, and had some extreme doubts in myself.
I felt that from an educational stand point, I would gain a sense of purpose and feel like I had given back to my community and those around me, and that I would learn more about the people and what needs needed to be met in Hilliard.
I wanted to learn about the ways that I could have an impact on my community and how even just as one person, I could give back. I wanted to gain knowledge about what needs weren’t being met and the steps I could take to help.
I made dozens of new relationships through volunteering. I made professional connections with the advisors and adults involved with the organizations and programs I served in, such as SON Ministries, and also gained dozens of new friendships through other teens who were also volunteering.
My friend Ross (who was also a teen intern through SON Ministries) and I.
I thought that I would benefit from my time volunteering by becoming a more grateful and humble person and I also wanted to be opened up to the ways that I can serve those around me using my own unique skills and talents to spark change in those around me, even though I’m only in high school.
This was from the ThisWeek newspaper, where I was photographed during Reading Buddies at the Hilliard Branch library where I volunteer on Saturday’s.