Personal Narrative: How Volunteering Changed My Life

When I was younger, I was in Girl Scouts for a number of years. Along with the camping and games, it was mandatory that we volunteer for a certain amount of hours. I would usually volunteer with my troop to work on community gardens and other small tasks similar to that. I did not enjoy volunteering because I was too young. I was forced upon something that I did not want to do. I just wanted to have fun and did not understand the concept of community service. Now that I am done with Girl Scouts, I have moved on to a different stage of my life. I now know that volunteering is worth the time and effort. After years of taking up various volunteering positions, I have finally found one that means something to me, one that has changed my whole life. About a year ago, my mother convinced me to start volunteering at the elderly care facility that my grandparents go to, the Program of All-inclusive
Before I started volunteering I was often depressed and anxious, I was prescribed with medications to take for it as well. I would spend days in bed, curled up in a ball because I was so depressed. But after a while of volunteering I gained my peace of mind back, volunteering relaxed me and helped eliminate any negative feelings. The self-satisfaction one receives from helping another combats anxiety more than any medication ever could. Through this experience, I have also become more patient. I know now that not everything can happen quickly and every so often I must wait for things to happen.
Overall, volunteering at PACE has taught me more lessons than I ever believed possible. I have become a happier person and I appreciate life more than I did before. I have made new friends and conquered many obstacles, making me truly proud of who I have become. I plan to continue volunteering as long as my schedule allows me to. I cannot wait for the future of my volunteer work and for the experiences that will come with