Recently, I had the opportunity to volunteer at an event through my job, where we made chocolate-covered pretzels with children from various backgrounds. The experience was heartwarming, challenging, and full of lessons that I’ll carry with me as I navigate the year ahead. These children, many of whom did not speak English, ranged in age from 3 years old to elementary school students. Despite the language barrier and the diverse backgrounds, the joy on their faces and the connections we made transcended words. Here are a few life lessons that stuck with me after the event.
How Volunteering Reminded Me of these Simple Lessons
Working with athletes is clutch. One of the most memorable aspects of the event was how it reminded me of the value of working with athletes. As I began setting up each camper’s station, which involved putting out parchment paper, pretzel rods, decorations, and melting chocolate, it quickly became clear that I couldn’t manage everything on my own. Fortunately, I had a volunteer by my side—a high school soccer athlete. She was a lifesaver.
I gave her a few instructions at the beginning, but from that point on, she needed minimal direction. She was proactive in helping with tasks I hadn’t even mentioned, and she was incredibly supportive of the campers. This experience reinforced something I’ve always believed: athletes bring so much more to the table than just physical skills. They are adaptable, quick learners, and natural leaders—traits that are invaluable in any setting, whether on the field, in the workplace, or, in this case, at a volunteer event. It’s no wonder hiring managers often see athletes as multifaceted and highly valuable candidates.
A smile can make a persons day. Another powerful lesson I learned was the universal language of kindness. Throughout the event, I encountered children who were unsure of themselves as they decorated their pretzels. A simple smile and a thumbs-up worked wonders. Even without speaking the same language, those small gestures conveyed encouragement and pride. The children’s faces lit up as they realized they were doing a great job. This reminded me of the importance of positive reinforcement, especially in environments where communication can be challenging. A smile can make a world of difference, whether you’re working with children or interacting with others in your daily life.
Discipline is an intentional trait. One of the more amusing moments of the day came when I noticed several children eagerly devouring their pretzels before the chocolate had even dried. I couldn’t blame them—the treats looked and smelled amazing! But it got me thinking about the parallels between this behavior and how we, as adults, sometimes handle money. Just like those kids who couldn’t resist their freshly made snacks, many of us find ourselves spending our paychecks as soon as they hit our bank accounts. While the children haven’t yet developed the discipline to wait, as adults, we can work on building more disciplined habits when it comes to managing our finances. Learning to delay gratification and plan for the future is a skill that takes time to develop, but it’s one that can pay off in the long run.
Embracing the entrepreneurial spirit can get so much done. Lastly, the event was a reminder that things don’t have to be perfect to be successful. The space wasn’t exactly set up for decorating pretzels, and I didn’t have a team of volunteers to help me prepare for each session. But, as many entrepreneurs know, perfection isn’t necessary to create something meaningful. Despite the rush to set up camper stations, clean dishes, and melt chocolate between sessions, I believe every child had a great time. This experience reinforced the idea that sometimes, you just have to dive in, do your best with what you have, and trust that it will all come together.
Volunteering at this event was more than just a fun day with kids—it was a reminder of important life lessons. From the value of teamwork and the power of a smile to the importance of patience and the realization that perfection isn’t required, these lessons are ones I’ll carry with me as I navigate the year ahead. Volunteering has a unique way of offering perspective, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow through this experience.