Volunteering: A Journey to Self-Growth

About two years ago, I immigrated to Canada from the Middle East. Being a teenager moving to a new country, the feeling of isolation, uncertainty, and insecurity was tough and overwhelming. Once I started high school in Ontario, I was required to fulfill 40 hours of volunteering as a graduation requirement, demonstrating my commitment to the community. I had no idea about volunteering and the community’s needs. So, with a heavy heart, I reluctantly started looking for any volunteering opportunities solely to meet my school’s graduation requirement and take this burdensome task off my shoulders. Having said that, my narrowmindedness completely shattered after I became involved in various volunteering activities. Despite fulfilling my required school volunteering hours, I still continue to volunteer as it gave me a platform to rebuild myself, cross the cultural differences, and find a home in my new country.

Upon reflecting on my volunteering journey, I believe that the toughest part was to start and get involved in the community, especially being a new immigrant. But once I started this journey, the passion for volunteering ignited from within and kept me going forward.

One of my most fulfilling volunteer experiences, particularly on an emotional level, was volunteering as a friendly visitor in a nursing home. My main responsibility there was to engage the residents in conversation and tell them stories to keep their minds active. What really happened there was the opposite—they did not need someone to tell them stories, but they required someone to genuinely listen to the bits and pieces they still recalled from their lives. The stories that marked the lines on their faces. I heard the wisdom and felt the underlying emotions beneath the words they said. I recall that during my first visit to the nursing home, I felt intimidated as I stepped into the cold, vacant halls. Nevertheless, as time passed, the once cold halls became warmer to me with the smiles and love the residents showed me. During that time, I formed strong bonds of friendship and I was no longer isolated. I learned to develop empathy instead of apathy. It was there that I realized how a simple act, like listening from the heart, can make a huge difference in people’s lives.

I also volunteered to tutor young children coming from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who are facing educational challenges. It is unfortunate that poverty leads to educational inequality in our community. It means that less privileged children sometimes struggle academically due to a lack of suitable attention and educational resources. I witnessed children’s eyes light up with joy as they felt special when they were individually taught. Through them, I was able to reconnect with my inner child and discover the enjoyment of simple things. I believe I learned far more from those children than they learned from me. I learned to value the blessing that I once took for granted. Above all, with their sparking eyes, they looked up to me as a role model and a friend to trust. Seeing this instilled in me a sense of identity and a desire to bring the best version of myself.

One of the most challenging aspects of volunteering was scheduling the volunteer activities as well as balancing it with my other commitments, such as academics and family responsibilities.

Nevertheless, this challenge eventually improved my time management and organizing skills. I learned how to prioritize my tasks according to their importance and create realistic schedules. Additionally, I managed to overcome procrastination, avoid distractions, and ultimately increase my overall productivity.

There is no denying that volunteerism is an integral component of Canadian society. As a newly arrived immigrant with a different cultural background, volunteering gave me the chance to get to know and connect with my new homeland, become a true citizen, and fulfill my role as a contributing human being. I learned to look at my community as my own big family, where every member cares about the well-being of others. Finally, anyone considering volunteering should not focus on their personal gain from the volunteering experience. Instead, you should volunteer with the intention of genuinely helping and caring for others’ needs. In the end, you will be rewarded more than you expect. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”