There are many ways to get involved on campus at UND and in the Grand Forks community. One of the most impactful and fulfilling ways being through volunteering efforts. Volunteering offers more than just community service hours; it builds confidence, resumes, strengthens leadership skills, and connects individuals to something bigger than themselves.
“Volunteering is essential to a successful community, as it brings people together for a single important cause that everyone is passionate about,” said Jr. Student Body VP Joslyn Sutton. “When individuals thrive by being with others to take care of their community, the community thrives too.”
Volunteering during college years shows significant positive impacts on students through pushing them outside of their comfort zone and gaining many important skills along the way. Some of these skills include teamwork, empathy, communication, and leadership.
“I think empathy, teamwork, and leadership skills are prevalent in volunteering,” said Sutton. “You learn these skills without even realizing it, and as you grow as a person and as a volunteer, you find how easy these qualities are to use and to spread.”
For many students, volunteering can also serve as a clarity for future career paths. Through volunteering, students can gain hands-on experience in their career paths which can teach them more than many textbooks can.
“Volunteering with nursing-home patients has taught me valuable lessons that I will be able to apply in my future nursing career,” said Pre-Nursing student Fr. Kirra Grimm.
Volunteering efforts don’t just teach life skills but can also add purpose and meaning into one’s life. Serving a cause that is bigger than oneself creates meaning, builds empathy, and strengthens your connection to the world around you. In a time of life that can often be stressful and full of uncertainty, volunteering provides direction, fulfillment, and the realization that small efforts have lasting impacts.
“Volunteering can add purpose and meaning as it creates a lifestyle that is focused on something bigger than themselves and can emphasize the importance of being kind and uplifting others and community for a better, happier lifestyle,” said Sutton.
Volunteering offers a great opportunity for individuals to learn skills and grow personally but also strengthens relationships within the campus and community. By getting involved in the community in a new way, individuals are able to meet new people and build new relationships.
There are many ways to get involved in volunteering here on the UND campus. Through the UND Student Involvement website, individuals are able to find volunteering opportunities here on campus through the Letters of Love Club, The UND Food Pantry, and food and clothing drives around campus.
“I love volunteering with letters of love and through student government events to serve within the student body,” said Sutton.
Volunteer opportunities in the Grand Forks community are also abundant. Through a quick Google search, one is able to find endless opportunities. Some of the most notable being Journey Home Animal Rescue, Northland Rescue Mission, and United Way.
“Volunteering at Journey Home was an extremely rewarding experience,” said Fr. Volunteer JoJo Fitzel. “Spending time walking, playing, and caring for the dogs showed me the importance of kindness and compassion towards animals.”
Volunteering is an activity that allows participation from individuals from all walks of life and in many different ways. By participating in volunteering efforts, individuals can learn and strengthen personal skills, look at the world in a different way, build connections, find a purpose, and make a positive impact on their community.
Sonya Skar is a Dakota Student General Reporter. She can be reached at [email protected].
