B10 THE DAVIS ENTERPRISE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2022
Volunteer opportunities for grads Metro Special to The Enterprise During the months between graduating high school and beginning college, or between getting a university degree and entering the workforce, graduates may want to explore the personal growth that comes from volunteerism. Volunteering provides various benefits. Some of these rewards include networking with an entirely different group of people. Volunteering also can help a person realize greater happiness by doing selfless acts for others, while they also can help one to realize a new passion. In the future, volunteering with an organization also may help with a student’s job search. There are many arenas where young people can focus their volunteer efforts. Here are some ideas.
Animal shelter Animal shelters rely on volunteers to help with their operations. They can be a good fit for anyone with a passion for animals and animal rights activism.
Public service sectors AmeriCorp and Peace Corps have scores of opportunities for volunteers. AmeriCorp focuses on domestic issues, while the PeaceCorp is a branch of the U.S. government that engages volunteers in international service work. Community involvement, agriculture, homelessness,
Metro Special to The Enterprise Over the last two years, people from all walks of life have reevaluated their priorities in the face of a global pandemic. That reevaluation has led some students to take a break from school. While taking a break can be the right choice for some students, certain variables should be considered before pressing pause on education. Here’s a deeper look into taking a break from school.
A chance to mentally recover Metro/Stock photo
There are many arenas where young people can focus their volunteer efforts. health care, and combatting hunger are top priorities for these organizations.
English as a second language Volunteers can spend time abroad teaching English to students. Others may want to volunteer domestically by helping non-English-speaking individuals improve their language skills.
Community government A person may choose to sit on the board of a school, a neighborhood housing association, or even explore volunteerism with a township municipal office. This will provide valuable
hands-on experience and may help one lend a voice to issues that affect his or her living situation.
Religious groups Churches, synagogues and mosques may have volunteer opportunities focused on community outreach or programs affiliated with local nonprofits.
Conservation groups Volunteers can work on conservation projects across the country. From wildlife management to trail restoration to invasive species eradication, there are a wide variety of conservation-based volunteering opportunities.
Travel gifts for recent graduates Metro Special to The Enterprise As COVID-19-inspired travel restrictions are loosened across the globe, many newly minted graduates are eager to travel the world. Graduates planning such excursions — whether large or small — will need essentials to help them make the most of their travels.
Wireless headphones/earbuds Travelers can enjoy crisp, perfect sound while on the go without the need for wires. Wireless devices can be used on planes, buses and other forms of transportation to listen to music, movies, television shows, or podcasts.
Lightweight daypack Space is a hot commodity while traveling. Many airlines also charge fees for exceeding luggage weight limits or having extra baggage. A lightweight backpack that collapses is easily packed and also can be
What to know about taking a year off school
used for day trips, hikes and sightseeing expeditions.
Instant film camera How often do people take pictures only for them to remain on a phone or locked in “cloud” limbo? Graduates can have fun with instant-film cameras that produce prints on the fly. They can double as postcards to send home to family eager for news. Options are available from both Polaroid and Fuji.
Scrapbooking supplies While grads are printing instant photos, they can begin planning memory books that catalogue their post-graduation adventures. Put together a selection of scrapbooking essentials, including colored papers, stickers, photo holders, and stencils, as a great scrapbooking starter.
Tags and holders Graduates can travel in style with matching luggage tag and passport
holder sets. Have them monogrammed for an even more personal touch.
Scratch off map Every traveler needs a way to document where he or she has been. Gift a scratch-off map of North America or the entire world. Grads can scratch off the top layer of the map to reveal a colorful under layer to highlight places they have been.
Personalized weekender Not every trip a graduate takes has to be lengthy. An overnight stay or a trip of only a few days doesn’t require a lot of luggage. A classic weekender bag monogrammed with the graduate’s name will ensure he or she travels in style.
Travel jewelry case It’s easy to misplace jewelry while on the go. A handy zippered pouch can keep earrings, necklaces and rings in one spot so they’re easily packed away when needed.
Graduates planning on travel after graduation will appreciate travel-related gifts.
Many students try to press through courses even when they are unwell or trying to recover from a significant condition. This can put students at a disadvantage that could adversely affect their academic performance, which may have an effect on their graduation prospects and future success.
A renewed vigor for academics Some students may begin courses without a solid plan for the future. In such instances, students could be paying tuition for courses they’re not interested in. A break can offer students an opportunity to reassess the direction they’re going in and come back to school with a fresh approach for the future.
Student loan grace period College students who have federal student loans in the United States are entitled to one six-month grace period during which payments will not be required, according to Forbes Advisor. After a student drops below part-time status, the grace period begins. Someone who takes a semester off from school may trigger that grace period clock. When the student returns to school and then graduates, or if he or she chooses to leave again, repayment of the loan will begin immediately, as a second six-month grace period is not permitted.
Internships Some students take a break from school because an internship opens up outside of the time parameters set by some schools. Internships tend to occur in junior or senior years of college and could earn students college credit.
