‘Why Don’t More Teenagers Volunteer?’

I was glad to hear about the mandatory volunteering at the Maryland high schools. Teenagers take their free time for granted and it is very sad to see them not spending some of it wisely. Volunteering is time well spent; it is something that anyone can do, especially able-bodied teenagers. Not only does volunteering enrich people’s lives, but it also opens opportunities. With all of these gains that volunteering has to offer, why don’t more people do it?

When President Clinton challenged the nation to start volunteering, there was not a boom of people jumping at the chance. I personally have been an active volunteer. Throughout junior high and high school, I have volunteered at school, church and the hospital. However, among my peers at school, not many volunteer. Even when teachers try to get involved, it hasn’t worked. My science teacher made volunteering a classroom assignment. But once students met the required five hours, they stopped. I applaud all the teachers who have been motivating their students to volunteer. More teachers need to do this.

A citywide volunteering program for teens will boost confidence and have a positive chain reaction. At least it’s a start.