Which one should I voulenteer for?

Question

Alright so here is my problem:

I've been dancing since I was 3. When I entered 8th grade I started voulenteering and helping teaching younger kids dance classes and now I'm in 11th grade. This year I'm helping out with a 2nd-3rd grade competiting class and a Kindergarten class. I absolutely love teaching and helping with classes and being with the little kids. The problem is that my mom doesn't like to drive me to and from my dance studio (I don't have my lisecense yet). Plus she just doesn't like me helping out because of other issues she has with my dance teacher.

So awhile back I sent in an application both for a job and to voulenteer at a local YMCA near my house. If I get accepted for voulenteering there I would most likely help in the daycare. Which obviously I like that because I like little kids.

Now I need to decide if I should continue helping at dance even though my mom doesn't like it and not at the Y. Or should I just drop helping at dance and (continued)

and only help at the Y. Or should I attempt to continue doing both? Add to this I already have my dance classes, school and I would like to tutor at my sisters elementary.

So what do you think I should do? And please no rude comments like 'why would you even want to help'

Thanks in advance!!!

Answer 1

There are several different ways you could go about this situation...
You could take alternate means of transportation to the dance class, since your Mom doesn't want to take you
You could take the job at the Y.
You could try to do both, which would probably interfere with all of your other things, or...

Why not keep the job you have now and try out the other one as well for a couple of weeks until you decide which one you like best and would be better for yoru current situation. It may be a little tough to manage your schedule for a couple of weeks, but you will come out of it with the job you really want and know you made the right choice.
BTW, I think you mom should be a little more supportive, even if she has issues with the dance teacher. You are doing something good with your time and it looks wonderful on a college transcript!
Best of luck :o)

Answer 2

I have closely the same background, and volunteered teaching dance at a Boys and Girls Club, while in high school, and later was paid to teach at a YWCA. The great thing about the YMCA, is that if you're applying for college, it will look better on applications, being a nationally well known, and well regarded organization. Plus Id say go with the Y, since you've been with the studio a long time, and this will give you another idea of how an organization is ran.

Also as an employee of a Y, you usually get membership discounts. Another thing is you could get trained to teach adult fitness classes, like a cardio funk or pilates, which might turn into a better paying job or at least more opportunities.

Answer 3

I think it is WONDERFUL that want to volunteer and enjoy doing it - especially when you are helping with the "little ones". I work for the YMCA Kid Watch (drop off childcare while parents are exercising 1-2 hrs.). I think the YMCA is a great place to work and volunteer and if you have the opportunity to work or volunteer for a non-profit organization- go for it! There will be many opportunities for you in the future if you decide to volunteer at the YMCA. It will look good on any resume for college or career and there will always be advancement opportunities with the YMCA.

Don't try and cram to much into your life at your age. Make sure you still have time for school work and keeping your grades up, time for family and friends and other extra curricular activities. Have fun!

Answer 4

Since you are relying on your mother to get to dance, I think you have to take her feelings into account. It's good to get a variety of experiences in your life. Since you've already done the dance thing, I would help out at the Y.
That being said, you should only be helping out if it doesn't overextend you. It sounds like you are burning the candle at both ends. That can get old and you could loose the warm feeling you get from voluteering in the first place.
I am a volunteer so I understand what you get from giving to others. I have also experienced volunteer burn out. Make sure you have the time to dedicate to which ever one you choose and don't feel bad if you don't have time right now for either.

Answer 5

This is hard because you didn't say what issues your mom has with this person. Do you have a local bus to get you there safely by any chance? Would a cab be too expensive? It would for me so I'd understand that too. We just don't know what you have to work with. I think if you LOVE doing what you've been doing, you should be able to keep it up or find someplace closer you can do this? It would be a shame to give up something you love so much. Volunteering is ALSO going to help you get into colleges -- does your mom know this? It helps with grants, etc. Keep up the good work and IGNORE idiot answers. I think it's great -- what you love and are able to do. Wish I could!!

Answer 6

Drop the classes, you have enough on your hands already without adding anything else. Volunteering at the YMCA is a good idea because it's convinient for you and less stressful for your mum. You could try doing both, but it isn't a good idea, especially since you're in your critical years in high school where universities and colleges are looking in to your grades. Good luck with your decision.

Answer 7

go with first option wont find kids at the ymca at least you know safe at classes than would be at a place with strangers notably men of 18 upwards .
the issues with your mum and teacher should not come between your volunteering that's their own issues and isnt fair for you to be dragged into .

Answer 8

im in the same mess. i tutor kids at middle school on tues. and thurs. i have school, i refferee volleyball on saturdays, and i work as a bus boy on all of the other days. AND I STILL HAVE SCHOOL/ SCHOOL WORK!!! :( so i would say try to keep doing both (that's what im gonna do) but if it becomes too much pressure, don't do the tutoring. it's better to stop what you just started than it is to quit oing what you have been doing for 13 years....best of luck to ya!

-mike

Answer 9

I think you should listen to your mom this time around.
For some reason , she doesn't like this situation for you, I would trust her instincts .
As for the Y... that would be very cool, and you could put it on your resume as experience when you are looking for a job down the road.

Answer 10

It is a bother that your mother is not more supportive. I would shift to the Y until you get your license, then shift back.

I do not know enough of your time schedule to suggest doing both