By Gabrielle (Gabby) Wszalek
We take it for granted the impact an hour can make. We carve out specific hours in our day to workout, meditate, cook, spend time with others, the possibilities are endless. While many hours are spent on ourselves, we find that many hours of our weeks are spent with others, playing with our kids, having a meal with family members, or taking a walk with a spouse. While these hours may be taken for granted spending an hour to improve the lives of underprivileged kids is never taken for granted. Tutoring and mentoring for as little as an hour a week can make a huge impact on the lives of others and your community. We have a responsibility to improve the lives of our future generations, to ensure that they are shown love and are cared for. An hour a week can do just that.
We all lead busy lives, our hours are full of stressful activities, volunteering is a proven remedy. Studies have shown that volunteering for as little as an hour a week helps boost self-esteem for you and your mentee, reduces stress, and combats depression. University of Pennsylvania business professor Cassie Mogilner has done extensive research on this topic. Her research has shown that people who volunteer their time feel as though they have more of it. “The results show that giving your time to others can make you feel more ‘time affluent’ and less time-constrained than wasting your time, spending it on yourself, or even getting a windfall of free time.” People who gave their time were more likely to continue volunteering regardless of time constraints. It is as simple as an hour a week to enhance young lives. Our time is enriched when it is spent serving others. We have a responsibility and privilege to give to our communities. When we give our time for the benefit of others, our hours never go to waste.
[1]Giving Time Gives You Time
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