The Importance of Making an Impact at Home

By: Rivi Bero

The biggest thing I have learned from my service journey is that opportunities are waiting for you- you just need to show up! 

Throughout my high school career, I’ve been fortunate to attend a private Catholic school strongly rooted in community service, with community service as a fundamental graduation requirement. For many, this may seem unnecessary, time-consuming, or even impossible due to the large number of hours that can look intimidating to the eye. 

I can confidently say it’s the most possible, gratifying, beneficial, and worthwhile requirement one can have! 

My experience began at a local women's shelter through the Volunteers of America, where my mom accompanied me weekly in the beginning. The bonds I made with kitchen staff, new volunteers, and the women being served instantly sparked the need for me to keep showing up. Whether it was bagging sandwiches, distributing trays, or even assisting with dishes, these acts made me feel as though my effort was appreciated. My effort to continually show up stood out, and how it was making a change in someone's life. 

After completing my required hours, I remember often telling my peers I would be back. I will always believe the most intentional impact is made when you CHOOSE to change a community’s life, not because you NEED to. More importantly, service is purely extraordinary, even with a mandated start. 

My next local service destination was another shelter, this time serving all in need in Salt Lake City. This shelter was similar to the first, and it was interesting to volunteer for both facilities. Currently, I’m at a point where I find volunteering to be one of my hobbies, where I feel so fulfilled afterwards. 

I’ve learned, through firsthand experience, that service doesn’t have to be world-changing. You don’t have to solve major global problems. Even the smallest act one chooses is major enough. You showing up is major enough. Your work is substantial enough. 

After long days at school and work, I especially looked forward to serving a volunteer shift in the evening. I felt as though it was a way to align myself with what really matters. I had to use brain cells, but I could also complete tasks without external stressors and a hindered mind. 

To me, that’s a win-win. 

I am incredibly grateful to be a part of a school community where service is a foundational mission. Even more significantly, I am so fortunate to be a part of Youthlinc, experiencing the goodness of our world- both locally and internationally.