“Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together,” Vincent Van Gogh once said.
However, the famous painter was not only referring to art. Ventura is home to a variety of non-profit organizations, all of which share the common interest of nurturing a community full of good Samaritans. Opportunities with local organizations are offered to Foothill Technology High School (Foothill Tech) students through approved agencies in the Ventura community and beyond.
Not only does community service contribute to the welfare of the community, but it also plays an important role in college applications. Students have the chance to get community service awards during graduation based on the number of hours they have served. These awards include silver for 75-99 hours, gold for 100-124 hours, platinum for 125-199 hours and ruby for 200-plus. Such awards are looked at by many colleges, showing commitment towards community engagement in a college applicant. Moreover, community service hours help with finding employment, as they are sought after by employers.
“If you get awards, you can put them on your resume and [include them in] your college application,” Brandi Lewis — Teacher Librarian and head of community service relations at Foothill Tech — said.
Students commonly volunteer within the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) itself, working at VUSD libraries, tutoring students and volunteering for other programs. Colleges especially value hours invested in a student’s personal passions and goals outside of their academic lives.
An example is Foothill Tech’s Wellness Center, a program where members support the overall mental health of the school in exchange for community service hours.
“My dream job is to become a therapist, so this could really boost me in that direction,” wellness peer Isaiah Nevarez said.
There are a variety of options for students with unique interests beyond the gates of Foothill Tech. One could provide services to homeless families in need or help train guide dogs to assist the visually impaired. It is encouraged to branch out of your comfort zone and support a non-profit when applying for community service. Testing new areas unfamiliar to a student can help open an entirely new range of passions and careers.
“Volunteering was also a great way to figure out the things I’m interested in while actively helping those within it,” Ruby Jenkins ‘25 said, a Foothill Tech alumnus.
Sienna Sydlaske is the Youth Librarian Specialist at the E.P. Foster Library. She leads the Teen Advisory Group, another popular option among students for volunteer work. The Teen Advisory Group most notably organizes the well-known Horror in the Stacks – a hand-designed haunted house – among other events.
“[The events] wouldn’t be the success they were if it wasn’t for the teen volunteers,” said Sydlaske, “[The teens are] gonna go on and do great things.”
While community service is a great way to gain experience and prove integrity to others, there is a downside.
“Making students do community service when they’re working; they have to take care of their families, that’s hard to do,” Lewis said.
However, volunteering is no longer a graduation requirement, a development Lewis sees as a positive change since student involvement is still considered satisfactory.
Serving the community is much greater than a checklist to apply for colleges. Non-profits rely on the community for its support; answering the call not only benefits the organization, but the community as a whole. The impact of young students taking time out of their day to contribute to the overall health of the Ventura community certainly leaves its mark.
