Why Volunteering is a Must for Students

Volunteering is often seen as something extra, something students do to boost their resumes or collect community service hours. But in reality, volunteering is much more than that. It offers students valuable life experiences, helps them build meaningful connections, and even shapes their career paths in ways that traditional education often doesn’t. For students, volunteering also opens doors. It's a space where people come together for a cause, and those connections often lead to unexpected opportunities.

I remember volunteering for an NGO that worked towards educating underprivileged children. At first, I joined just to fulfill a requirement, but within a few weeks, everything changed. I started teaching basic English and Math to a group of kids who had never gone to school. Watching their eyes light up when they learned something new made me realize the true impact of giving your time and energy. It was the first time I saw how something I took for granted—my education—could be a gift to someone else. Volunteering also helps you develop real-world skills that no textbook can teach. This experience taught me leadership, teamwork, and communication—all in a few weeks! Another time, I participated in a food distribution drive during a festival. Talking to families who were grateful for a simple meal made me more empathetic and grounded. It reminded me that kindness and compassion are just as important as ambition and success. This way, volunteering also brought perspective into my life. Moreover, many people I met through volunteering became mentors and friends.

Shamita Jagarlamudi

Volunteering is not just about helping others—it's about growing as a person. It teaches responsibility, humility, and social awareness. For students still figuring out who they are and what they want to do, volunteering can be the most eye-opening classroom of all.