VOLUNTEERING: "The thrill of it all". (Part 1)

“Life's most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?”

– Martin Luther King, Jr.

Introduction: Volunteering is often portrayed as a selfless act, driven by the desire to help others and make a positive impact on the world. While this altruistic motivation is certainly valid and admirable, there's another side to volunteering that is often overlooked—the thrill and fulfillment it brings to the volunteer themselves. In this series, we'll explore the exhilarating journey of volunteering, from the initial spark of inspiration to the profound personal growth it fosters. One major goal I had for this year was to volunteer for a tech event, I was particularly looking forward to Google DEVFEST Accra 2024 'cause I was a first time attendee in 2023 and I totally loved the experience and vowed to be a volunteer for 2024.

Tell me how I have 3 volunteering gigs in just Q1 of 2024 already(All in the Tech industry)??? I've a deep feeling of genuine excitement but more of fulfillment; I get to give my time, energy and knowledge for a good cause, how thrilling!!??? I'm so excited that I already started putting together a list of "How to be a great volunteer", lol (I'll be sharing this list soon though). I do this not only 'cause I want to get the best experience out of these opportunities but I also want to give my best to the community and impact lives in the process.

"What was your Call to Action?" You may ask, for many volunteers, the journey begins with a simple realization: the world is full of challenges, but each of us has the power to make a difference, no matter how small. Whether it's lending a hand at a local soup kitchen, teaching children in underserved communities, or participating in environmental conservation efforts, the call to action can come from various sources—a stirring documentary, a heartwarming story, or witnessing firsthand the struggles of those in need. Mine is the latter, As a black woman in Africa, I've witnessed firsthand these struggles and had my fair share of experiences as well and If I have something to give to make a difference, why not!?.

This is quite new for me and I understand that embarking on a volunteering journey often means stepping outside one's comfort zone and confronting unfamiliar territory. It's about venturing into communities and environments that may be vastly different from one's own, encountering new cultures, languages, and ways of life (especially as I'm a Nigerian, volunteering in Ghana). While this can be daunting, it's also where the thrill begins—the excitement of the unknown, the anticipation of new experiences, and the opportunity to broaden one's perspective.

One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering is the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life. Whether it's bonding with fellow volunteers over shared goals and experiences or forming meaningful relationships with those being served, these connections are at the heart of the volunteering experience. They remind us of our common humanity, transcending barriers of race, class, and nationality, and fostering empathy, compassion, and understanding. I have learnt alot already from the amazing and diverse people I have met so far in my volunteering journey.

The Joy of Giving Back; As a volunteer, I often find that the act of giving back brings me more joy and fulfillment than I ever imagined. Whether it's seeing the smile on a child's face as they learn something new, witnessing the impact of our efforts on a community in need, or simply knowing that we've made a positive difference in someone's life, these moments are priceless. They remind us that true happiness lies not in what we accumulate for ourselves, but in what we contribute to the well-being of others.