SHAQUAVIA HARDY: Benefits of volunteering great
In existence for nearly 100 years, the National Exchange Club is truly a remarkable organization dedicated to community progress and development. The club focuses on four main aspirations: promoting Americanism, community service, youth programs and child abuse prevention. Local chapters in Florida include those located in Niceville and Crestview. The Niceville Exchange Club holds meetings every second and fourth Tuesday at LaRumba, with an agenda always full of events and activities for the community. The club supports many charities such as at the Children’s Advocacy Center, Sharing and Caring and Children in Crisis.
Last month, I was honored as ‘Youth of the Month’ by The Niceville Exchange Club. This award “recognizes hard-working high school students who attain high levels of scholastic achievement, community involvement and leadership.” As a student dedicated to many events, clubs, and activities I can provide first-person testament to the innumerable benefits of school and community involvement.
Studies conducted by psychoanalysts and teen therapists indicate that volunteering and being involved in the community is a great way for individuals to establish a sense of inner strength, self-being and self-worth. Doing for others and making a difference in other people’s lives allows one to develop a positive self-identity. This identity allows an individual to feel good about who they are and fosters social skills, strengthens communication, creativity and the formation and expression of opinion.
Moreover, being involved in service projects is a way for teens to see the world in another light, or think outside their own reality. Outlooks become broadened as volunteers realize obstacles they may never face, develop morals and values and become exposed to several new concepts about the world around them.
Nevertheless, community service also comes in handy for teens when it comes time to fill out college applications and scholarships. Given all the priceless benefits of school and community involvement, do not waste any more time. Get up and get active!
