PURSUITS 2011! - Business Education Council of Niagara
PURSUITS 2011! - Business Education Council of Niagara
PURSUITS 2011! - Business Education Council of Niagara
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Volunteering opened my eyes<br />
to the opportunities out there<br />
Amanda MacPhee admits she started volunteering at the Welland Historical Museum last year as a way to complete<br />
her mandatory community service hours required for graduation. But after a few short months, the Thorold Secondary<br />
School student completed her hours and enjoyed what she was doing so much, she continued volunteering there.<br />
“I love the environment and the people I get to meet through my time there...It’s not your every day placement.” said Amanda.<br />
Her attitude towards volunteering changed with a simple donation <strong>of</strong> an antique wedding dress. Marvelled by how well<br />
the dress was preserved, Amanda became interested in history and the value <strong>of</strong> giving back and being part <strong>of</strong> a community.<br />
“It (the placement) has really opened my eyes to what opportunities are out there....This place really makes you want to learn more<br />
about the things that are here. Young people really need to experience some <strong>of</strong> the history here.”<br />
Adds Amanda, “It may not change the world but it certainly changed me.”<br />
Now a high school graduate, Amanda is working full time to earn money to further her education. While she is unsure <strong>of</strong> her<br />
future goals, the local teen is definite about continuing to help each Saturday at the museum.<br />
Why should<br />
you volunteer<br />
Enhance or develop skills<br />
By developing your skills, you will better negotiate<br />
future events in life such as finding employment or<br />
even dealing with some <strong>of</strong> life’s problems.<br />
Gain “hands on” work experience<br />
Volunteering gives you on-the-job experience that can<br />
be very beneficial when applying for a paid position.<br />
Build your resume, volunteer today!<br />
Discover new talents<br />
Whenever you try something new, you could discover<br />
a talent that you didn’t know you had!<br />
Meet new people<br />
When you volunteer, you meet new people; these<br />
people bring knowledge and talents <strong>of</strong> their own that<br />
you can learn from.<br />
Learn<br />
Learning is part <strong>of</strong> life and volunteering helps to<br />
expand your knowledge.<br />
Discover more about you<br />
Learning about yourself is one <strong>of</strong> the greatest benefits<br />
a volunteer receives. Self satisfaction and personal<br />
growth come from taking the time to give a bit <strong>of</strong><br />
yourself to help others.<br />
Critical thinking<br />
When you volunteer, you get the opportunity to look at<br />
your community through a new point <strong>of</strong> view. It allows<br />
you to critically measure some <strong>of</strong> your past ideas and<br />
views about your community and yourself.<br />
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