OK. I know volunteerism is a very hot topic amongst teens, parents, educators and colleges. I deal with this almost daily when advising teens on their service efforts.
This past Sunday's New York Times Education Life covered a wide number of pre-college topics. The one that resonated a great deal with me was: Does Helping Out Help You?. In it Pamela Paul shares highlights of her interviews with various, prestigious college admissions directors. Their conclusions mirror many of mine when it comes to meaningful service efforts, which also apply to meaningful teen summers:
- Consistency and depth of experience trumps a short term stint
- Admissions directors can readily spot volunteer involvement insincerity
- Think 'commitment,' 'leadership,' 'passion'
- Credibility comes from being 'engaged', and being involved with 'meaningful' work that can 'transform'
Students should always try to do what comes naturally, not force fit an activity. Padding a resume with "stealth activities" is not the answer, per Stanford's Director of Admission. I always counsel teens to perform service work if it has meaning to them, in a form they are comfortable with, and in depth. Start such efforts in your own backyard, school or community. For service ideas and support, teens should check out Do Something , a nonprofit organization that promotes teen volunteerism. If a teen proves to him/herself there is a genuine need and interest locally (or virtually), then consider moving onto summer service efforts offering progressive opportunities. Many camps are also now incorporating service into their programming and activities.
Greater growth, fulfillment and sincerity of truly helping others results from consistency, invested time and service projects that also resonate with a teen's passions. You can't mask authenticity.
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