Lovina Ita

From passion to purpose and building their CVs, these student volunteers share what keeps them going even without pay. For some students, volunteering is a way to stand out on their CVs. For others, it’s a genuine act of service or simply a chance to do what they love. Yet, not everyone sees it that way. With academic pressures mounting, some students dismiss volunteering as a distraction, an activity that could derail their grades or waste precious time. In a world where success is often measured by certificates and GPAs, the choice to give back is not always easy or popular. But behind every volunteer is a story of motivation, struggle, discovery, and sometimes, transformation.

For Gloria Afolabi, volunteering is more than a side activity—it’s a journey of personal growth. A 400-level English student, she volunteers in social impact, event management, and projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “Honestly, it didn’t start with motivation,” she admits. “I just wanted to stay busy, and I saw volunteering as a platform to learn skills and become a better person.” Her most memorable experience was serving as Assistant Project Manager for a state initiative. Together with her team, she launched Feed Ten Households and Let a Child Fly projects that not only impacted lives but also told powerful stories.

Volunteering, Gloria says, has significantly shaped her personal goals. While it hasn’t always blended well with academics, especially since she’s more inclined toward community projects than academic tutoring, it has offered her invaluable skills. Between 2022 and 2025, she has gained soft skills she believes she would have otherwise paid to acquire. “I’ve learned diligence, commitment, consistency, and the importance of not giving up,” she explains. “It has also developed my emotional intelligence and taught me to see life from multiple perspectives, understanding both the privileged and the underprivileged.”

Still, the path hasn’t been without obstacles. From meetings clashing with classes to tight project deadlines, she’s had her fair share of challenges. Yet, Gloria insists it’s all been worth it. “When I started, I didn’t have a clear direction. I just wanted to grow,” she reflects. “Now, I know I want to become a woman of social impact. That clarity helps me channel my energy.”

She encourages others to explore the right spaces. “If you’re passionate, dive in. Organizations like JCI can fast-track your journey. But ask yourself first: Do you have the heart to volunteer, and do you want to grow?”

For Boluwatife, a 400-level Nursing student, volunteering is rooted in empathy and justice. She works with a non-governmental organization focused on young people and women. “What motivated me was my discomfort with how women are constantly victims of their environment, people around them, and systemic issues,” she says.

A standout experience for her was interviewing teenage mothers during an NGO-led study, experience she describes as both eye-opening and deeply moving.

Beyond that, volunteering has offered her a profound sense of purpose. “It allows me to help others rather than always being on the receiving end,” she explains. It has also taught her how to manage time effectively and multitask, essential skills for any nursing student.

While she acknowledges the difficulty of juggling volunteering with academic work, she believes the benefits outweigh the challenges. “My advice? Start small. Begin with things that truly matter to you. Every little effort counts.”

For Chris, volunteering merges creativity with cultural preservation. A member of the Thursday Film Series (TFS), he helps organize weekly themed film screenings in collaboration with producers, directors, and creatives. “Our themes align with events like Black History Month or Women’s Month,” he explains. “Each film tells a story that educates and preserves heritage.”

One of his favorite moments was meeting with writer Ever Obi during a post-screening discussion, which made the experience even more enriching. Volunteering with TFS has helped Chris sharpen his communication and public speaking skills. He’s learned how to host discussions, anchor events, and connect with a wide network, skills he says have enhanced every aspect of his life.

Of course, the work comes with sacrifices. Screenings sometimes clash with classes, particularly general courses, and the workload can be exhausting. Still, Chris finds fulfillment in the impact. “When you want to volunteer, choose something that genuinely interests you,” he advises. “You’re not only growing, but also contributing to others’ development. But don’t neglect your academics, balance is key.”

For Yusroh, volunteering is about aligning passion with purpose. She takes part in student-led programs and clubs that promote the SDGs. Depending on her availability, she volunteers in various capacities, each experience shaping her growth.

One of her most memorable moments was visiting an orphanage for the first time with her club. “It was an eye-opening experience,” she recalls. “I learned so much from that visit.” She is also part of the Heroes and Heroines initiative, where volunteers teach schoolchildren. Through such activities, Yusroh has developed essential skills like time management, multitasking, and communication.

Volunteering, she says, has even improved her academic focus and allowed her to build meaningful relationships. “I also take on publicity roles during events, which has taught me a lot about planning and teamwork.”

Her main challenge is managing her time, especially when volunteering clashes with exams or lectures. Her solution? Plan ahead and know your limits. “Start with short-term projects if long ones are too demanding. Focus on what fits your schedule and always give your best,” she advises. “Don’t just participate, strive to make an impact.Ultimately, these student voices reveal that volunteering is more than just an extracurricular activity. It is a path to self-discovery, empowerment, and growth. Whether fueled by passion, driven by purpose, or motivated by professional aspirations, each student carries a story of learning, resilience, and transformation.

From managing impactful community projects to mentoring children and hosting cultural events, they have gained skills and insights no classroom can provide. And while balancing academics with service isn’t always easy, their journeys prove that volunteering is not a distraction—it’s a defining part of who they are becoming.