Volunteer Benefits

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Volunteering is the easiest way to fill up your resume if you can't find a job because of age limits. It is said that teens that volunteer are more engaged with their community and can make a difference after they graduate in helping and understanding those who are less fortunate or just need help in other aspects.

Volunteering doesn't just stop in your community, if you don't want to study abroad with your college and you prefer volunteering, there is abroad volunteering that you can sign up for and make a difference in other countries. Not only does that give a chance to travel and interact with other cultures it also gives you something to put on your resume as well as making you a well rounded individual.

You learn a lot of interpersonal skills, and you may get training in office functions, as well as different computer programs that make you more appealing to jobs. Let's not forget about the networking capabilities of volunteering, remember its a lot about who you know these days to get where you need to go. It's who you know and what skills you bring to the table so with volunteering you get to meet a variety of people that you can use as a reference, or can get you into a field that you want to be in. You also can expand your social group and make some life long friends.

I know volunteering may seem like a chore sometimes especially when your school forces you to do a certain amount of hours, but the benefits of volunteering are endless and it is a great experience.

Plan Your Very Own Spring Fling Party

 

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     Spring has finally arrived!  I have been daydreaming about the beautiful, sunny weather for months.  There are plenty of fun things that spring brings- (try saying that sentence 5 times fast!)  One of the great things about spring is the Spring Fling!  For some that do not know what this is, it is an annual festival for the students at the end of each Spring semester, usually beginning on the Friday of the second to last week of the semester and continuing until Saturday night.  It is a very large social event and tradition held for many years.  It’s a time of the year to celebrate… life?  Well, all I know is that it’s fun, especially when you have your very own Spring Fling!  Since many schools do not offer Spring Fling festivals, this does not mean you can’t have one yourself!   Here are some tips on planning your very own Spring Fling party:

Decorations

Think: Colorful.  Start off with a couple of colorful balloons- yellow, orange, green and pink.  If you want to go a bit further, try this sun balloon: http://bit.ly/WCJrcJ

Place flowers around your party area.  Nothing says Spring more like a bunch of flowers surrounding you.

Party Favors

Keep it simple, yet fun.  Give away colorful sunglasses as party favors to your guests as they walk in.  That way, they will also be part of the décor of your party.  Try these: http://bit.ly/13akGtE

Food

Spring is all about nature, and being outdoors, so remember to keep it fresh and colorful.  Here are some ideas:  Appetizers- fresh fruits and veggies with ranch dip. Main course- grilled chicken and fresh sweet pepper shish kabobs served with a spinach walnut and cranberry salad. Desert- Pink, green, and yellow frosted cupcakes.

Drinks

Punch bowl, Iced Teas, fresh fruit smoothies, and lemonade.

Games

Pass the Orange: All you need are two teams of adults, and two oranges. Divide the adults so that there is an equal number on each team.  The adults on each team stand next to each other. Give the first adult on each team the orange. Once you say, “Start,” the adult will place the orange between his or her chin and neck, and then without using hands, pass it to the next member of the team in his or her chin and neck. The team that gets the orange to the end of the line first (without dropping it) wins the game!

Pin the Bee on the Flower: This is a copy off of the classic pin the tail on the donkey game and requires a few props.  Draw a colorful flower on a large piece of poster board. Cut out a Bee drawing from construction paper with a piece of double stick tape on one side. Players take turns trying to stick the bee on the flower while blindfolded.

Egg Spoon Race: An egg spoon race encourages guests to get up from their seats and enjoy the spring weather. Players assemble at the starting line holding an egg balanced on a spoon. They must race to a chosen location and back to the starting line without losing their egg, and cannot hold onto the egg while running. Using hard boiled eggs is generally recommended, especially if the game is to be played indoors.  You don’t want this to get messy!

 

Last, but not least, blast some of your favorite tunes, and have a great time!