Student/Parent Portal
At York School CA, a group of international students, including Winnie, has been volunteering at the local SPCA, a commitment that’s become more than just time spent with animals. For students studying abroad, volunteering serves as a bridge to the local community, a way to build life skills, and a source of invaluable personal growth. Winnie’s journey as an SPCA volunteer demonstrates how these experiences can profoundly impact students’ academic lives, character, and future aspirations.
Finding Purpose Through Service
For Winnie, the motivation to volunteer began with a deep-seated love for animals. “I’ve always had a deep love for animals, and volunteering at the SPCA seemed like a meaningful way to make a difference,” she shared. “Seeing animals in need of care and affection motivated me to help them find the safety and love they deserve.”
International students often seek out volunteer opportunities to find a purpose beyond academics. Volunteering offers a structured way to contribute to the local community and to build connections that feel authentic and rewarding, creating a sense of home and belonging in a new environment.
A Typical Day: Responsibility in Action
In her role at the SPCA, Winnie spends time in the adoption center, where her responsibilities include feeding animals, cleaning their spaces, and socializing with cats and dogs. “I volunteer in the cats and dogs adoption center, so I only spend my time with cats and dogs,” Winnie explained. “I also socialize with them to help build trust, especially for the animals who might have come from difficult backgrounds.”
Through this work, she’s developed crucial skills like time management, responsibility, and patience. These traits don’t just make a difference in her role at the SPCA—they also enhance her approach to academics. Handling real-life responsibilities like animal care helps students grow into focused, conscientious individuals who are better equipped to balance their studies with personal commitments.
Building Connection and Empathy
One of Winnie’s most memorable experiences involved a shy dog who had been abandoned. “At first, he avoided people, but gradually, he started coming closer during feeding times. One day, he surprised me by putting his head on my lap,” she recalled. “It was an unforgettable moment that showed how trust can be built with patience.
Such experiences of building connection and trust not only impact how students engage with animals but also how they interact with peers, teachers, and the community around them. Volunteering fosters empathy, patience, and cross-cultural understanding, which translate into greater confidence and ease in new social and academic settings.
Shaping Future Goals and Character
For many students like Winnie, volunteering is more than just a temporary experience; it shapes their future. “Volunteering at the SPCA has deepened my empathy and patience. It’s helped me understand the impact of care and commitment, and it’s reinforced my desire to work in fields that help others, whether that’s animals or people, as part of my future goals.”
These aspirations show that international students often develop clearer ideas about their future paths through volunteering. Whether their goals involve community service, animal care, or simply contributing to society, these experiences equip students with a vision that guides both their studies and career ambitions.
Encouraging Service for Growth
Winnie’s story is just one example of how international students benefit from volunteer work. It offers them real-world experiences, personal growth, and a deeper sense of connection to their new communities. For international students, volunteering isn’t just about fulfilling hours—it’s about learning, growing, and discovering who they are in an unfamiliar place.
If you’re a part of an international student’s journey, consider how engaging in local service can enrich their journey. Volunteering is an incredible opportunity to build meaningful skills and memories, leaving a lasting impact both on the individual and the community.
