I never thought volunteering at the nursing home in my hometown would have such an impact on me. I simply needed something to do for the summer, and I was too young to get an actual paying job. I've always enjoyed volunteering and had past experience with the local animal shelter, so I decided to try something new. I was always close to my grandparents and when they passed away, I was left with a huge empty spot in my life. I felt that I needed the love that only a grandparent can offer, so with that in mind, I decided to volunteer for the local nursing home.
This decision, made on a whim, offered the opportunity for some of the most gratifying and amazing experiences of my life. I was placed in the Activities department for the Lutheran Home, and I was able to lead various groups, music therapy, arts and crafts, BINGO, and simply be available to talk to the residents when they needed someone to listen. It always amazed me that these people who were once strangers to me, could "take" the spot of the grandparents I was missing so much. Obviously, they would never replace my grandparents, but they helped me cope with my loss.
While this volunteer experience was very gratifying, it also took a lot of emotional stability. These people were elderly, some more than others, and I was scared of having to go through the loss of more people that I cared about. Since I volunteered for multiple summers at the Lutheran Home, this fear was inescapable, but learning to cope in healthy ways allowed for personal growth. This job also required a lot of responsibility and leadership skills. I led many activities and had to learn to lead effectively. I was able to learn to listen more effectively. Many seniors did not have family coming to visit, so when they had the opportunity to talk to people about their lives, wishes, desires, and concerns, they treasured those moments.
I believe that the skills I have learned from the various elderly people I have interacted with are very important life skills. The listening, communication, leadership, and responsibility skills will carry through with me for the rest of my life. While I am struggling learning how to effectively get all of the college classwork done, the responsibility skills I have acquired will help me. I know that having great communication and listening skills will help me interact with professors and new people that I meet every day. This great experience will help me succeed, not only in college, but in life as well, and it has drastically changed my life for the better.
