The priceless takeaways from volunteering with children

By: Gurleen Kaur

Arriving in Canada was both exhilarating and daunting, a leap into the unknown that left me questioning my decision. Leaving behind familiarity for a new country was a whirlwind of emotions, with doubts lingering throughout the entire flight. The initial weeks were a blur of feeling out of place, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, and a faster pace of life than I was accustomed to back home. 

As an international student, the challenges seemed magnified—finding employment was a struggle and the harsh winter weather intensified feelings of homesickness. Balancing academic pressures, especially in a demanding chemical engineering program, only added to the weight on my shoulders. Amid this uncertainty, a simple invitation to accompany my cousin to a local Easter egg hunt event became a turning point for me. 

When I attended the event, I found myself embraced by a warm and close-knit community. A chance encounter with a volunteer sparked my curiosity, leading me to discover a club dedicated to organizing such events for the neighbourhood. I expressed interest in joining, as I was eager to connect and engage, which was met with enthusiasm by the club's members. 

Since then, attending biweekly club meetings has not only deepened my involvement in the community but has also provided clarity on my aspirations. Through volunteering and collaborative decision-making, I've acquired valuable skills and forged meaningful connections with fellow club members.  

This opportunity also gave me the valuable experience of working with children. Working with children initially felt like a wild rollercoaster ride, as their unpredictable antics often left me spinning. Yet, diving into this whirlwind, I stumbled upon some priceless life lessons. Kids? They’re like little philosophers, finding cosmic wonder in the most mundane of things. Have you ever had a child ask you something so mind-bogglingly simple that it leaves you scratching your head? Yeah, that’s happened to me more times than I can count. Their knack for leaving adults in a state of bewilderment taught me the art of seeing things from multiple angles, sparking my curiosity and pushing me to learn and grow. 

And let's talk about their fearlessness! Kids approach life like it's one big adventure, fearlessly diving into the unknown without batting an eyelash. I’ve witnessed pint-sized daredevils pulling off stunts that would give adults heart palpitations, all while maintaining a nonchalant coolness that's both admirable and terrifying. It's like they've got their own little circus going on, with us adults playing the role of the panicked spectators in the background. 

Dealing with these pint-sized philosophers has also been a lesson in patience and communication. If you can navigate a room full of screen-deprived toddlers without losing your cool, handling people in any other scenario feels like a breeze. It’s like they’re the ultimate crash course in interpersonal skills, preparing me for the ride that is customer service and peer mentoring. 

In my current gigs, the lessons I’ve learned from these kiddos have been worth their weight in gold. They've taught me to approach life with the curiosity of a child, the fearlessness of a daredevil, and the patience of a saint. Embracing these childlike qualities has injected a sense of wonder and possibility into everything I do, paving the way for greater happiness and fulfillment in my life. 

Amid uncertainty and adversity, I found solace and purpose within the embrace of my community. Through volunteering and active participation, I not only discovered a sense of belonging but also honed invaluable skills and forged meaningful connections. From the initial hesitance to fully embracing my role as a peer mentor and a CSR, my journey reflects the transformative power of community engagement. 

As I reflect on my journey from a hesitant newcomer to an active participant in community building, I am reminded of the profound impact that collective efforts can have on individuals and society. By investing in our communities, we not only foster a sense of belonging but also empower individuals to become the best versions of themselves.  

Did you know that SSU has a Volunteer Program?

Sheridan Student Union’s Volunteer Program is designed to provide Sheridan students with an opportunity to support SSU initiatives and events.

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