My first foray into volunteering was when I was in my early thirties. That was with NCRA as the chief examiner for the Chattanooga area. I had some reservations in the way of “Can I handle this?” Then thought, “Another reporter did it for me when I took my RPR/RMR tests. I should do my part.” Well, it’s been quite rewarding. Sure, you give up your time but you really gain so much more.
I feel the biggest plus is the people you meet, from all over Tennessee and, in my case, Georgia and North Carolina, I’ve learned about websites for reporters, was given great brief forms to solve those tricky words I just hate to write, and enjoyed just the wonderful feeling you get when someone is truly grateful for your efforts. And NCRA never misses an opportunity to express their thanks.
That experience has lead to me volunteering at my church, where now people recognize my name from appearing in the bulletin for this or that and approach me to say hello. Also have volunteered at the YMCA in their fundraising efforts. At this point I feel my YMCA friends are my local brothers and sisters.
In our jobs we hear and experience such acrimony and contention. It’s important to counter that with the positive in our lives and distance ourselves from the negative. Speaking for myself, volunteering has certainly brought that about.
