THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, July 26, 1996 TAG: 9607260056
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E2 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Teenology
SOURCE: BY GERRI ASHE, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: 77 lines
DURING THE SUMMER, time can be spent at your leisure. But if you are among the teens who don't have a job or a program to participate in, time can go as slowly as it does in algebra class.
If you are pondering what to do with all your free time, consider volunteering.
In an era where some teens are accused of being concerned only with themselves, there are millions who are willing to donate their time and energy for free.
They are among the 38 million volunteers in the nation, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Statistics.
But figures also indicate teenagers are less likely to perform volunteer services than people aged 20 to 50, despite generally having more spare time than the older age groups.
Some teens say they can't fit in volunteering because they have jobs, play sports or play in the band.
But with so many things to participate in, many teenagers still are motivated to volunteer.
Many feel the need to give back to their communities. Some want to raise money for school projects or functions. Others are just bored.
Also, the ever-present question on college and scholarship applications asks, ``What community service have you participated in?''
With this question lingering in their mind, many teen-agers know that they will participate in volunteering before they graduate.
Adina Strauss, a 15-year-old sophomore at Kempsville High School, volunteered at a battered women's shelter last summer because she wanted to help out.
``I worked with women and children in the day-care center by reading stories or playing a game. The people at the center were very receptive,'' Strauss said. ``It made me feel good to help others.''
Sara Baisey, a 17-year-old senior at Kellam High School, found time was a major obstacle to volunteering. She overcame it by surrendering a teen-ager's most highly regarded day of the week - Friday - to volunteer last December at Witchduck Bingo. The proceeds benefited the high school's all-night graduation celebration, Celebrate Life.
``The idea of volunteering to raise money has been a repeated success for the students participating in the celebration,'' Baisey said.
Nick Brantley, a 17-year-old rising senior at Ridgecroft School in Ahoskie, N.C., was thinking of enhancing his chances of becoming a pharmacist when he began volunteering this year at Roanoke-Chowan Hospital.
Brantley is part of the hospital's summer junior volunteer program for ages 14 and up. Applicants must be completed eighth grade and have earned a grade point average of 80 (which is equivalent to a C) or above.
``Many youth come to the program because they have nothing else to do,'' said Bea Vaughan, manager of customer relations and volunteer services.
This program gives students an opportunity to work in a health-care setting or help them to decide a career, Vaughan said.
It also helps to expose youth to a working world, she said. ``Many of the students prefer to work in pediatrics or radiology,'' Vaughan added.
The Roanoke-Chowan program requires a three-month commitment. A few hours after school can provide a lifetime of learning. ``Many former volunters are now finishing medical school,'' Vaughan said.
Brantley would like to attend medical school, too. His mother, who works at the hospital, suggested that he volunteer there.
Nick is participating in the volunteering program for the first time. ``I hope to gain the satisfaction and experience of the job,'' he said.
Before Nick begins his shift, he must sign in. When he leaves, he is required to sign out. His first day on the job included a trip to the pharmacy.
The job includes many interesting tasks and offers a great deal of learning, Brantley said. ``I will enjoy working in the pharmacy and learning about a pharmacist's career.''
Instead of counting your popsicle stick collection or the ant mounds on the yard, volunteer at a local organizaiton.
Hands-on learning can be a good way to be exposed to the world and excellent technique for learning. So, get busy. ILLUSTRATION: Gerri Ashe by CNB