As we grow up, our imaginations paint vibrant pictures of our dreams and aspirations, often intertwined with visions of success and financial stability. I was no exception. Like everyone else, I had my dreams, but my primary goal was simple: to become a woman my younger self could look up to. Little did I know that in the pursuit of intellectual growth, I would embark on a journey of self-discovery through volunteering; the true value of which often goes underestimated.
Before beginning my second semester, I knew that volunteering was something I wanted to explore, but I was unaware of the profound impact it would have on me. I decided to investigate the departments that piqued my interest on our university’s website, which is where I stumbled upon a fundraising event at Ledgeview Golf Course organized by UFV’s South Asian Studies Institute (SASI). The affair exceeded all my expectations.
The day featured a variety of booths with diverse activities for guests to enjoy and I found myself co-handling both the poker game and photo booth. I interacted with numerous people, forged new friendships, and discovered a latent extroverted side of myself. Immensely gratifying, this experience marked the beginning of my journey into the world of volunteering.
Subsequently, I started volunteering as a research assistant at SASI. This was an entirely new experience for me, and one I would never have encountered in a classroom setting. Every day I delved deeper into self-discovery. I discovered my passion for digitizing photographs, giving me insights into the people and stories captured in their images. I had the privilege of working under incredible supervisors who not only offered opportunities to learn but were also passionate about teaching me the ropes.
Later, I joined the volunteer crew for UFV’s third annual “Kickback” event, organized by the UFV Student Union Society (SUS). Even my role as part of the general set-up crew taught me valuable life lessons. Kickback was not only a massive undertaking, but also a resounding success, with a wide array of activities that captivated the student body. Observing the innovative planning strategies to attract students gave me a deeper understanding of the operation. I also met the dedicated individuals behind SUS and had the pleasure of connecting with many new students, invigorating my university experience.
Beyond campus, I volunteered at the Business Walk, organized by The Abbotsford Downtown Business Association, The Chamber of Commerce, and The City of Abbotsford. It was an honour to traverse the different downtown shops and to gain insight into their operations — the issues they’re struggling with, the factors that are helping to grow their businesses, and what help or hurdles they can expect from the authorities. For instance, most of the owners complained about a lack of employee and customer parking. Speaking with them showed me how a downtown location helps them grow their business, but provides specific challenges. Student volunteering need not be confined to the disciplines of our academic pursuits. Although gaining experience in your chosen field is valuable, external experiences can also be enriching.
I will continue my academic journey with newfound vigour, and I wholeheartedly recommend that anyone reading this consider participating in events or activities. Dreams do not always need to revolve solely around monetary gain; they can be achieved by evolving into a better and wiser person. It’s about setting priorities and creatively weaving dreams into the tapestry of our reality. Volunteering is not just about credit or resumé building; it’s about creating memorable experiences that help shape the person we dream of one day becoming.
