Rewards of being volunteer

I have found that one of the most wonderful opportunities is that you actually have the power to share this valuable thing with others through volunteering. It is close to impossible to describe the sense of happiness you can feel by doing even the smallest thing for someone in need. The Newman Association has provided me with numerous opportunities to get involved in various volunteer activities and has provided me with experiences that have changed my life in major ways.

The one story in the Bible that has always reminded me of my call to volunteer is the one of the Good Samaritan. Just as that Samaritan forgot all differences between the injured person and himself and instead focused on the fact that a fellow person was in need, we are called to forget all differences and learn to work together.

Once you open your heart to people and see the true happiness that results, it becomes impossible to look the other way when another is suffering. That is the beautiful thing about volunteering. We are all called to help one another whether we are Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, black, white or any other difference from one another.

People today often complain how there is so much hatred in this world, yet fail to see the boundless opportunities right in front of them to begin to bring love and care into this world. For Christians, volunteering is following the example set for us by the most important person to ever walk the Earth, Jesus. We are called to help each other carry our crosses, and volunteering is one way to do this.

A common thing to hear is people saying, "I just do not have the time." Believe me, I am currently a college student and I know how that feels. We are not necessarily supposed to commit every second of free time to volunteer, but what people should realize is that even one little volunteer activity, whenever possible, will make a difference. Unfortunately, there are many people who cannot do many things for themselves in this world, and the one little thing you do really seems much bigger in their eyes.

Through the Newman Association, the Catholic groups at SUNY Albany, I have had so many opportunities to work with those in need. Personally, my favorite thing to do is work with the elderly because they are all too often forgotten. Some examples of what I have done with the Newman Association are visiting local nursing homes, caroling at Christmas time and cooking for the families of sick children at the Ronald McDonald House. We have also helped out at homeless shelters, run drives to collect things for the poor, and participated in walks for good causes. It truly has been so fulfilling to provide the love and help to those who need it.

Volunteering has so many positive benefits that go along with it. Not only is it a way to share your faith with others, but it is also a way to work for good in this world. By becoming active in our communities, we can change the fact that only the negative is seen and allow people to see others living in a caring way.

Although for college students it is tough due to time pressure, as it is for more people with other commitments, once you start you will honestly see the happiness that it can bring you and anyone who may benefit from what you do!

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