The Art of Volunteering
By Brooklyn C.
Volunteer by Oko_SwanOmurphy from Getty Images Pro Created in Canva
The National Council for Voluntary Organisations characterizes volunteering as “…when someone spends unpaid time doing something … to benefit the environment (and through that, other people)” (“What Is Volunteering?”). What does it look like for students at an online school, such as NorthStar, to volunteer? To push that thought further, why should students consider volunteering in the first place? I had the privilege of interviewing eight students at NSA about ways they have volunteered in the past. They discussed four main approaches to volunteering: sports, community, school, and church.
The first way that students serve is through sports. Zoe B., a member of the Navigator staff, said she has “strung tennis rackets for free for people” in her tennis club. Sarah stated that she served as a sports captain. The second way that NSA students volunteer is through their community. This means anything from babysitting, to helping out neighbors, or even wedding planning. Students enjoy the familial aspect that comes with helping others one-on-one.
The third way NSA students serve is through their school. A few of the many opportunities that these students have contributed are student council, club leadership, welcome committee, and tutoring. Riley was the upperclassman representative last school year; Amber and Harper have been a part of the welcome committee; and Zoe has been a tutor, a club leader, and a part of student council. As a former Art Club leader myself, I can say that it was such a rewarding experience to meet and interact with inspiring people over a hobby that I enjoyed. NSA is always looking for new leaders to help with clubs. If you are a student at NSA, feel free to reach out to Andrew W. for more information about club leadership.
Finally, the most common way that students serve is through their church. Amber said, “I have served in the [kid’s] ministry once a month at our church throughout high school, I was a leader at a VBS camp every summer for all of high school so far, and … I have also served at random events that our church has hosted, such as a church picnic, a brunch and learn, and other areas.” Riley, Rebecca, Harper, Kaitlin, Mia, and Sarah have all given their time and energy to serve at church in one way or another. NSA hosted a mission trip to Panama in 2023, which is yet another way that NSA students have volunteered.
The options for volunteering are endless, but what reasons are there to put in this degree of work? The practical benefits, including work experience or community involvement, are certainly worth noting, but the personal impact of service is often a key factor. Mia, a part-time student at NSA, went on a mission trip to Nepal during the summer of 2024. She said, “I think it helped me remember just how blessed I truly am … It [puts] into perspective just how much God has really given me.” There are several instances in Scripture where the concept of service is either discussed or displayed. For instance, Jesus famously said, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45 ESV).
NorthStar is a school filled with servant leaders. By volunteering in sports, school, church, and their communities, students illustrate their commitment to others and their environment. The art of volunteering is worth every hour.
Columns: 🧑🚀NSA Culture, 🔎Informational
Brooklyn C. is in twelfth grade and has been with NSA for four years. She spends her free time painting and drawing, in hopes of pursuing a career in children's book illustration. She also enjoys running, going on walks, listening to music, studying, watching movies, reading and travelling.