Students have countless options for activities during upcoming spring breaks across the Valley, but one in particular can bring huge benefits – immediate and well into their future. See how the choice to volunteer can change a student’s life.

Not only have I volunteered since I was a child, my husband Brad and I have made volunteering a priority for our two sons, ages 14 and 17. We believe volunteering is an avenue for engaging our family in the community and to show our boys the importance of giving back.

When Toby and Westyn were small, we participated in clean up days and packed boxes at a food bank. Now that they are older, they come with me to assemble WeekEnd Hunger Backpacks and WLC Literacy Fairs, where they love reading to children and interacting with families.

The upcoming spring break for schools across the Valley opens a great opportunity for high school and college students to learn the benefits of volunteering. Volunteer work often gives

students an advantage over their peers when applying for colleges, scholarships or their first job. Here are some key reasons why:

1. Volunteering for an organization or project in a student’s field of interest provides an opportunity to try out career options.
2. In addition to academic performance, scholarships often look at demonstrations of character, leadership and service; volunteer work supports those criteria.
3. At the high school and college level, volunteering—especially over time—demonstrates responsibility and commitment to prospective employers (and looks great on a resume).
4. Community service expands a student’s network of contacts and mentors who can provide valuable experience as well as letters of recommendation to help open doors.
5. Volunteering helps develop communication and teamwork skills that colleges, scholarship committees and employers look for among candidates.

Beyond the practical benefits, volunteering gives students the feelings of accomplishment and self-worth that come from making a difference in another person’s life.

My sons feel good about themselves knowing they got up early on a Saturday or did their homework early to make time to volunteer at an evening event. The immediate feedback of seeing people around them smiling—of hearing the appreciation and encouragement from others—all has a positive effect on their self-esteem.

I sincerely believe that once young people discover that their individual efforts can influence an entire community for the better, they are more likely to achieve success both personally and professionally. And as my sons would attest: they’ll also have a lot of fun!

I am thankful to United Way for providing opportunities to volunteer and impact our community as a family.

Kristy Smith is a Phoenix mom and Women's Leadership Council Member. Kristy works at Scholastic.