There’s a multitude of ways to give back to your community. Whether it be at an animal adoption shelter, a hospital, an elementary school, and so forth, these volunteering experiences can often change our perspectives and lives. Doing these enriching services goes far beyond than a statement in a college application. Community Service Month allows people to get involved, and share their support, expertise, and time to help! We asked our Apaches their most memorable and favorite volunteering experiences.
Sophomore Aileen Catanyag said, “I enjoy volunteering for the literacy program hosted by the Latino Club at Holly Avenue. We were asked to help children do homework and such. We’d usually watch movies with them, and since there were only around ten children, we got to become close with them after ten two hour shifts every Thursday. The movies are the best part!” Working with kids often teaches us skills of patience, tolerance, responsibility, and more that we can carry throughout our whole lives.

When asked about her volunteer experience, sophomore Grace Mohandoss talked about volunteering with Homeless to Forever Foundation, a nonprofit animal rescue organization. “My favorite volunteering experience was volunteering with my friends at PetSmart for the Homeless to Forever Foundation. We helped set up the crates for the animals, walked the dogs, gave them treats, and looked after the cats. I loved interacting with the pets and being there with my friends. I even got a cat from the program a few weeks later!” Almost every animal shelter provide volunteering opportunities, including interacting with the pets themselves! Being engaged with these furry companions makes you aware of pet ownership and animal protection.

Sophomore Vanessa Zhang spoke about her involvement with the Homeless to Forever foundation as well. “It’s always so fun to volunteer with my best friends at PetSmart! I also get to spend time with the dogs, which are my favorite animals! We walk them around the store and keep them company, since they rarely get such an intimate one-on-one interaction like that. I always happily leave and I can’t wait to do it again.”

Getting involved with our community to benefit it makes a lasting impression on ourselves too, but for a different reason. While we may usually volunteer to receive hours or enhance our college application, we leave with a new feeling of compassion and outlook, and we find ourselves wanting to serve again.