Share What Inspired You to Start Volunteering
I came a little bit late to the "volunteering game". Before I would make the excuse that there was just not enough time to volunteer my time to help others. Between school work, afterschool activities, and spending time with friends volunteering was simply not at the top of my prirorty list. On top of that, I was fearful of what people would think of me if I were to volunteer. Would they recognize the fact that I was new and shun me? Or would they simply be glad I was there to help them help others. After I had the amazing oppurtunity of going on a 20-day hiking expedition this past summer and having a day committed to service, I realized that the latter was always true. I realized just how important giving back was and vowed to volunteer just a little more of my time. And finally I realized that by stepping out of my comfort zone not only would I be helping others, but I would also be helping myself.
In 6th grade, my friend invited me to join the KARE club - a club that interacted with the community through volunteering. There, I learned about the value of volunteering through making bags of goodies for the less fortunate and blankets for those in hospitals. Something in me really enjoyed it so I kept coming back. That experience helped make me decide that I wanted to keep volunteering.
Hi! I am Rohit Gunda, a sophomore at Trumbull High School in Trumbull, Conn. I have been volunteering for well over 4 years now, starting in 6th grade. The community of Trumbull that I have grown up in has shaped me to become who I am today. I have learned a lot of life lessons from growing up in my town. When I was old enough, I really wanted to give back to my community. I saw my cousin in South Windsor volunteer and give back to the community and I wanted to do the same. That is why I am extremely active in my community, from sports to volunteering at the local food pantry. I wanted to give back to the town that has given me so much and helped me grow as a person.