Volunteering is not only about helping others. It is also one of the best ways for teenagers to grow. When you volunteer at a hospital, an animal shelter, or a beach clean-up, you learn to take responsibility and work with people of all ages. Some students worry that it will take up too much time. However, even a small portion of your weekend can make a real difference. Many schools now promote volunteer work by giving students service hours. The change may be gradual, but over time you will become more confident, patient, and grateful for what you have.

Every Saturday morning, sixteen-year-old Amy takes a bus to a small library in the mountains. The children there have few books at home, so she reads stories to them and helps with their homework. At first, the kids were shy and hardly spoke to her. Amy did not give up. She brought a wide selection of picture books and played word games with them. Gradually, they began to look forward to her visits. Last month, a little girl gave her a card that said, "Thank you for being my big sister." Amy says it was the best gift she has ever received.