My Volunteer Story- How Covid-19 Has Impacted Me

As a young girl, I always loved to swim but, it wasn't until my teen years that I really wanted to peruse this passion. I was inspired by many individuals at the pool to become a lifeguard not only because it was a good job but, because I could save people's lives. When I turned 14, I applied to become a swimming volunteer at the local pool. I had my first interview and was ready to begin my training because I would start volunteering the next week. I was so excited to have this opportunity to get to know more people and learn more about lifesaving, that is until Covid-19 hit Ontario. Everything was forced to shut down and that meant the swimming pools as well. I was disappointed but, as the restrictions started to lift, I received an email from the head volunteer coordinator with a list of volunteer opportunities we could participate in. I decided to apply as a Docent at our local gallery as a way of supporting my community during this hard time. Volunteering as a Docent has taught me many things about myself that I would have never learned if I hadn't applied. Although I am not volunteering at the pool now, I have learned that taking opportunities is good because you never know what you will learn from it. I can't wait to get back to the pool and learn about saving people's lives but, I know that in the mean time, I am needed elsewhere!