School is out for the summer! What are you going to do with your free time? Volunteering is a great way to spend your free time and it can benefit you as well as the organization you are helping.
A great place to start is in your own community. Spend time playing with or helping teach disadvantaged children. Read to the blind. Run errands (跑腿) for the disabled. Feed the hungry in a local soup kitchen. Clean trash from streets or community parks.
Do you love animals? Pet shelters need volunteers to feed, clean, walk and play with animals. Are you interested in travel? There are volunteer opportunities to travel abroad through organizations such as Cross-Cultural Solutions who work with you to match your skills and interests to the community where you can make the most impact.
Volunteering is a great way to research possible careers. For example, if you are interested in work in the medical field, you may decide to volunteer at a hospital. This may allow you to get a foot in the door by making valuable contacts that could lead to future internships (实习职位) or employment. Volunteer hours on a college application or resume (简历) show that you are reliable and committed to spending your time and energy on something that your care about.
Being a volunteer can help you learn about yourself. You may learn new skills. It can help you learn what things you enjoy. You may even make new friends by meeting people with similar interests. Volunteering is rewarding.
