Comment on "Importance of kids being volunteers" (China Daily, Dec 6)

The beauty of volunteering is that it comes from the heart. People become volunteers only when they are truly passionate about a cause and want to dedicate a part of their busy life to it.

I agree with the idea that universities should recognize volunteer activities of students seeking admission to institutions of higher learning. Some applicants may not have scores as high as their peers in the national college entrance exam, but their sense of commitment and other outstanding qualities could still make them a valuable asset to their prospective schools.

Admission departments in American schools take volunteering very seriously because it reflects some important aspects of a student's character that cannot be gauged by test scores. In some cases, teenagers have been declined admission to schools because they had never done volunteer work.

Volunteering made me step outside of my normal life to help people in need. The March of Dimes is an organization that I have been working with for several years now. I help workers prepare for events, raise money and spread awareness about children born prematurely.

Also, twice a year I work with a group that makes peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for a food shelter in Atlantic City. On Nov 21 last year, we donated enough sandwiches to feed 1,000 people in the city. Playing my part in the event was a life-enriching experience for me.

The spirit of volunteering should encompass the world.

Adriana Principato, via e-mail

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(China Daily 03/12/2013 page10)