Volunteering can help us develop empathy – to see the world through the eyes of others. It can connect people from diverse backgrounds and life experiences, expanding our views. It can build our capacity to work collectively and contribute to a vibrant, inclusive society.
The National Volunteer Week theme for 2022 is Volunteering Is Empathy In Action and highlights the strong connection between volunteerism and empathy. This profoundly human connection is at the heart of healthier individuals and stronger communities.
Kazandra, Langara Criminology student, ukulele player, dancer, and lover of all things volunteering, has been a believer in the power of volunteering since her first experience at nine years old and continues to find her voice through volunteer experiences.
“I really like being able to give back to the community that invested in me."
Since grade nine, Kazandra continued to connect with the idea of helping people and continus that tradition at Langara by volunteering for C Change, being an environmental conservation, and a Go Team Leader.
Although sometimes stressful when juggling so many things at the same time, Kazandra was available for volunteering because of the personal importance it holds.
Kazandra says for anyone thinking about volunteering, they should completely go for it. Not only do you get experience in a field you love, but you also get an opportunity to engage with people you might not have crossed paths with otherwise, build interpersonal skills, and make connections for future work experiences. “You’re not just helping a cause, you’re also helping yourself,” says Kazandra, “reciprocal co-operation.”
Trying to balance volunteering and school can be challenging, says Kazandra, but having fun should still hold priority since that is the best way to avoid burnout.
“You should be able to have some fun in college. You are supposed to meet people and create life long connections.”