4 Ways to change your life beyond volunteering

Throughout the 21 years of my life I have seen first-hand how giving back has made a positive impact on my own life. Often times people think of volunteering as donating their time to help those around them. This is true, however I often think people overlook some of the simpliest ways to give back.

As my social media blog assignment comes to an end, I wanted to share with you some simple things you can do to give back, while making a difference in your life and those around you.

1. Spend time with your aging grandparents 

I've personally always been lucky enough to have a close-knit relationship with my grandparents. One of the hardest parts about moving 2.5 hours away when coming to college was not being able to spend as much time with my grandpa. Whether its calling, writing letters or visiting, find a way to stay in touch with your grandparents. The time you have with them is precious and you'll be thankful for all the memories in the future.

2. Tell your family and friends how much they mean to you.

You truly don't know what tomorrow will bring. Losing my mom at the age of 11, I have seen first-hand how true this statement can be. The reality of life is that we are constantly faced with circumstances and battles that can often turn our lives upside down. Don't wait for a tragedy to tell your family and friends you love them. Live each day like it's your last and spend time with those you love. You'll  be surprised how such a simple and small change can make such a large impact in your life.

3. Find your passion and go for it!

My passion is my involvement with Relay For Life and raising money for the American Cancer Society. I've found so much reward in the work I do reaching out to make a difference in cancer survivors and their caregivers because I've been directly impacted by cancer. Everyone's passion is different, but once you pursue your own passion you should see a great impact on your own life as well as those around you!

4. Get to know before you judge.

Everyone has a story. Everyone has a past. You don't know a person's story or past by looking at them on the outside. Moral of the story: don't judge a person without getting to know them. The transition from high school to college was an eye opening experience realizing so many of the people around me had been through difficult experiences in the past. Be nice to those around you; you never the battles they may be hiding behind that smile.

You can't expect to see immediate results when making changes in your life. Give it time, however and the reward will come along with it. Volunteering, giving back and giving up your time isn't always easy, but the reward will almost always be worth it.

Do your part to make a positive impact on the world and help make a difference today!

Volunteer Tuesdays

Mondays...the day people dread going back to reality and a phase of slight depression because the weekend is over.
Tuesdays...they don't seem quote as bad as Mondays, but certainly not as exciting as Fridays.
Wednesdays...hump day! You made it half-way through the week!
Thursdays...IT'S ALMOST THE WEEKEND!
Fridays...you thought the day would never come, but at least it's the weekend!

Tuesdays are actually more than just another day at UNI's campus. Every Tuesday, the Service and Leadership Council partners with the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley, providing opportunities for students to get involved volunteering throughout the community. These Volunteer Tuesday events allow students a pre-set volunteer experience each week including free transportation, a t-shirt and a snack.

Volunteer Tuesdays were established on UNI's campus 5 years ago when students requested opportunities for hands-on leadership experiences. The thought of gaining leadership skills from lectures and workshops simply didn't sound appealing, and Volunteer Tuesdays have proved to give students the opportunities they were hoping to receive.


Students are allowed to choose from two sessions (3:30-5:30 p.m. or 5:30-7:30 p.m.) to volunteer every Tuesday. On average 30-45 students volunteer every at every week, where they participate in a variety of community activities including:

- Making crafts, playing games and talking with residents in area nursing homes.
- Label mailings and put together "dog tags" at the Grout Museum District's Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum
- Throw out bad bales of hay and help transport good bales into the barn to feed the horses at Aspire Therapeutic Riding Program.
- Package meals for low-income families so children have food at the Northeast Iowa Food Bank.

"It's a great way for students to get out in the community and meet other students, oh and have fun!" said Steffoni Schmidt, Volunteer Tuesdays advisor.

Visit the Volunteer Tuesday website to learn more about how you can sign up, gain leadership experience and help out in the Cedar Valley today!