There is too much bad news in the world. Flip on the news and you will instantly hear words like AIDS, poverty, famine, homelessness, foreclosure, pollution and the list goes on and on. I don’t want to sit in front of the TV and hear these types of things just to say, “Oh, how awful” and twiddle my thumbs.

This is the reason I go out and volunteer. Whether it be fundraising for a cause or visiting a lonely patient at the hospital, I know that I will be making a difference. No matter how small, it is still a difference, and little things can really add up.

I began volunteering as a way to help others, yet the more I got out there, the more I learned that the benefit was mutual. Volunteering helps you get to know yourself — who you are, what you believe in, what you are passionate about.

I have been volunteering at the Mary Greeley Medical Center since last summer, and I absolutely love it. I get to sit and talk with real patients who are either in need of extra care or just someone to talk to. I quickly realized that I love being around patients, and I love letting them feel like someone cares for them. Through this volunteer program, I was able to build greater confidence in my future plan to work at a hospital, while gaining valuable experiences.

Now I want to encourage you to get out there, too. The 10,000 Hours Show is a student-led organization that encourages volunteerism in the Ames community by connecting students with volunteer opportunities. Any registered member who logs at least 10 hours of community service on their Web site will be recognized with a free ticket to a concert the organization hosts at the end of April.

On Jan. 19, 2011, the 10,000 Hours Show will be co-hosting a Volunteer Fair at the Memorial Union’s Campanile Room from 5 to 9 p.m. Many nonprofits in search of volunteers will be there, making this a great opportunity for you.

Community service is an important way to get involved in issues we care about while gaining a greater insight into ourselves and the world. I hope to see you at the fair this January and at the concert as well!