Derushka first began volunteering as a way to enhance her résumé, as she was looking to pursue medical school. However, her volunteer experiences became much more than relevant work experience. “Volunteering helped me grow as a person,” she says. She developed professional, communication and problem-solving skills, built new connections and gained new friends. “You meet people with similar interests, and because of that, I’ve made lifelong friends,” she says.

Derushka says some of the benefits she's reaped through volunteering include increased self-confidence, a higher sense of achievement and more motivation. "Volunteering makes me feel like I'm part of something bigger," she says. "For me, volunteering is all about feeling good. It makes me feel happy—and it feels good to give back.”