What Counts as Volunteering?
Hey, everyone. So volunteering for college applications. It's important. We all know that. Mhmm.
Speaker 1:But, like, figuring out what actually counts
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Can be kinda confusing.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It really can.
Speaker 1:Today, we're gonna, like, unpack all of that. Absolutely. We're gonna look at what truly makes a difference to colleges and hopefully make this whole process way less stressful.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Definitely. There's a strategy to it.
Speaker 1:Oh, for sure.
Speaker 2:It's not just about getting as many hours as possible. No. We're gonna dig into this great article called what counts as volunteering. I think it'll really help you navigate this whole college prep thing.
Speaker 1:I love it. Because let's be honest, There are already so many things to worry about.
Speaker 2:So many.
Speaker 1:You know, you don't need to be stressing over whether taking the neighbor's dog for a walk is official volunteering.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And that confusion is super common.
Speaker 1:I bet.
Speaker 2:We should probably start with the basics.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Yeah.
Speaker 2:What is volunteering anyway?
Speaker 1:Yeah. It seems simple, but I bet there are some things Yeah. We aren't thinking about.
Speaker 2:For sure. It's more than just doing good deeds. You know, volunteering at its core Mhmm. Means you dedicate your time and skills to helping others or a cause without getting paid.
Speaker 1:Okay. So no pay, helping others
Speaker 2:That's that's the heart of it.
Speaker 1:That makes sense. The article mentions that almost 25% of Americans volunteer every year.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Around 23% to be exact.
Speaker 1:Wow. That's a lot of people.
Speaker 2:It is. It really shows how much people value giving back.
Speaker 1:Yeah. It does. Okay. Let's get into the confusing parts. So many parents wanna know, like, does helping your kid's friend with his school project count?
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Or what about unpaid internships?
Speaker 2:Okay. So those are great questions. Helping friends and family is kind. Okay. It's more like a personal favor Uh-huh.
Speaker 2:Than official volunteering.
Speaker 1:That makes sense. What about those internships, though?
Speaker 2:So unpaid internships are great for experience and for exploring different careers. Mhmm. But they're not really and for exploring different careers. Mhmm. But they're not really volunteering.
Speaker 1:Internships are usually more about, you know, developing skills
Speaker 2:and professional growth I see. Not just helping others. So it's about why you're doing
Speaker 1:it. Colleges wanna
Speaker 2:see that you're committed to something
Speaker 1:bigger than yourself. Yes.
Speaker 2:It's about showing that you wanna make the world a better place.
Speaker 1:You know, this whole thing confused me in high school.
Speaker 2:Really?
Speaker 1:I thought I was volunteering at this bookstore, but it ended up being like a weird internship.
Speaker 2:Oh, interesting.
Speaker 1:I was learning about selling books Mhmm. But not really helping the community.
Speaker 2:Yeah. Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:The article actually has this table that breaks it all down.
Speaker 1:Oh, that's helpful.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It shows what counts as volunteering, internships, and other things.
Speaker 1:That's super useful.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Okay. So now that we know what counts, how do you even find good opportunities to volunteer? Yeah. I can imagine that's tough.
Speaker 2:It can be, but it doesn't have to
Speaker 1:be. Okay.
Speaker 2:The key is to find things that you and your child are really interested in.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:It could be something traditional, like helping at a food bank or animal shelter, or maybe your child is good at something specific.
Speaker 1:I see.
Speaker 2:Like, if they like coding, they could help a nonprofit with their website.
Speaker 1:Yeah. That's a good point. It's not about just fitting in any volunteering.
Speaker 2:No. It's not.
Speaker 1:It's about finding something that they're excited about.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And when people enjoy what they're doing
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:They're gonna stick with it, which looks really good on applications.
Speaker 1:That's true. And it makes the whole thing way less stressful for everyone.
Speaker 2:Definitely. Volunteering should be something they look forward to.
Speaker 1:For sure. Okay. So we've talked about what volunteering is and how to find the right opportunities. Mhmm. But why do colleges care so much about volunteering?
Speaker 2:That's the big question. Colleges are looking for well rounded people who are passionate about making a difference.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Volunteering shows qualities like initiative, compassion, and leadership.
Speaker 1:Those are all really important.
Speaker 2:They are, and they're things you can't just get from grades and test scores.
Speaker 1:Okay. But how does volunteering show leadership? Mhmm. You don't always have to be in charge of something when you volunteer.
Speaker 2:Right. Not every opportunity is like that. But you can still be a leader in other ways. Like, maybe you organize an event or motivate other people to volunteer
Speaker 1:I see.
Speaker 2:Or even just solve problems within your volunteer team.
Speaker 1:So it's about showing those skills Yeah. Even without an official title.
Speaker 2:Exactly. It's the little things that can make a big difference.
Speaker 1:I think that's really reassuring.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Parents might worry that their child needs to be, like, student body president or captain of the debate team
Speaker 2:I know.
Speaker 1:To show leadership. Yeah. But it sounds like it's not that simple.
Speaker 2:It's not. It's about finding ways to show those qualities in a way that feels real to them.
Speaker 1:Okay. That makes sense. So we've covered what counts as volunteering, how to find the right opportunities Yeah. And why colleges are looking for it. But now for the practical part, how do you actually present all of this on college applications?
Speaker 2:That's a great point. So it's not enough to just list all your volunteer work.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:You need to tell a story that shows what you did and what you learned.
Speaker 1:So don't just say, like, I volunteered at the soup kitchen.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Tell them why it mattered to you.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And take it even further. What did you learn? Okay. How did it change your perspective?
Speaker 1:Oh, I like that.
Speaker 2:Did it make you interested in new things? Mhmm. Did it challenge you?
Speaker 1:So it's about showing how you've grown.
Speaker 2:Yes. And a great way to do that is to tell a story, maybe about a challenge you faced or something you learned.
Speaker 1:I love that. It's like taking something from your resume and turning it into an actual story.
Speaker 2:That's exactly it. You want your application to be memorable Oh. And stories help you do that.
Speaker 1:Awesome. So we've covered a lot in this first part of our deep dive.
Speaker 2:We have.
Speaker 1:We've talked about what counts as volunteering, how to find the right opportunities Yeah. And why it matters to colleges.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:We've also talked about how to present all of that in a way that really stands out.
Speaker 2:Exactly.
Speaker 1:So make sure to stay tuned for the next part where we'll dive even deeper.
Speaker 2:I can't wait. I can't see them.
Speaker 1:See it. Exactly. And remember, colleges want students who wanna make a difference in the world, and volunteering is a great way to do that. It's not just about academics. It's like showing who you are as a person, like, all the things that have shaped you.
Speaker 1:It's not even just about getting into college, it's about who you're becoming.
Speaker 2:That's a great way to put it. It really is about who you're becoming. Volunteering can help you develop empathy and responsibility and purpose. You know?
Speaker 1:Yeah. And those are important no matter what you end up doing.
Speaker 2:Exactly. They'll help you throughout your whole life.
Speaker 1:Okay. But let's talk about the elephant in the room.
Speaker 2:What's that?
Speaker 1:Stress. I can already hear parents thinking, oh, great. Another thing to worry about.
Speaker 2:Oh, I know. It's so easy to get overwhelmed, especially with everything else going on. But, honestly, if you're smart about volunteering
Speaker 1:k.
Speaker 2:It can actually make things less stressful.
Speaker 1:Really?
Speaker 2:How? Think about it this way. When you help your child find volunteer work that they're actually excited about Mhmm. It's not a chore anymore.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:It's something they actually wanna do.
Speaker 1:Okay. Yeah.
Speaker 2:It could even be something you do together as a family.
Speaker 1:I love that idea. So instead of dreading it, they're looking forward to it.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And when they're genuinely engaged
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:They're more likely to keep doing it, which means they'll have a better experience to talk about on those applications. No more trying to find those volunteer hours last minute.
Speaker 1:I bet that takes a lot of pressure off. Yeah. So finding the right opportunity is really important.
Speaker 2:It is. And remember, it's a journey, not a race.
Speaker 1:Oh, that's a good point.
Speaker 2:It's about figuring out what works for them and building a real commitment.
Speaker 1:Mhmm. And speaking of finding what works, we've talked a lot about traditional volunteering.
Speaker 2:Right. Like, in person.
Speaker 1:Yeah. Exactly. What about virtual volunteering? Do colleges even care about that?
Speaker 2:They do. It's becoming super popular, especially with busy schedules and all the remote work nowadays. Virtual volunteering is just as valuable as in person volunteering.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And, honestly, there are even more opportunities available online.
Speaker 1:That makes sense. Like, if your child is good at coding Mhmm. They could help build a website for a nonprofit.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Or if they like to write, maybe they could help with a blog or social media.
Speaker 1:So many possibilities. And you could do it from anywhere in the world.
Speaker 2:Yep. Super flexible.
Speaker 1:I love that.
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:It's perfect if your child is busy with other stuff. Yeah. Now I know some parents might be worried about safety, especially when kids are volunteering out in the community, maybe with people who are more vulnerable. Any advice for dealing with that?
Speaker 2:That's a really important thing to think about. Communication is key. Mhmm. You know, talk to your child about their experiences and listen to them.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Encourage them to speak up if something feels wrong.
Speaker 1:Yeah. That open communication is so important.
Speaker 2:It is. And, of course, you wanna make sure they're volunteering with organizations that have good safety protocol.
Speaker 1:Right. Do your research.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And, hey, maybe for those first few times
Speaker 1:Mhmm.
Speaker 2:You could volunteer alongside your child, especially if they're just starting out.
Speaker 1:I love that idea. It's a great way to make sure they're safe, spend time together, and maybe even find something new that you enjoy.
Speaker 2:It's a win win, and it shows your child how much you value giving back. Okay. So let's talk about how volunteering can actually help your child with their future career goals. I'm sure colleges like to see that connection too.
Speaker 1:That makes sense. Colleges wanna see that students are thinking ahead and planning for their future.
Speaker 2:Exactly. So let's say your child is thinking about becoming a doctor.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Volunteering at a hospital or clinic would give them some real world experience.
Speaker 1:Right. And it shows they're committed.
Speaker 2:Yeah. It's like a sneak peek into that career. Even if they change their mind later
Speaker 1:Mhmm. The
Speaker 2:skills they learn from volunteering are helpful in any field.
Speaker 1:It's like a resume booster disguised as a good deed. Volunteering teaches you teamwork, communication, problem solving, leadership. Those are things employers always look for.
Speaker 2:That's a great way to put it. It's not just about looking good on paper, though.
Speaker 1:No.
Speaker 2:Volunteering can help your child figure out what they're really passionate about, which can guide their career choices.
Speaker 1:It's about finding their place in the world, not just adding things to their resume.
Speaker 2:Exactly. So we've talked about how volunteering helps you grow, build skills, and looks good on college applications.
Speaker 1:It does a lot.
Speaker 2:It does. But how can parents actually support their kids through this? Encouraging them is great. Mhmm.
Speaker 1:But what
Speaker 2:does that look like in real life?
Speaker 1:Yeah. What can parents actually do? It
Speaker 2:all starts with good communication. Talk to your child about what they're interested in, what they care about, what kind of impact they wanna have.
Speaker 1:Be a good listener.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Don't shut down their ideas even if they sound crazy. Yeah. Help them explore their options. Then once they have some ideas, help them find real opportunities.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Maybe research organizations together, go to volunteer fairs, or talk to people you know who might have some connections.
Speaker 1:So be a resource, a guide, a cheerleader.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And even small things can make a big difference, like offering to drive them to their volunteer shifts
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Or helping them brainstorm ideas for their essays.
Speaker 1:Or just letting them know you're proud of them.
Speaker 2:Yes. Those little gestures mean a lot. They show your child that you value what they're doing.
Speaker 1:Mhmm. That's so true. And don't forget about volunteering as a family.
Speaker 2:Oh, yeah. That's a wonderful way to bond, make memories, and give back together.
Speaker 1:Family volunteer days. I love it. But with our already busy schedules
Speaker 2:I know.
Speaker 1:How do you even make time for that?
Speaker 2:Start small. Find little ways to incorporate service into your routine, like maybe volunteering at a food bank once a month Mhmm. Or cleaning up a park.
Speaker 1:Or collecting donations as a family.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Just find something that works for your family.
Speaker 1:Right. Something everyone enjoys.
Speaker 2:And, you know, it's okay to start really small, even just being kind and helpful to the people around you.
Speaker 1:Oh, yeah.
Speaker 2:Like baking cookies for a neighbor who's going through a hard time
Speaker 1:Wow.
Speaker 2:Or raking leaves for an elderly neighbor
Speaker 1:Mhmm.
Speaker 2:Or babysitting for a friend who needs a break.
Speaker 1:Those are great examples. It reminds me that volunteering doesn't have to be this big organized thing.
Speaker 2:It doesn't.
Speaker 1:Could be as simple as just being a good person.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And you never know. Those small acts of kindness could inspire others to do the same.
Speaker 1:It's like a chain reaction of good deeds.
Speaker 2:I love that. And when you think about it like that, it's not just about how many hours you volunteered. Right. It's about the connections you make, the lives you touch, the positive changes you help create.
Speaker 1:That's a beautiful way to think about it. It's about making a difference no matter how big or small.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Knowing that you're making the world a better place.
Speaker 1:Alright. So we've talked a lot about finding good opportunities and making sure those experiences are valuable.
Speaker 2:We have.
Speaker 1:But I wanna talk about something we mentioned earlier, impact. How do you actually make sure your volunteering makes a difference? It's easy to just show up and put in the time. Yeah. But how do you know you're really having a positive impact?
Speaker 2:Yeah. That's a really important question. It's easy to get caught up in, you know, finding the
Speaker 1:hours. Wait. All the logistics. But the important thing is the impact you're making. Yeah.
Speaker 1:You don't wanna lose
Speaker 2:sight of that. Exactly. And that starts with choosing organizations that you
Speaker 1:really care about.
Speaker 2:When you're truly invested in the cause, you're gonna be more engaged, and that's gonna lead to a bigger impact.
Speaker 1:So it's about finding that perfect match
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Where your skills and interests meet a real need in the community.
Speaker 2:Yeah. And when you find that match, that's where the real sense of purpose comes in. I
Speaker 1:love that. Yeah. So once you found the right opportunity, what then?
Speaker 2:Then it's about approaching the work with intention. You know, ask yourself, how can I make the most of my time and resources?
Speaker 1:What
Speaker 2:do the people I'm serving really need? Yeah. How can I use my skills to create a lasting impact?
Speaker 1:Those are great questions to keep in mind. It's about being strategic, not just going through the motions.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And remember, impact doesn't always have to be this big, huge thing. Right. Sometimes the smallest things can have the biggest impact on someone's life.
Speaker 1:That's so true. Just being kind, listening to someone, lending a helping hand.
Speaker 2:Yeah. All of that can make a world of difference to someone who's struggling.
Speaker 1:And those small acts add up over time.
Speaker 2:They do. They create a wave of positivity in the community.
Speaker 1:I love that. A ripple effect of good deeds.
Speaker 2:It really is. When you start thinking about impact like that, it's not about the number of hours. Right. It's about the people you connect with, the lives you touch, the positive change you're a part
Speaker 1:of. I love that. It's about making a difference and knowing you're helping make the world a better place.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And that feeling is something that will stay with your child long after they graduate college.
Speaker 1:Okay. So let's be real for a minute. I know parents worry about their kids just doing this for their college applications.
Speaker 2:Yeah. The whole resume padding thing.
Speaker 1:Yeah. They want their kids to be genuinely motivated, not just checking a box.
Speaker 2:That's a valid concern, and it's important to talk to your child about that. Help them understand that, yes, colleges wanna see this stuff.
Speaker 1:Mhmm.
Speaker 2:But it shouldn't be the only reason they're doing it.
Speaker 1:It's about finding that balance between passion and strategy.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Help them see that the best experiences come from wanting to make a difference, not just wanting to impress colleges.
Speaker 1:That makes sense. But how do you actually have those conversations?
Speaker 2:Again, it comes down to good communication. Ask them. What are you interested in? What do you care about? What kind of impact do you wanna make?
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:Don't judge their answers even if they seem a little out there.
Speaker 1:It's about letting them explore their options.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And once they have some ideas, help them find real opportunities that match those interests.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:You can research organizations together, go to volunteer fairs, reach out to people you know.
Speaker 1:Be their guide, not their boss.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And don't worry if they don't find the perfect thing right away.
Speaker 1:Yeah. It
Speaker 2:takes time to figure this stuff out.
Speaker 1:It's a journey. It's okay to try different things and see what fits.
Speaker 2:The important thing is that they're exploring their interests, building skills, and helping their community.
Speaker 1:Well said. We've talked about so much when it comes to volunteering, what it is, how to find good opportunities
Speaker 2:Mhmm.
Speaker 1:How important virtual volunteering is, communication, even volunteering as a family.
Speaker 2:It's a lot to think about.
Speaker 1:It is. But before we wrap up, I wanna go back to something you said about family volunteering. It's such a great way to connect and give back together.
Speaker 2:Oh, I completely agree. Family volunteering is the best. It's a chance to spend quality time, make memories, and make a difference as a team.
Speaker 1:It's a great way to teach your kids about service from a young age too.
Speaker 2:Absolutely. When kids see their parents giving back, it sets a great example, and it makes service a normal part of family life.
Speaker 1:Family volunteer days sound like so much fun, but realistically, everyone is so busy.
Speaker 2:I know. I know.
Speaker 1:How do you find the time?
Speaker 2:It's all about starting small. Find little ways to incorporate service into your routine. Maybe you volunteer at a food bank once a month or spend a day cleaning up a park or collect donations as a family.
Speaker 1:Right. Find something that works for everyone.
Speaker 2:And like I said before, even small acts of kindness can make a difference. Baking cookies for a neighbor, raking leaves, babysitting.
Speaker 1:Those are perfect examples. You don't need a big organized event to make a difference.
Speaker 2:Exactly. Just being kind and helpful goes a long way, and you never know. Maybe you'll inspire others to do the same.
Speaker 1:I love that. So we've really explored everything about volunteering. Mhmm. Why it matters, how to find good opportunities Yeah. And how to make a real impact.
Speaker 1:Any last words of wisdom before we wrap up this deep dive?
Speaker 2:Volunteering is so much more than just something you do for college. It's a chance to grow, connect with your community, and make the world a better place. Help your child find something they're passionate about, use their skills to help others, and experience the joy of giving back.
Speaker 1:Beautifully said. It's about finding that sense of purpose and making a difference that goes beyond college applications.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And it's a journey, not a destination. Let them explore, try new things, and find what feels right. The most important thing is that they have an open heart, a willingness to learn, and a desire to make a difference.
Speaker 1:And who knows? Maybe they'll inspire others along the way, spreading kindness and compassion wherever they go.
Speaker 2:I have no doubt about that.
Speaker 3:Well, that's the perfect way to end this deep dive. Thank you so much for joining us. And don't forget, if you're feeling overwhelmed by the college process, there's help out there. Collegejourney.ai is a fantastic free platform designed to make college admissions a lot less stressful. It's created by doctor Judson Brewer and Josh Roman, and it's powered by AI.
Speaker 3:Thanks for listening, and we'll see you next time on the Deep Dive.
