We hear all the time about how rewarding it is to be a JA classroom volunteer. In the younger grades, volunteers are thanked with hugs and high-fives. In the middle grades, volunteers get to witness those “ah-ha” moments when students are finally able to grasp the connection between school and life. In the older grades, volunteers get to see the spark of optimism that young adults get when they realize the power of their own potential.
The less obvious benefit of volunteering for JA is the positive impact it can have on a person’s personal and professional life. Whether the volunteer learns something new about the stock market, hones his or her public speaking skills, or is empowered by their own words to further their education, volunteering for JA has far-reaching benefits. Following is a story by Sharon Gaare who graciously agreed to share her story about how volunteering for JA changed her life for the better.
At this time I am going to school to get my Master’s in Leadership. I have to tell you though, the reason I decided to return to school was because of JA.
I went and taught for a day a 6th grade class and we played a game of whether you work or go to school and at the end you get a Master’s if you stay in school. One of the kids asked me if I had a Master’s and I said, “no.” Then I thought to myself, “Why don’t I?”
That very day I went and applied for entrance into the Master’s program. So, JA not only makes a difference in the lives of the kids, but also those of us who volunteer! -Sharon Gaare
Congratulations Sharon and good luck with your Master’s program! If you would like to learn more about getting involved with JA, visit the Volunteers section of our website.