Why We Love Volunteering At YAA: Interview With A Junior Editor

Youth Are Awesome (YAA) is an amazing committee to be a part of. As a blogger and passionate volunteer, I wanted to dedicate this post to appreciating and promoting Youth Central and volunteerism in general.

To get a closer look at the positive benefits of volunteering at Youth Central, this blog post features an exclusive interview with one of our YAA Junior Editors, Elizabeth. Stay tuned for information on finding new volunteering opportunities, why Youth Central is such a great organization, and advice for new bloggers!

Why Volunteer at Youth Central? 

Motivated by things like university applications, job interviews, or maybe just boredom, students in Calgary are scrambling for meaningful and fulfilling activities to fill their summers with. Volunteering is one of the most rewarding activities amongst youth today, and its rapidly increasing popularity goes hand in hand with difficulties in finding available opportunities in the city.

Here’s where Youth Central (and Youth Are Awesome!) will be your knight in shining armour! With countless opportunities and sub-committees, Youth Central will allow you to access a plethora of new volunteer projects around Calgary. You’ll make new friends and become more connected to your community. As a sweet bonus, the sign-up process is stress free and easy. Everything is on one platform, making it less of a hassle to find open opportunities, track your hours, and get letters of rec. I know the experiences I’ve had during Youth Central projects are ones I’ll never forget.

The Youth Are Awesome blog allows for volunteers to pursue their literary passions, get their voices heard, and gain access to a platform to publish their work on. Other committees include the Mayor’s Youth Council, the Calgary Youth Foundation, and more.

Undeniably, volunteering in general, regardless of where or how, is an experience that will shape you into a better person. Signing up is just the first step!

From The Perspective of a Junior Editor

I asked one of our own Junior Editors, Elizabeth Aluko, about her experiences volunteering with Youth Central and YAA. Hearing her responses during our mini interview allowed me to further appreciate these organizations for all the memories we’ve made. Furthermore, I realized that our work truly does make an impact, on both the people we meet and ourselves.

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Suha: How long have you been volunteering with Youth Central and what inspired you to join YAA?

Elizabeth: I’ve been volunteering with Youth Central for about three years now. Before that, I was quite involved with my local church, which sparked my interest in community service. Over time, I began exploring other opportunities through Youth Central, and that’s how I found Youth Are Awesome. It felt like a natural extension of my passions, especially writing and connecting with others.

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Suha: What is your favourite memory with Youth Central?

Elizabeth: One of my favourite memories was volunteering at a daycare where a child made a little drawing for me and insisted I keep it. It was such a small gesture, but it reminded me how even brief moments of kindness can leave a lasting impression. That experience really stuck with me.

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Suha: What is your favourite Youth Central project and why? What made it so enjoyable?

Elizabeth: Definitely Youth Are Awesome. It’s the one project I’ve consistently returned to, and I love how it gives me the freedom to express my thoughts and tiny passions through writing. It’s a space where youth voices are genuinely valued, and that makes it incredibly rewarding.

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Suha: As a Junior Editor, what advice do you have for new volunteer bloggers?

Elizabeth: Don’t be afraid to write about what excites you. Even if it feels niche or personal. Your voice matters, and the more authentic you are, the more your writing will resonate. Also, engage with other writers! Commenting, sharing, and supporting each other makes the experience so much more meaningful.

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Suha: How did you find out about this opportunity? Where do you suggest aspiring volunteers to look for volunteer opportunities in their community?

Elizabeth: A friend introduced me to Youth Are Awesome by showing me her blog, and I thought the whole concept was so cool. I knew I wanted to be part of it. For anyone looking to get involved, I’d suggest creating a Youth Central account and subscribing to their emails. It’s a simple way to stay updated and discover opportunities that align with your interests.

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To summarize, speaking with Elizabeth solidified my thoughts on how volunteering can provide a space for youth to do what they love, while helping others. It’s truly a win-win situation for everyone involved! We’re grateful for organizations like Youth Central for giving us the platform to express our interests and make an impact.

TL;DR

This blog post appreciates and highlights the benefits of volunteering at Youth Central, especially through its Youth Are Awesome (YAA) committee. Additionally, it reinstates the fact that volunteering is a fulfilling activity that allows you to grow as a person, while giving back to your community.

It features an interview with one of YAA’s Junior Editors, Elizabeth Aluko. During this mini interview, she shares her positive experiences with the organization, as well as advice for new bloggers.

Happy volunteering!