In today’s day and age, there’s nothing more important than community. For college students, especially those who are away from home, a sense of community is very important.
Studies have shown that 64% of college students in the U.S. report they feel lonely. When college students think about getting out of their comfort zone and meeting new people, it usually means they’re considering joining a club or organization on campus that they have something in common with.
But, if you’re feeling lonely and want to branch out beyond what’s on campus, give volunteering a try. Volunteering is a great way of getting involved in your community – many people in the ETSU community experienced just how important volunteering is with keeping a community alive after Hurricane Helene hit the area.
Volunteering is something you can do every day, not just during a natural disaster. You’re doing more than just helping your community – studies have shown that volunteering creates social connections, which helps with tackling loneliness. Volunteering also helps you build skills you can use for life, as well as improving your mental and physical health.
There are dozens of volunteer opportunities in Johnson City, as well as the greater Tri-Cities region. ETSU Serves is a great resource for you to find volunteer opportunities and keep track of them. You can sign up with your ETSU login by visiting etsu.galaxydigital.com.
Volunteer ETSU is also a great campus organization focused on getting students involved in serving their community – both on campus and off. Their Instagram @volunteeretsu is a great resource for upcoming events, especially ones being hosted on campus.
When it comes to off campus organizations who are constantly accepting volunteers, there are dozens, no matter your interest. Second Harvest Food Bank, the Ronald McDonald House and the Washington County Animal Shelter are just some of the many organizations in Johnson City who want and need volunteers.
You don’t have to wait till New Years to add “volunteer more” to your list of goals. You can start tomorrow, or even today. Volunteering is a great way to help your community, and also grow as a person, too. It’s more than just something to add to a resume. It’s a way to make a lasting difference in the place you call home.
