Hi everyone! At this point, I am a sophomore in high school and am dual-enrolled at my local community college. By the end of this spring semester, I will have taken 21 college credits. My SAT score is 2150; I have not yet taken the PSAT or the ACT. So far, I am fairly happy with the way my academic life is progressing. However, I have been a little stuck on volunteer/leadership activities. I would really like to be involved in something that stands out against the typical volunteer stuff, e.g. shelving library books, volunteering at church camp, etc… I would love it if someone could give me some ideas! Unfortunately, my 16th birthday is not until August, so I am not eligible to volunteer/intern at certain organizations. I am on the swim team and track team at my local high school, although I’m not sure if I could ever become team captain. The way it seems to work at my local high school is that the captains are selected based on their popularity and likability, rather than skill. Being that I’m home schooled, I’m not exactly anyone’s first pick. Again, if anyone could give me any good ideas I’d be really grateful!
Have you ever heard of Civil Air Patrol? If not, google it. It’s not a home school organization, but I am home schooled and have done it since I was a freshman (I’m a senior now.) It’s got volunteering, leadership, community service, and lots more. Check it out; it’s great. It doesn’t matter what school you go to; if you work hard, promote, and become a competent cadet, you will get leadership positions.
What do you enjoy doing? Our local homeschoolers offer classes for the younger homeschoolers, start blogs, volunteer with organizations whose work they believe in, write books, volunteer at community events, start businesses, get part-time jobs, and probably much more. Look around and see what’s available to you.
Yes, I have heard of Civil Air Patrol. I am currently involved in it. I have been trying to start a peer tutoring program for home schoolers in my area, so hopefully that will pan out. Unfortunately, a lot of volunteer organizations in my area require you to be at least 16.