Inquiry About Volunteer Recommendation Letters and High School Events

DRAFT A LETTER FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST TO ATTEND THE BRASS FOR AFRICA STUDENT VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 29 to 33.        International Student Volunteers (ISV) is a California-based non-profit volunteer organization. Since 2002, more than 35,000 students have joined ISV to volunteer and make a difference during their summer break. One of ISV's programs, High School Program (HSP), combining volunteer work and adventure travel, is an 18-day program for high school students aged 15-18. Since its first launch in 2007 in Australia for the first time, HSP has provided opportunities for students to make a difference to communities and those in need while learning about responsibility and global issues.        Each group of students is led by a seasoned ISV leader and accompanied by a High School leader (either teacher or coach) throughout their trip. HSP's regional staff are available to provide timely help. Students can live, travel and learn in a fun environment. There are a lot of activities that build good characters and inspire students to contribute their efforts and time to communities. For a couple of days, students can visit local areas and learn about their cultures or difficulties faced by local people. For the other days, they can join adventure activities to step out of their comfort zone and challenge themselves.        High school students can choose among three countries - Costa Rica, Dominican Republic or Thailand to spend their trip. HSP intends to expand their network to other countries. If you're a high school student, give it a shot!(Adapted from http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/)Question 9.What is the passage mainly about?A.HSP – a prominent volunteer programB.Volunteers in some developing countriesC.ISV- non-profit volunteer organizationD.Volunteer activities in CaliforniaQuestion 10.The word opportunities in paragraph 1 is closest in meaning to ______.A.scholarshipsB.changesC.chancesD.facilitiesQuestion 11.According to paragraph 1, ______ has enabled students to make a difference to communities and those learning about responsibility and global issues.A.HSPB.ISVC.ThailandD.Costa RicaQuestion 12.Which of the followings is TRUE according to the passage?A.HSP is the combination of volunteering and adventure travel.B.HSP was introduced for the first time in 2002.C.Students can now go on HSP trips to five countries.D.There are three people directly in charge of each group of students.Question 13.The word that in paragraph 2 refers to ______.A.activitiesB.issuesC.studentsD.characters

The Importance of VolunteeringMauri Rapp1Today’s high school students lead hectic lives. Between classes, extracurricular activities, and part-time jobs, many teens have little free time. Although most students would prefer to spend their downtime hanging out with friends, it’s important for students to incorporate volunteering into their schedules. Volunteering is a wonderful way to make new acquaintances while learning about civic duty and pride. Volunteering can also help you stand out among the thousands of other anonymous students applying to college. In addition, it’s extremely gratifying to know that you’re making a difference.2One major benefit of volunteering is social interaction. Volunteering affords you the opportunity to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds. These people may become your lifelong friends. You’ll also learn how to collaborate with new people to reach a common goal. Meeting new people is a great way to expand your interests. New friends can introduce you to exciting hobbies and teach you new skills. Volunteering also helps introverted students develop confidence and self-esteem. There’s no reason to agonize over meeting other volunteers. You’ll soon discover that volunteer organizations are extremely inclusive. This can alleviate any fears you might have about not fitting in with the group.3Volunteering also shows students what it takes to keep a community operating smoothly. Participating in roadside cleanups or planting trees around town will help you realize the enormous amount of effort it takes to keep a city sparkling. Becoming a junior councilperson and attending town meetings will enhance your understanding of the dilemmas that preoccupy your municipal leaders. Volunteering at local preschools or senior centers teaches you compassion while showing you how people in the community care for one another. Volunteering can also help you with your career aspirations. It may even “inspire you” to become a civic leader.4Volunteering is also a phenomenal addition to your college applications. It gives you an advantage over other students who didn’t volunteer in high school. A record of volunteerism shows prospective colleges that you’re an accomplished individual with many interests. Volunteering also tells admissions counselors that you’re active in your community, meaning that you’ll likely participate in campus activities, school fundraisers, and other university programs. Counselors often select students who take pride in their community because they know these students will demonstrate the same pride for their school.5Although volunteering might seem strenuous, it doesn’t have to be! Make volunteering less laborious by joining a program that complements your interests. If you love animals, consider donating your time to a local shelter. Students who adore reading might volunteer for story hour at the neighborhood library. Athletes can offer to coach little league teams or referee scrimmages. If there isn’t a volunteer program that suits your interests, establish one yourself. Not only will you be helping your community, but you’ll also gain leadership experience. Remember, volunteering isn’t just about helping others—it’s an invaluable experience that teaches you about yourself!QuestionWhich statement shows how volunteering can be beneficial to college applications?ResponsesA Volunteering affords you the opportunity to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds.Volunteering affords you the opportunity to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds.B Volunteering is a wonderful way to make new acquaintances while learning about civic duty and pride.Volunteering is a wonderful way to make new acquaintances while learning about civic duty and pride.C Volunteering at local preschools or senior centers teaches you compassion while showing you how people in the community care for one another.Volunteering at local preschools or senior centers teaches you compassion while showing you how people in the community care for one another.D Volunteering also tells admissions counselors that you’re active in your community, meaning that you’ll likely participate in campus activities, school fundraisers, and other university programs

Why are you interested in volunteering at this facility?

Role of the youth in strengthening volunteerism and the importance of voluntary action