On a scorching summer afternoon sophomore Taylor Massey arrives at work at Ko Martial Arts (KOMA). Massey sits down in her chair behind the counter at the front entrance of KOMA. She answers phone calls, enters information into the computer, restocks merchandise and snacks and answers students’ questions. Like many other high schoolers, Massey found work to keep busy during the two and a half months off from school. However, unlike other teens who find jobs over the summer, Massey doesn’t get paid for her work.Like other teens, Massey enjoys putting summer’s prolonged amount of free time to good use and making the most out of it through community service.
“I volunteer at KOMA whenever there is a major event such as testing or a tournament and work behind the counter,” Massey said.
On days that a tournament is held, she arrives early in the morning to set up equipment. Massey then stays for the tournament to keep score and makes sure it is running smoothly. Her volunteer work hasn’t gone unnoticed and has impacted both the staff and the students.
“I have affected the staff by supporting them and helping finishing tasks,” Massey said. “I am also there for the students if they need help or have a question.”
While some high schoolers would rather relax during the summer, Massey enjoys going to work and helping the staff and students.
“I volunteer there because it is a comfortable environment for me, and everyone is so kind,” Massey said. “I have met a lot of people there and have a ton of fun while I’m there.”
Massey, who is an active member of the KAY Club, enjoys volunteering during the school year and over the summer.
“I spend time volunteering because community service is important to me,” Massey said. “It is a lot of fun. I get to spend time with friends and family while helping out. Most people think of community service as an obligation instead of something that can be enjoyable.”
Other students don’t have to go out of their way to find community service opportunities.
Sophomore Gabbi Miller is an avid swimmer who has swam for the Kansas City Blazers for three years. Not only does Miller compete for the Blazers, but she also volunteers for events hosted by the Blazers.
“If I’m helping out at a swim meet I might time [races] or announce the meet,” Miller said. “Or if I’m at a triathlon I would pass out waters or help at the finish line.”
Miller said that each team member of the Blazers has to complete 20 hours of community service. However, this isn’t the only factor that motivates her to volunteer.
“I volunteer because the Blazers needed volunteers, and I had times on my hands,” Miller said. “The work my team has put in has brought us closer together as a team, and it shows the community that we are always there to help.”
While many students have found volunteer opportunities right at home, others have traveled across the country to help those in need.
In June sophomore Abby Yi went on a four day long mission trip to St. Louis through her high school ministry at her church, the Christ Community Church. Yi and other high school students renovated a children’s center and women’s center for those who are affected by abuse.
Yi and her fellow volunteers worked in the sweltering summer heat to revitalize and revamp the exterior of the children and women’s centers.
“The condition of the children and women’s centers were really run down,” Yi said. “Before we worked, the fronts of the buildings did not look inviting at all.”
As she and her fellow volunteers worked at the centers, they were able to meet the owners and see how their work affected them and their businesses. However, the appreciation of the work they did wasn’t limited to just the owners, but to other members of the community.
“[The owners] were so grateful for us to come help them,” Yi said. “The owner actually went down to the hardware store to get some more supplies and overheard people talking about seeing teenagers working on the rundown kids’ center.”
While renovating the children’s and women’s centers, Yi wasn’t able to meet the residents, but she’s optimistic that the work she did improved their lives in a positive way.
“I hope we somehow affected [the women and children’s] lives for the better by helping create a safe place for them,” Yi said.
Whether it’s in his or her community right at home or in another state, students have found ways to make the most out of their free time during summer and enjoy doing it, too.
“I like doing community service because it’s a great feeling knowing you contributed to helping others,” Yi said.
