In my mid-twenties, volunteer work was anathema to me. I was a graduate student, then a new parent, stretched thin while my spouse completed a PhD at the University of Michigan. I couldn't imagine my life ever having the space to give freely of my time again. Parenting toddlers demanded constant giving, and I felt very possessive of any free time I could claim!
Seven years later, my context was very different. I became an immigrant. I needed connections, local work experiences, and to learn French. There was space in my life to do something for others. I took two assignments in Cote-des-Neiges, one as a friendly visits volunteer serving the elderly, and another helping organize cultural events to help immigrants adapt to life in Quebec. It no longer felt like volunteering took something away from me; in fact, it seemed to give back much more than I put in, and being a volunteer gave me a surprising sense that my life was full of abundance and possibilities.
Volunteers are vital roots to strong communities, and being a volunteer can offer great spiritual and mental health benefits. For those of us that don't have a faith community, a volunteering team often offers the same kinds of social and spiritual benefits of having one. All of this is not to say everyone needs a volunteer job. But for some students, this might be a good time to reach out, connect, and develop skills through a volunteer role. At MORSL, and many other campus organizations, you'll find opportunities to volunteer your time and care whether in an ongoing volunteer role or a single event. Even attending one of our interfaith events is a generous act of volunteering to building community bridges, understanding and friendship at 海角社区.
