03 Sep 🌟 YCM Spotlight: Isla
There’s nothing we love more than the opportunity to hand the mic to a YCM and hear, in their own words, what volunteering means to them. Today we’re delighted to feature Isla, whose reflections on privilege, gratitude and community genuinely moved us. Over to Isla!
What made you want to start volunteering?
I started volunteering largely because I was completing my Duke of Edinburgh Award and there is a service requirement that is necessary to fulfil. However, this was largely supported by it always being deeply ingrained in me to recognise my privilege and that a lot of kids don’t have access to the same opportunities that I do and therefore it is really important to give back to not only help try make a difference but to maintain that grateful perspective.
Has volunteering changed how you see yourself, your community, or your future?
Volunteering has changed the way I see myself by really allowing me to recognise my privilege and therefore be more thankful for the opportunities I am given and have available. Because of having a greater awareness of this, I have been more motivated to make the most of every opportunity, trying things and participating in things I might have previously said no to because I know that I am so grateful to be able to partake in them in the first place. Volunteering has also changed how I see my future because I now know that it is something I always want to incorporate into my life in some way. Not only do I see it as an incredible opportunity to build new friendships but it is also really valuable for my mental health. When I volunteer it reminds me that there are bigger issues in the world than my immediate problems or stressors, by making my own challenges appear less significant it helps me to not get so caught up in these feelings of stress and instead remember what is truly important.
What would you say to another teenager thinking about giving it a go?
To another teenager thinking about volunteering, I would say that it is truly the most valuable experience and there is something every single person can get out of it. From building new relationships and developing new skills to being able to support others and experience such immense feelings of fulfilment, I can guarantee there is something you can take from volunteering that makes it worth donating your time.
Why do you think a program like YCM matters for young people who want to volunteer?
I think a program like YCM matters for young people who want to volunteer because there are very limited opportunities for young people to volunteer and the difficulty that can come from trying to find these opportunities dispels so many young people from actually volunteering. I also think it matters as it gives young people different options. Volunteering should be an enjoyable experience and for young people with ever-changing interests, you want what you are spending your time doing to be reflective of what you enjoy. By putting so many different opportunities in one place, the YCM program means that young people don’t get boxed into one form of volunteering, they can try different things, work out what they like and then through that process, develop a love for volunteering!
Thank you, Isla! Your reflections are a wonderful reminder of why we do what we do. We feel so lucky to have you as part of the YCM community. 🧡