Being a UCAN Volunteer

Posted on 07/28/2012 @ 11:00 PM

Being a UCAN Volunteer

This summer at Impact Chicago I chose to volunteer at an organization called UCAN Chicago. At UCAN there are many programs that help people who have experienced some sort of traumatic event in their lives.

For my first two days spent at UCAN, I gave mock interviews to teens mainly from the projects, just a few years younger than man. These interviews were given to prepare the teens that may not end up going to college for the interview process in the real world. Going into this I really didn’t know what to expect and was somewhat nervous. Early on in the interviews I could see a trend developing; the kids were shy and closed off toward the beginning of the interviews but became more comfortable and open with me toward the end. Learning about each and every one of these kids has taught me to appreciate every minute of my life, and not take anything for granted.

On the third day with UCAN I spent my time in the Western offices filing, making a box for a supply drive, and learning about all that UCAN has done for the city of Chicago. I also learned a lot about this 143 year old organization from the wise women who are a big part of UCAN.

From something as big as preparing the teens for the real world to something that may seem as small as filing, I feel like I am making a huge impact in somebody’s life whether I know them or not. Impact Chicago has changed the way I see my life and surroundings as well as leading by example and helping out whenever and wherever help is needed.

Impact has already changed my life so much, and I can’t wait to work more with UCAN and make even more of an impact.

-Eliana DuBosar