On... Surprises

Surprises

What were some of the surprises you experienced with volunteering?

Ryan Bubb, Response-Ability, Washington, DC

I was surprised at just how hard it is to be a teacher. Granted, I came in with little training or preparation, and didn't really know what I was getting into. It was easily the hardest thing I've ever tried to do. And I grew from the experience immensely.

Kerry Conroy, Christian Brothers Lay Volunteer Program, New York City, NY

My living situation (with 13 brothers) held a lot of surprises for me in the sense of learning to see them just as people instead of holding them up to unrealistic expectations. Also getting "thrown" right into the job. I don't know if I expected someone to hold my hand? But that was an adjustment right after college life. Also, I realized that my motivation for volunteering changed over the time I was there. I realized that the kids I worked with were probably doing way more for me than I could ever do for them. They taught me that I had stereotypes I didn't even know were there, among other things.

Christy Williamson, Farm of the Child, Trujillo, Honduras

I was surprised by the Honduran's unconditional love and acceptance of strangers and newcomers. Whenever I went to visit someone in the village, they stopped everything they were doing to just sit and be with me. I also knew that volunteering would be challenging and that I would grow I ways that I would not expect, but I was surprised by how much fun I had at the same time. My volunteer community was very creative in finding ways to entertain ourselves or the children we worked with. It was a great experience overall and one I would not hesitate to do over again!!

Mara Dorsch, Jesuit Volunteer Corps-Southwest, Mobile, AL

One of the first surprises was how different all of my community members were. I think I had a limited mindset on what a typical volunteer would be like, I very quickly found out that volunteers come in all mindsets, different spirituality levels, and different reasons for volunteering.

Sue Marble Cuthbert, Jesuit Volunteers International, Tacna, Peru

I worked with working children- boys and girls who shined shoes, washed cars, tended to people's graves in the cemetery and more each day. I was so surprised by how much a very young child is capable of, and how much is expected of children. In the states, we wouldn't dream of letting a 7 or 8 year old be out on his/her own all day. Well, in Peru, not only were some of these youngsters working all day, they were also most likely in charge of looking after their 2 or three year old siblings.

Christina Neill, Jesuit Volunteer Corps- Northwest, Yakima, WA

Hmmm... I can't really think of any???