How many times have you thought of making a difference in the world? Or how often have you pondered over your purpose on this planet?

We spend almost our entire lives trying to do something worthwhile; to be remembered once we’re gone; and to make an impact. Believe it or not, volunteering makes it all happen.

1. Contribute to the bigger picture

It is important to realise that when you volunteer, you automatically become a part of a big change which improves the condition of the world and its people. By volunteering you not only become an agent of change but you also become the change yourself as your actions bring about a difference in the world around you.

2. Breaking Stereotypes

When you volunteer, you not only change your mindset and perspective but also that of others. You facilitate and become that change where you can successfully break stereotype and common, fixed notions.

Volunteering abroad, especially helps in breaking stereotypes as you engage and interact with people from different cultures and nationalities and actually understand their culture and ethics than just jump onto baseless conclusions, forming stereotypes.

3. Personal Transformation

Volunteering is not a destination, but a journey where you witness all aspects of your personality and rediscover yourself. You tend to become more aware of yourself and sensitive towards the world around you as you push yourself beyond your comfort zone. By the end of it, you are a changed individual; a better version of yourself.

4. Leave your mark

Benjamin Franklin rightly said, ‘Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.’

Volunteering makes that happen as you tend to affect more lives than just yours. You not only touch lives but also change them. It is a process where you manage to leave an impression everywhere you go.

5.  Find your purpose

When you volunteer, you allow yourself to be exposed to different situations and circumstances; and it is only then that you start viewing things in a different light. Volunteering allows you to try out new things and look for your purpose in life; it provides you with clarity.

It is not an easy task to do something for others without an ounce of selfishness, but once you do, you see the difference. So, imagine changing and impacting the lives of others, as you do so for yourself; one impact leading to another.

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
–Mahatma Gandhi

Take a step ahead today. Volunteer abroad and be the change that you wish to see in the world. Signup here and start looking for opportunities: www.aiesec.org

Blog by- Mehak Narang