volunteering

[anna02]

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Hi,
I began college last summer, at 16, and really became caught up in the whole "aura" of college and here I am now, 17 years old soon to have almost completed my first two years of college. Since this is my senior year in high school (please don't slam me for being young & as some of you would say "overly eager") I never intended to go so far with my college education during this year. But, anyhow, this is my question.. I am definitely interested in volunteering(And considering I will be a junior in one more semester, it would be in my best interest to start building my extracurricular activities), yet the local hospitals around here will not let me because of my age. So, what other opportunities are out there to volunteer for? I am just interested as to see what everyone here volunteered for. So, please, endow me with your wisdom. :wink:

Thanks-
Anna

 

[Suz177]

I volunteered in a nursing home when I was your age. Some days I would host activities such as bingo or crafts and others I would read residents their mail or just stop in to talk with them.

 

[johnM]

I volunteered at a local hospital when I was 16-17. Since I wasn't 18 yet, I was called a 'Jr. Volunteer' instead of a full-fledged 'Volunteer' and I had different colored scrubs. I suggest you call a few more area hospitals trying to find one that will let you, they DO excist. Good luck to you.

 

[anna02]

Thanks for replying Suz and JohnM. I live in a very small town; therefore, I have checked hospitals up to 60 miles away, but even if they said "yes", that's too far for me to drive because I am working a job and going to school and my free time is lacking. I might could try nursing homes, although they are few and far between around my area. Thanks for the input guys.

Anna

 

[trout]

Depending on what state you live in you can become a cfr (certified first responder) in ny at 16??? (or at least a jr. ranger or something) we had some ride on our ambulance with us. You don't get to do a lot (because of state liability laws) but you get to see a lot!!!! When you turn 18 you can get your EMT license

 

[johnM]

or ask individual private doctors if you can shadow him/her once in a while. some of them can be very open to this and become very helpful in the future.

 

[Doctora Foxy]

When I was in high school I volunteered to tutor other kids. You can also volunteer in a clinic or hospital to file or something--it will give you a good idea of how things are run. I also did habitat for humanity.

Maybe you can ask a school counselor for advice---mine here found me great internships.

 

[deva]

anna02,

I also started taking college classes early - when I was 15 and beginning the tenth grade. I collected about 60 college credits while in high school (I graduated after junior year). I didn't like high school so I made an agreement that I would take college classes instead, and my high school would let me receive high school credit for them (so that I could get a diploma, rather than having to do GRE). When I left home for college, I started college as a freshman and only transfered one college course that I took during high school. You said, though, that you will be going straight into your junior year. If your situation is similar to mine, you might want to consider starting as a freshman or sophomore in college, rather than junior. I know it is annoying to start over, but there is so much you can learn during those years, so take advantage of them. Knowing that you can get a lot in financial aid helps.
Just a thought.