This article about the benefits of volunteering appeared in the Sunday edition of the Courier-Post and was written by guidance counselor Mark Petito.

As a guidance counselor at Deptford Township High School, I see a tremendous need for high school students to volunteer their time with community service projects or area agencies. Not only is there a great need for volunteers, but volunteering can bring students many benefits in the future.

For the college-bound student, volunteering shows that all-important trait of character. Colleges look at more than a student’s GPA, SAT scores and high school rank. They also want the most well-rounded student possible. Volunteering shows that students may put a lot of time into their schoolwork, but that they can still find time to help others.

In addition, many scholarship opportunities, from colleges and from other organizations, require applicants to have performed some community service work. Usually, these organizations are looking for at least 50 hours of volunteer work over four years of high school. If a student were to volunteer 1.5 hours a week during a 40-week school year, that would equal more than 50 hours in just one year.

Career-related benefits can also come from volunteering. A student who is unsure of his or her future plans can investigate possible career choices through community service. When I was in high school, I started volunteering as a coach in CYO basketball at St. Margaret’s School in Woodbury Heights. The time I put in there really helped me identify what I wanted to do with my future.

Volunteering is a good way for students to be more sure of what they want to do with their lives. It is also a great way to build job and college references. Students who volunteer successfully with an organization will often have a supervisor they can use as a reference for college or on a job application.

Volunteering is also a good way to meet others and develop a network of acquaintances who can provide career guidance or help students find jobs.

But the number one reason to volunteer is to help others. We need more people in our society who are willing to do that. Regardless of all its benefits and possible future employment, volunteering is a great way to build integrity and character.

Reach Mark Petito at petito.m@deptford.k12.nj.us or at (856) 232-2713 ext. 7326.
Published: August 28. 2005 3:53PM