Armaan Brar provides instructions to students for how to sign up for volunteering opportunities. Photo by Jagveer Singh.

Volunteering is helping Lethbridge students meet new people, develop social skills and gain experience outside the classroom.

For a lots of Lethbridge Polytechnic students, busy life happens when trying to balance classes, assignments and part-time jobs.

But most of the students are investing their time in volunteering in community services. These services help students to get more opportunity to interact and help increase their skills and to gain more experience outside the classroom.

Lethbridge volunteers help candidates find career opportunities provided organizations around the city. The community groups share details about various opportunities through their online website, where individuals can search according to their own interests and schedules.

Nicole Bosh, a representative from Volunteer Lethbridge, says the organization wants to help people find opportunities where they can contribute to their community.

“We want to promote some of the amazing opportunities available where people can lend their time and talent,” Bosh said.

According to Bosh, students can take part in different volunteer activities. Some of the activities are for special events that happen only once, while others are regular volunteer work. Students can also contact the office to get help finding a volunteer position that suits them based on their personality.

For Armaan Brar, Lethbridge Polytechnic nursing student, she said volunteering is the way we can connect with different people and we also get a lot of experience. Brar has assisted at information tables and has been a participant in simulation as a patient.

“I just think it’s good experience. You meet new people, get to know people in your program as well,” Brar said.

Bosh believes volunteering is a good way for young people to develop skills while connecting with others.

“I’ve always enjoyed having a chance to meet other people,” Bosh said. “It’s a chance to share your skills or learn new skills at the same time.”

Brar agrees volunteering helps students improve their communication skills.

Volunteering can also help to build a perfect resume for the future jobs with good pay. Bosh explained how volunteering can help provide the references for future job applications.

For Brar, one of the most memorable experiences was participating in a simulation activity with other nursing students.

“I think it would be one of the times that I’ve volunteered, just being the patient. I think it’s fun, just working with your peers,” Brar said.

According to the Bosh, students can find the regular volunteering or casuals events opportunities hoe the students want according to their schedule. Students can also find the volunteering opportunity by visiting their office or by visiting their official site.

Finding time for volunteering is very hard for students with busy class schedule, jobs load and assignment pressure. Brar says she gets the times during the break’s times and after the classes for the volunteering.

“If I have a gap in between my classes, I’ll sign up to volunteer for like two hours or after school,” Brar said.

Bosh said students from both Lethbridge Polytechnic and the University of Lethbridge are interested in volunteer

“We do often hear from a lot of students who are looking for ways to volunteer their time, which is fantastic,” Bosh said.

Brar believes that volunteer can give opportunity to the students to get the chance something to do different from regular classes.

“You’re not just focused on your assignments or just your school or just work. I think it’s a different environment,” Brar said.

With November and December approaching, Volunteer Lethbridge expects more opportunities connected to the holiday season, including special events and activities such as preparing or delivering items.

Bosh encourages interested students to contact the organization or visit its website to explore opportunities.

“Give our office a shout. We’d love to be able to talk to them and talk about some of the different opportunities coming up,” Bosh said.

“I think you meet new people, you gain new experiences,” Brar said. Brar said students can explore available opportunities through Volunteer Lethbridge’s website at volunteerlethbridge.com