“Doing good does more than give you a warm glow – new research shows that volunteering can actually add healthy years to your life.”
The opening quote came for an article in The Costco Connection dated June, 2015. The article goes on to say that volunteers live longer, healthier lives and reduce their risk of high blood pressure. I believe it’s true.
When I help in classrooms, I get that warm feeling, but I also feel any stress I’m carrying lessen. Talking with kids, helping them with tasks, listening to them relate what we do to their lives demonstrates how well their teacher(s) is preparing them for their tomorrows. Watching their confidence and their ability to ask inciteful questions grow over the course of a year tells me I’m helping them become stronger students.
True, some students struggle every day, but by helping them, giving them a few minutes of uninterrupted attention, I see them make strides and see their pride at their improvement grow. Sometimes I find little tricks that give them a boost. Other times, I provide me, working with them on whatever needs to be done. No flourishes, no ahaa’s, nothing special, just me sitting with them as they finish tasks. Both have value.
The Bottom Line
Schools need help. Decide what you can do to provide that help: work in the office, help with clean-up, attend functions, assist in the classroom. It all matters! Enjoy the warn glow but also know that you truly make a difference!