By Ashley Johnson/reporter

Volunteering while at TCC provides benefits for students later, a TR student development associate told about 30 students Sept. 24.

“Work done in the community can help with university applications,” Laura Escamilla said.

In Giving Back to the Community, she said volunteering helps students transferring to four-year schools since many universities are interested in students’ activities at TCC.

Volunteering brings more than just educational benefits. Volunteers gain new skills that can prepare them for the workplace and give them “a sense of belonging,” Escamilla said.

“I’m an introvert by nature,” she said. “I love working with people one-on-one. Volunteering can help you determine what your passion is and help you find out what organizations are out there.”

After finding an organization, students should take a trip to the agency, find a contact person or check online for more information about how to get involved, Escamilla said.

“Be honest with yourself and make sure that you have enough time to make a lasting commitment,” she said.

Students can find out how to take part in campus volunteer opportunities through TCC’s volunteer hub, Escamilla said. The student section of WebAdvisor contains a link to a list of several organizations that all five TCC campuses work with. 

Escamilla showed pictures of TR Campus’ past involvement in Habitat for Humanity’s Cowtown Brush-up, a project designed to paint the homes of economically disadvantaged people. The I.M. Terrell Elementary PAWS literacy program, which allows volunteers to read to children below the reading level, also caught some students’ attention.

“How many kids do you have to work with and at what time?” TR student Lachelle Robinson asked.

Volunteers need to work with only one child, and it’s a one-time-a-week commitment during elementary school hours, Escamilla said.

“It’s a tremendous program,” she said.

Escamilla explained how to sign into the volunteer hub. Students can also visit her office in the Idea Store on TR Campus if they have any other questions about volunteering.