Helping Hands

Program Coordinator: Hope Aquino-ChienProgram Assistant: Linkin Yang

Student Coordinators: Simi Juriasingani, Nareesa Karamali, Manvi Kaushal

2017-2018 Edition

You have brains in your head.You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself in anydirection you choose.You’re on your own.

And you know what you know.And And YOU are the only one who’ll

decide where you go- Dr. Suess

General Orientation

Baking at RMH

Pumpkin Decor

Another great start to the fall and winterterm! Our new VIPs had the chance to meet each other as well as theCoordination Team. A few icebreakers andadminstrative tasks later, it was clearthat this wouldbe the start of amazing VIP terVIP term.

The first social event of the year! A few ofour VIPs went to the Ronald McDonald House in London to bake cookies and muffins! It was a great opportunity to give back to the London community and the baked goods were delicious. Everyone hada great time and it was a great teama great time and it was a great teambuilding experience.

A fun de-stressing event as school wasstarting to get busy. VIPs got togetherto watch a Halloween movie and decorate mini pumpkins. Pictured here are our top three winners, who recievedsome awesome VIP merchandise for their creations!creations!

A year in review

Yoga with WEC

Career Workshop

Therapy Dogs

In the midst of midterm season, students often forget to take some time out of theirdays to take care of themselves. VIP offereda free yoga session in collaboration withthe Wellness Education Centre to encourage out volunteers to take care ofthemselves and destresthemselves and destress.

An event offerend in collaboration with theStudent Success Centre, where VIPs learnedhow to market themselves and draw upontheir VIP experience when applying for jobs.The workshop consisted of in-depth resumeand LinkedIn tutorials. VIP attendees were also given the opportunity to have also given the opportunity to have professional headshots taken!

VIP’s campus wide event was a hugesuccess. St. John’s Therapy Dogs came tohelp Western students de-stress during thebusy exam season. Everyone loved having them in the Mustang Lounge and it wasgreat to see so many smiles!

A year in review

Team PotluckVIPs gathered to share their VIP experienceand to celebrate the New Year! It was a memorable event filled with laughterand tasty food.

Cupcake Decor

Pizza Night

VIPs felt the love in the air and got togetherto decorate some yummy cupcakes. Eachwas a beautiful creation and it was clearwe had some talented artists!

A perfect way to relax and end the yearadmist a busy exam season. March called for a super chill event and VIPs were treated with pizza and a privatescreeinging of Guardians of the Galaxy.

A year in review

5Unexpected Benefitsof Volunteering

Creating a Network

A Sense of Purpose

By: Nareesa Karmali

A big part of being a volunteer is allowing yourself to observe the impact that your actions have on those around you. This tends to help volunteers to get in touch with their sense of compassion, as well as find meaning in the volunteer work they do. Whether it be baking for others at the Ronald McDonald House or providing your assistance at Learning Skills Services, volunteering allows individuals to realize that they have something valuable to offer others with their time, knowledge and dedication. No volunteer work goes unnoticed – each hour spent committing yourself to a cause without reward is greatly appreciated by those on the receiving enend, which is, without a doubt, something to be proud of.

Volunteering requires constant contact with both the recipients of the volunteer work and fellow volunteers, allowing for interaction with a group of a rich variety of cultures, careers and shared interests. Volunteering can help an individual gain experience in their field of interest, as well as meet like-minded individuals which may serve as network prospects in the future. Additionally, volunteering can provide for a basis on which an individual can choose a career that reflects their value system, and which will allow them to continue to donate their time and effort to a cause of interest. Ultimately, volunteering offers the opportunity to test out different career paths without making a fullwithout making a full-time commitment!

5Unexpected Benefitsof Volunteering

Develop Transferrable Skills

There is a plethora of volunteer opportunities both here at Western University and elsewhere in the community, all of which provide for unique experiences involving a wide variety of disciplines. Volunteering is a great way to explore your interests and get to know the challenges and rewards involved. Sometimes, a volunteer experience can help you discover a skill or interest you were previous unaware of, and you can strengthen your sense of identity by expanding your horizons through volunteering. Understanding your skills, goals, and interests is the foundation of a strong sense of self, and can help in future career success

Just because volunteer efforts are unpaid, it does not mean that they do not offer any value to you! The transferrable skills gained through volunteer experience can expand your opportunities, both career and social, by a great deal. Volunteer experience often involves working with others, which can assist in developing strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work with different personalities and leadership types. Moreover, volunteerism can help you gain skills like good teamwork, dedication, and problem-solving, all of which can be utilized in future workplaces and other opportunities

Identify Your Goals and Interests

Fulfillment: The Happiness EffectResearchers at the London School of Economics examined the relationship between volunteering and happiness, and found that the more an individual was able to give back to their community, the higher their self-rated happiness! In fact, the odds of being “very happy” increased 7% for those who volunteered monthly, and 12% for people who volunteered every biweekly. Volunteering can help increase a sense of self-worth, while building empathy and creating new social bonds – all factors that can increase your happiness. After all, is there anything that makes you smile more than the opportunity to create positive change on a global scale?

Recognition NightMarch 28th, 2018

Recognition NightMarch 28th, 2018

From your VIP Coordination Team

Thank You !

VIPs dedicate a great amount of time and effort into their positions. With the hard work and efforts of each individual, this program could not run as successfully as it does. Thank you for volunteering with VIP, making a difference across campus and making an impact on the Western student experience.