Make a commitment to your community

Community service is defined as voluntary work intended to help people in a particular area. Take a second to think about that. “Work intended to help.” In what ways are you working toward a goal that helps somebody else?

Community service is a civic responsibility. It is an opportunity to give back, and help a community that supports you. Not only that, but community service can give you insight into yourself. As a volunteer, you can discover hidden talents that may change your view on your self worth, and it can help you learn about the government, or the inner workings of your own community. Understanding community needs also helps foster empathy and self-efficacy.

With all of these benefits, it is hard to justify not engaging civically. There are service projects all around, even for college students who may not feel connected to the community they live in. All it takes is a little asking around. Word of mouth is the best way to learn about opportunities. If you find an organization that interests you, call and get information on what you can do to serve.

Volunteering also gives you an opportunity to meet new people. You can find community service projects to do with your friends, and find people that have similar interests. You can ask a friend to volunteer with you and make a difference together. It may help you expand your circle of friends while helping the community as well.

You can figure out what interests you and find a project that fits the bill. Or maybe, find a project that you never thought you would be interested in, and try it out, because college is a time to try new things.

Either way, you will be pleased about the effects that volunteering can have on your life. Try it out, and see where it takes you.

Bryson Hellmuth, 21, senior of Hershey, paints a wall April 25, 2015, at the Dawes County Museum during The Big Event.