The Purpose of Volunteering

During the holiday season, it is known that people are more generous, more forgiving, especially when it comes to helping the less fortunate. But really, is it for the less fortunate or for them? As a high school student, since freshman year, I've been told that the best way to stand out is to do as many extracurricular as possible. Fill out that resume with as many volunteer positions as possible. Add a couple sports and instruments into the mix. But in reality, by trying to help others, most people have an ulterior motive. They are just helping themselves, but trying to justify it by saying they're really doing it for others. As I was binge watching friends (for the millionth time), I came upon the episode where Phoebe and Joey make a bet. Phoebe claims that she will do whatever it takes to find an unselfish good deed. She even goes to such lengths to let bees sting her. But every good deed she came across, it would always maker her feel good in the end. So it goes to show, is the good deed more for you or for them? In my opinion, I believe it's ok to do good deeds that end up making you feel good. It really only becomes wrong if those good deeds are the reason to try and get something else. For instance, volunteering is a great things to do, but if it's only for the sole purpose to look good on college applications, volunteering ends up being insignificant. I think it's good motivation to do more good deeds. Whether it's helping out at a local animal shelter, or even just picking up trash that isn't yours. Usually, the best good deeds are ones that go unnoticed. When people look for praise when doing something successful, it defeats the purpose in doing the good deed. For instance, nobody would do good deeds if they didn't get any recognition for it. But that is something that needs to change. People should do good deeds just because it's the right thing to do.  People care less about the work they're actually doing, but instead another name that will stand out on a resume. Living in a privileged society, we should think less of ourselves and more on others. There are so many things we can do for others, without trying to put ourselves up on a pedestal. Challenge yourself, do a good deed without looking for praise. You may not feel as good in the moment, but with time, it will definitely become second nature. In the end, you'll feel much better yourself and hopefully come out a better person.