The Importance of Volunteering as a Teenager

This article was written by Kaitlin Murray – our new teen contributor.

Volunteering changed my life. I learned more about myself and about the world than I ever thought I would. Not only did it shape me as a person, but it also changed my perspective on the world and on life, giving me an incredible insight to the world that surrounds me.

After one month of meeting refugees escaping Syria, Iraq, and other war-torn countries, I learned how great it is to give of our hearts and our time, but most importantly to love people unconditionally.  So here are the top 4 reasons why it is so important to volunteer as a teen.

We learn to appreciate what we have

Before volunteering, I had never been exposed to poverty or hunger. I had a family that loved me, a roof over my head, food on my plate, and a large selection of clothes and gadgets. I never realized all that I had until I met people who had nothing and were struggling to survive. I saw people without homes living on the streets and children with no food to eat. This completely changed the way I feel about “acquiring things” and now I am content with what I already have. No longer do I ask for more for myself, but instead prefer to give more to others.

We have new insight into the rest of the world

When I went out into the world and volunteered, I got an insight into what the rest of the world is like and how other people live. As a teenager, it opened my eyes to other’s ways of life and I got to see past my little bubble. I learned about other cultures, acquired new skills, and had experiences I never would have had at home. But most importantly, I found the joy in helping others.

We find compassion and love in ourselves we never knew we had

When I was in Turkey and Greece with the refugees, I experienced what it was like to give without expecting anything in return and loving and caring for people I didn’t even know. I saw the direct impact I could have on people’s lives and how small acts of kindness could inspire people with little hope. I always considered myself a compassionate person, but never knew how deep my love and caring for others could reach until I worked with those who truly needed me. Through this deep compassion, I saw how much I needed them too.

It inspires us to help people in our communities and around the world

Once you volunteer and have a heart-changing experience, you are never the same. I sure wasn’t.  I found that I could make a big impact on people’s lives and give them courage, acceptance, and love. Why would I ever stop? I realized that once I witnessed poverty and the way so many people live, how could I ever turn a blind-eye and look away? Volunteering inspired me to create my charity for refugee children and to one day pursue humanitarian work as a career.

As teens, it is so important to step outside of our own little world and see how the real world needs us. It builds confidence, character, compassion, and love in ourselves and helps us grow into giving and caring adults. Volunteering teaches us that the true meaning of the saying, “The more you give, the more you receive” is about love and kindness and this knowledge will change our lives and hearts forever.

Did you volunteer as a teen? What was your experience? Please share!

About Kaitlin:

My name is Kaitlin and I love to travel, write, and volunteer. I am 16 years old and have been traveling my entire life with my family. I was born in Amsterdam and also lived in Los Angeles, Dusseldorf, Paris, and Rome all by the time I was seven. For the next 7 years, I lived in Venice, Italy – yet in September 2013, my family went back on the road for an open-ended journey to see the world. So far we have visited 36 countries throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. My greatest joy is meeting and helping others as we travel and sharing their stories through my writing – opening hearts and minds to the realities and amazing people of the world. Join me on my journey at TravelinKait.com