I am a third year student at the University of Waterloo and volunteering is a big part of my daily life. This year has been declared the International Volunteer Year (IVY26), the last time we celebrated volunteers was the year of 2001. As a student, getting involved is a requirement in high school. But once you graduate, volunteering becomes a choice. Volunteering provides opportunities many are unaware of. This year gives us the perfect chance to spread awareness and join in on volunteering within the community.
Entering University, I viewed volunteering as something to gain experience or build my resume, but as I continued my education, my perspective had shifted. I began to see volunteering as something much more meaningful. It is something that is connected to identity, community and purpose.
Over time, being a volunteer and being around other volunteers within the community, I have seen how important it is to have easily accessible volunteer positions. Before University, volunteering felt like something you had to find on your own, making it easy to avoid. Recently I have realized how many resources are available to me. Whether it is through clubs, community events, or organizations like Volunteer Waterloo Region, there are so many opportunities to get involved.
Pursuing an education is important, but volunteering has made me realize it offers so much personal growth that education alone cannot offer. While University has helped me gain more knowledge, volunteering develops empathy, communication skills, time management skills and so much more.
With this year being the International Volunteer Year, it is time to reflect on your past volunteer experiences and brainstorm some new ways to get involved. Volunteer Waterloo Region is a great resource if you are struggling to ‘Ignite Volunteerism’, there are volunteering opportunities for everyone!
This article was written for VWR by placement student Paige Reid