WOODBURY — Volunteering is an important aspect of living a fulfilling life. Whether you go once or on a regular schedule, it always makes an indelible impact for all involved.
In towns and cities surrounding Woodbury, there are multiple nonprofits in dire need of volunteers.
No matter how different your hobbies are, there is always a place for you. Volunteering is about doing something you love for others benefit such as volunteering at an animal shelter or donating clothes to a homeless shelter.
Emma Jackson, a Nonnewaug junior who serves in the Harbor Program at our school, found her love of volunteering through the program, where she serves as an Anchor who mentors freshmen and helps at school events.
“My freshman year I had two great Harbor people, and I liked what they were doing in my advisory, so I thought I would try it, too,” Jackson said.
Jackson found that volunteering through the program was more rewarding than she thought, so now she even volunteers in her hometown.
“I also volunteer as an SAE to make a garden at a housing center in my town for the people who live there to cook food with,” said Jackson.
During this experience, Jackson incorporates her love for gardening and helping others to be able to make a positive impact in her community.
Maria Eggers, a junior, volunteers as a part of her Supervised Agricultural Experience, a requirement for students in the Woodbury FFA.
“Working with birds in different environments showed me the importance of conservation to create healthy habitats for wildlife and nature,” Eggers explains. “I also used to volunteer at a nature center, which connected me to more people who love animals and want to contribute to protecting our planet.”
Through her volunteering career, Eggers has found her love of nature and animals. She now has a different perspective on her choices and how it will affect nature compared to before she volunteered.
Kathy Green, NHS’s College and Career Resource Center counselor, sees many volunteering positions on the resumés she reads. Green connects with students about their experiences as a volunteer and has seen tremendous growth within those students.
“Volunteering offers students exposure to a different experience, which often can make them more aware of different circumstances and needs,” Green states. “This, in turn, can not only grow their awareness but allow them to be more thoughtful.”
Green has seen how volunteering has affected everyone involved and how much of an impact it can cause.
There are volunteer opportunities in every town, from helping out at your local library or church, volunteering at animal shelters, donating clothes and food to people in need, donating blood, and even childcare.
“Volunteering is a strong demonstration of someone thinking beyond themselves,” states Green. “When a student designates time to something bigger than themselves, that reflects on them as a person.”
This is an opinion piece written by reporter Alexa Sweeney, class of 2025.
