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The inner rewards of volunteering
By CECILIA TUCKER
© St. Petersburg Times,
published June 11, 2001
Second of two parts
I entered this whole volunteer idea with plenty of reservations. After finding a place to give my time away, I made peace with myself to just do it and get it over with. I checked out animal shelters, hospitals, Habitat for Humanity, Hospice, preschool centers, church camps, summer programs for kids and adults, museums and art centers, homeless shelters and soup kitchens. I felt exhausted and surprised to find so many places that wanted my free time and labor, and these are just the ones I explored. Then I made my selection and started volunteering.
The orientation process was very boring, but I decided it was necessary for me to do only what they required of me. I met other people in the orientation who felt exactly the way I did . . . distressed because this was a requirement either by school, parents or both. I had already decided to "do the time" as quickly as possible and move on to what summer is really about for teenagers . . . fun!
Just as I thought, I was an errand runner, and bored. Each hour I spent there seemed to be longer than the one before. I came home each day tired and somewhat angry that someone else was controlling my summer vacation. I complained to my parents and other kids about this senseless activity that was required of me. I hated getting up in the mornings and showing up on time for this duty. I was friendly and cooperative, but I did not feel generous and thrilled about the experience.
As my volunteer stint wound down, I was thrilled. I knew upon completing my time I would still have a few free weeks before I had to go back to school. I could go to bed and sleep in later, because I wouldn't have to get up and be at my volunteer job (isn't that an oxymoron?) anymore.
The last day came and people thanked me for the work I had done; why wouldn't they, it was free labor. I left with a feeling of relief, and I was grateful it was over. I hadn't been miserable all summer, but it wasn't my idea of a good time.
I had my few weeks of free time before going back to school. Then when I had to write about my volunteer experience once I got back to school, something came over me. As I wrote, I realized that my volunteering experience was not life-changing to anyone but me, and I hadn't even recognized it until then.
There were no wonderful transformations that I recognized while giving away my time, but something in me was different. I knew I had made a small difference in the place and with the people I had helped that summer. When I left, they seemed genuinely thankful for all I had done. A personal note from each person there was attached to the letter of acknowledgment they sent me. I reflected for a brief moment about my summer, and I realized volunteering benefited me the most because something inside me was different.
For the first time, I realized what giving without being rewarded with money or grades does for the giver. From this point on I will have a different view of all those volunteers I see giving away their time so freely. I know I will always remember my experience, and be reminded to give myself and my time freely to others because I will want to, and not because it will be required.
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Note from the author: I want to thank the more than 100 teenagers who have freely given their time to offer suggestions on these articles each week. YOU'RE THE GREATEST!!! -- Cecilia
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IT! (Private thoughts of the Indomitable Teen) is written by Cecilia Tucker, a licensed marriage and family therapist at the Counseling Center for New Direction in Seminole. Tucker, who has been in counseling practice since 1979, writes this column under the guidance of a panel of teenage advisers, who approve the topics and offer their insights (in exchange for pizza). You may write her c/o: IT!, X-Press, the Times, P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731, or e-mail Floridian@sptimes.com.
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