Upon revisiting the humane association, I discovered that there was new management. I also noticed that the facility was much cleaner and organized than I remembered. The new owner is very dedicated to keeping the place clean and safe for all of it’s animals. 

For my first visit, the owner just asked me to get familiar with the animals. I would move room to room, visiting with cats of all ages, sizes, and colors. Almost all of the cats were very friendly, and each cat was well taken care of. I made my way to the very back cat room, where newly arrived cats and newborn kittens were being taken care of. I was asked to help the cats get familiar with people so that they would be easier to adopt. Some of these cats were sick, so I had to make sure to wash my hands between touching each cat.

For my second visit, I spent more time with the dogs. Although I love cats, I’m very allergic, which made it difficult to care for them. I played with the dogs for a while, before checking and making sure they had enough food and water. I swept the floors of the dog rooms, wiped down chairs, and changed their papers. The dogs were very hyper and eager for attention, so I did end up getting bit once. I honestly didn’t mind it all that much.

At my final visit, I spent time with both dogs and cats. I started out playing with the kittens, cleaning their litter boxes, and sweeping the floors. I also brushed the cats and let them lay on my lap. After that, I moved to the dog rooms. Again, I made sure they had food, water, and clean papers. At that time, the owner of the facility introduced me to a new dog named Piper. She’s a one year old Border Collie, and I fell in love with her. I took a lot of pictures and videos to show my dad, and I’m still trying to convince him to let us adopt her. 

First off, it’s taught me how to manage my time. I had to learn how to better manage my time when finding out when I could volunteer. I’m busy most days with practices, rehearsals, and schoolwork. It has also taught me how to be more flexible. Things in the workplace, in school, and anywhere else do not always go according to plan. I have learned to adjust to the situations thrown at me and handle them properly and efficiently. Volunteering at this facility has also helped me gain experience talking with people I don’t know. I am normally very quiet and keep to myself, but in a work environment I must adjust and be more extroverted. 

I believe that all high school students definitely should have to do community service. Participating in community service not only helps the organization you’re volunteering for, but it can also help the volunteer gain knowledge and experience. Community service can help build one’s leadership skills and prepare them for the work environment. Many non-profit organizations, such as the humane association I volunteer for, count on volunteers to help keep them afloat. Requiring community service in all high schools will help these organizations thrive and better our community. 

Some believe community service should not be required in schools. They defend their argument by explaining that volunteer work shouldn’t be forced upon students, and it defeats the whole purpose of volunteering. I simply disagree. Some students wouldn’t ever consider going out and serving their community, but by requiring it, all students get to experience what it feels back to give back.