Community service remains part of teens' schedule

However, for many adolescents today, these images could not be further from the truth. A large percentage of young people today are involved in community service of some kind.

They choose to help out for a number of reasons. Some have community service requirements to fulfill for Confirmation or school, but many do it simply because they know that there are less fortunate people who need their help.

Serving others

"I teach religion at my church," began the student from Guilderland High School. "Last summer, I spent one week working at the Vacation Bible school in Altamont. I was in charge of five elementary school students and helped them throughout out the week. I am in Free The Children, both at my school and in the larger Capital District chapter.

"Last year, I took part in a program at school in which I mentored a freshman. I made sure she did her homework, studied for tests, felt comfortable at the high school etc. Every year, I volunteer to work at the restaurant my church has at the Altamont Fair. I worked for Habitat for Humanity. Additionally, I am on Youth Ministry team at my church, and I am also a member of the Diocesan Youth Ministry Team."

Why they help

Patrick Duff, 16, of Niskayuna has also been involved in community service over the years.

"I work in the soup kitchen because I feel that its everyone's job to help those who are needy," he explained. "God has called everyone to help and this was just another opportunity for me to get involved."

Rewards

Last February, Peggy took a trip to Mexico with Free The Children, an organization that works to end child labor. She viewed firsthand the poverty that many people of the world face daily. She recalled one particular incident as the single most rewarding experience of her volunteer work.

"The feeling I had when I handed a Mexican child a crayon or simple piece of construction paper was unbelievable," she said. "I could not imagine being so grateful for such a simple gift. The children would not ask for more, but they ran to bring other children so that all their friends and siblings could get something. The feeling of love and community was amazing. I saw beauty in those innocent faces that no words will describe."

Patrick echoed these sentiments in describing his work at the soup kitchen: "The most rewarding part of this job is knowing that I am helping people who live a hard life. It feels great to know that, day in and day out, I have helped someone. It makes me happy, and it feels good to see them with a smile on their face."

What it's like

With that positive outlook, it is no wonder that these two teens have been able to make such a positive influence on other people's lives.

Peggy understands the impact her hard work can have on the world. "I love knowing that I can help people," she said. "I love knowing that serving Jesus can be fun, can be rewarding. I enjoy the feeling of accomplishment, I enjoy knowing that even though I'm 'just a kid,' I'm still important. I know that the reason I am here is to help other people -- and I will continue doing that.

(11-08-01) [[In-content Ad]]