Many people across the country see no point in volunteering, most of whom have the same thought process: “I’m not getting paid, so it’s not worth my time”, but I disagree. When you volunteer you’re not only helping your community, but you’re helping yourself too. You’re expanding your skill set and improving your resume with the more hours you rack up. With these new skills, you’ll be able to get a variety of different jobs that weren’t open to you before.

Not to mention, you’re also going to meet new people with similar interests to you based on what volunteer job you pick up. Even if you choose something you’d otherwise never be interested in, you might end up liking it. Giving yourself the chance to try out something new is one of the best forms of self-improvement there is. You’re expanding your horizons, and if you don’t end up liking what you’re doing then you can always quit and find something else that interests you.

Opportunities are endless when it comes to volunteering, from helping out at the library to spending time with kids at your local church. There truly is something for everybody. Even the gym you visit might need volunteers; places you visit in your day-to-day life often need a helping hand. All you have to do is research and fill out an application, and you’re all set!

Volunteering also gives you a better chance at getting into your dream college. Colleges often like to see what you do in your free time, and showing that you help out the community will make you an even better candidate. It shows that you’re not only productive but you’re a good person too. At most places, you can choose when you go in, how long you stay, and even the days you work!