The Real Life Community: A Volunteer's Perspective

When deciding what to do in order to complete my local service for the Youthlinc Service Year, Real Life was among the most recommended and praised. I decided to give it a try and looked forward to engaging with students from all different backgrounds. I definitely approached the opportunity with high expectations and was met with something way better than I could have imagined.

The support from staff at the school and with Real Life was unmatched and many of the employees became like family. They were always there to support me and encourage me to push myself beyond what I thought myself capable of. I was encouraged to take some leadership roles and facilitate activities. The staff continues to reach out to me and check up on me even though I am no longer able to help with the program. I have made lifelong connections with them and my fellow volunteers.

Each time I did the program I saw my fellow volunteers blossom into people who cared more about those around them and wanted to engage with the community. I was able to get my brother to join the second year I participated and seeing his empathetic and kind side really shine was so incredible and rewarding. It brought us closer and taught me things about him that I had not known before.

Real Life makes you a part of something bigger than yourself and showed me just how much good there is in the world. I learned that there is a whole generation of students who look up to us and are willing to learn

from us as long as we show them some love and respect. The students really were the highlight of the program and taught me so much about the world around me. The kindness they showed despite their background was truly inspiring. Beneath everything they are going through they are

pure and kind and make an effort to connect with everyone around them.

Returning multiple years was especially interesting to me as I saw students who I had met the previous year come back excited to engage again. They really love the Real Life program and you can see how important it is to their lives. Not being able to come back another year has left a vacancy in my life. I love the program and the people in it and have found a community full of love, kindness,

and happiness. I hope to return to the program occasionally and check up on everything they are doing. They don’t just impact the students but everyone involved. I met some of the most selfless and kind people and am forever grateful to have been a part of the program. To anyone looking to contribute to this program I would say do it, my only warning is that once you are a part of this community you will never want to leave.

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We love Sophia and the goodness that is her. If you or someone you know wants to make a difference in our local community, consider joining the Real Life community! You never know how much you are needed. Real Life require volunteers to be 16 or turn 16 before May 2026 and commit to serving two hours a day, one day a week from November to May. Volunteers can sign up here: https://www.reallifeut.org/volunteer