When students hear the words “service hours,” many think about college applications or honor societies. even though service hours are not required at our school, they still play a big role in student life. Some students rush to get hours at the last minute, while others avoid them completely. But service hours are more than just something to list on a résumé. When students choose to get involved, service hours can have real benefits that last far beyond high school.

One major benefit of service hours is the chance to help others in a real and direct way. School can sometimes feel focused only on grades, tests, and deadlines. Volunteering pushes students to look outside themselves and notice what their community needs. Whether it is helping at a food pantry, tutoring younger students, or volunteering at local events, service reminds students that small actions can make a real difference.

Genesis Mejia, senior, shared how volunteering changed her view on service. “At first, I only started volunteering because I thought it would help for college.But after a while, I realized how much people actually depended on the help. It made me feel like my time mattered,”

Service hours also help students grow as people. Volunteering often places students in new situations where they have to talk to people they do not know, follow instructions, and solve problems on their own. These experiences help build confidence and responsibility. Unlike group projects in class, service work often comes with real consequences. People are counting on you to show up and do your part.

Another important benefit of service hours is learning new skills. Many volunteer opportunities teach skills that are not always covered in the classroom. Students learn how to communicate clearly, manage their time, and work as part of a team. These skills are useful not only for college, but also for jobs and everyday life. Volunteering can also help students explore careers they might be interested in.

Harper Linthicum, a junior, talked about how service hours helped her discover new interests. “I volunteered at a community center, and I didn’t think I would like it at first,” McCabe said. “But I ended up really enjoying working with kids. It made me think about jobs I never considered before.”

Service hours can also help students feel more connected to their community. Many students spend most of their time at school or at home, rarely interacting with people outside their age group. Volunteering gives students the chance to meet people of different ages, backgrounds, and experiences. This can help students become more understanding and open-minded. It also makes the community feel more familiar and welcoming.

In addition, service hours can help reduce stress in an unexpected way. While volunteering may seem like just another thing to add to a busy schedule, many students find it refreshing to do something different from schoolwork. Helping others can give students a sense of purpose and balance. Instead of worrying about grades for a few hours, students can focus on being helpful and present.

Of course, service hours are not perfect. Sometimes students choose volunteer work only because it is easy or quick. Other times, students feel pressure to get hours even when they are already overwhelmed. But these problems do not mean service hours are bad. They mean the way students approach them matters. When students choose causes they care about, service becomes more meaningful and less stressful.

Service hours also help prepare students for life after high school. Colleges and employers often look for people who are involved, responsible, and willing to help others. Volunteering shows that a student can commit to something outside of required schoolwork. More importantly, it helps students develop values like empathy and teamwork, which are important no matter what path they choose.

Service hours should not be about competition or bragging rights. They should be about growth, learning, and connection. Students who take the time to volunteer often gain more than they expect. They gain new skills, new perspectives, and a stronger sense of who they are.

In the end, service hours are not just about helping others, they help students, too. When students choose to get involved, service hours can become one of the most rewarding parts of their high school experience.