The benefits that come from supporting one's community are ageless. Community service fosters empathy for people with different needs and encourages good deeds in every aspect of life. No matter the age, students should have the opportunity to experience the sense of fulfillment gained through community service.
The efforts of even one person can be invaluable when it comes to volunteering. Just one student can mobilize a task force, raise money, or advocate for a cause with stunning results. Students are uniquely qualified to take up such a cause as they have access to a serviceable community and willing participants. Schools can provide many outlets for volunteering such as service clubs and fundraising groups. This is an easy way for students to get started helping their community without having to break from their routines.
Proving service in one’s community benefits the students as much as it does the community. The confidence gained through such service leaves students with the sense of self-pride and satisfaction that comes with connecting with people. It allows students to feel better about themselves and the state of their world and allows them to interact with people from diverse backgrounds and circumstances. This interaction and hard work shape students’ characters making them more considerate, empathetic, and diligent. Participating in community service fosters a connection between students and their community. It brings a disparate community closer together, making a school environment seem less daunting. This leaves students with a greater feeling of community and a sense of duty to people who have less than they do. Sanford School's Service Club co-president, Sarah Filak '18, commented that,
“For me, service is such an important aspect of my education. It provides me the opportunity to get out of the classroom and learn from my community in new settings and experiences while also being able to give back to people in need. I am so thankful for Service Club. I have been able to make connections with charities all over Delaware that I have continued to stay involved with throughout high school and my involvement with them have been an integral part of my Sanford experience.”
Apart from the personal and community-wide benefits of volunteering, it can also be a boost to a high-school student’s college application. Though having a few volunteer hours from freshman year will not make or break a student’s application, steady commitment to a cause might put the application above another similarly qualified students. It would make the application stand out. This is just more motivation for students to get involved in service early because they will feel the benefits
Servicing one’s community is a worthwhile and everlasting experience for children and being consistently involved over many years shows a student’s lasting commitment to the cause. It instills in them admirable traits such as empathy, compassion, and responsiveness at a time in their lives when they are still growing and learning.
Sanford School promotes a culture of empathy and motivation to help by providing community service. Every year, the entire Sanford community participates in a day of service on MLK Day, working with many local organizations by helping them. In addition, all students can participate in service outlets such as the Sanford Environmental Action League, the Service Club, and many more clubs and activities.
See also: Service Learning: Developing Empathy and Awareness for Others
Olivia Civiletti is a member of Sanford School's Class of 2017. She is currently attending Johns Hopkins University.
