Doing The Right Thing Learning About Yourself Through Volunteering

Do anything fun this summer? Make a difference in anyone’s life? Here are two stories from teens who spent their free time away from the TV and toward more generous pursuits: volunteering.

I owe my interesting and fun summer this year to my friend Lindsey.

She told me about the volunteer program at the Martin Luther King Center. At first I wasn’t too interested, but I started getting bored toward the end of July. My grandma reminded me of the Teen Leadership Program so I called them and got to work.

I considered it a job. My hours were 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., but many times I stayed well past then. In all, I logged 121 hours in just three weeks.

I was given different tasks each day. Primarily, I was there to help out with the Summer Youth Academy, a program for kids from pre-school through eighth grade.

My responsibilities varied and both teachers and kids - as well as my fellow volunteers - relied on me to assist them. For instance, I helped the staff with the younger children, chaperoned on field trips, gave breaks to staff members, distributed lunches or snacks and reorganized the books in the library.

I’m real good with kids. I get in trouble sometimes because I’m basically one big kid myself. That’s what made it fun working with the little guys. They responded to me real well. It felt good to be there for younger kids and give them a good example.

My experience was a joyful, fun-filled and educational one, and taught me that I must be able to take and follow orders from people besides my parents. I learned the importance of being responsible, following orders, listening and helping others. I learned above all to follow through; people were depending on me every day.

It also made me think about how kids spend their time. Most kids these days don’t work unless they get paid for it. It’s too bad, because they miss out on things that can be rewarding and fun. Plus, it gives them experience so when they do look for a job, they’re prepared.

I am looking forward to the opportunity to be a part of the program next summer and would like to thank all the staff and my new friends for their support and guidance.

And thanks to Lindsey and my grandma, who got me down to the Martin Luther King Center in the first place.

MEMO: For the other story, see the headline: Doing the Right Thing Summer proves to be a historical experience