The beauty of volunteering: when we do something meaningful with our whole heart

Many young people nowadays are increasingly drawn to volunteering — devoting their energy, effort, capabilities, and knowledge to a good cause, and seeking to make a lasting impact in someone else's life. There is something genuine and inspiring in witnessing this spirit in our generation. For that reason, I want to share with you my short story on volunteering, and why it changed the way I perceive both my life and the life of others.

Back in 2024, I came across the first opportunity to volunteer in an international organization in my country, Morocco. I felt excited. Even though I was a university student at the time and not particularly focused on the external world, duties or formal engagements, I was deeply attentive to something more profound — my inner self, my soul. It felt like a call I had been waiting to answer. Almost like a whisper saying: “Go for it, Anas. Go for it”. I listened to myself. I applied, and I moved forward.

I was invited to interview — and yes! I got accepted! I felt a rollercoaster of emotions. I remember I started dancing that day, feeling that I was doing something right, for a greater purpose. I joined the team, began meeting others, learning about our mission and the experiences ahead of us. I loved absorbing insights and knowledge from others; I found inspiration in them and kept following that inspiration.

Day after day, I began to feel more connected to being a volunteer. I started to act as a volunteer, think as a volunteer, live as a volunteer. What mattered to me was not what I might get in return, but something deeper: what my inner self needed in order to flourish. That became my compass within volunteering.

At the first conference I attended, I felt immense gratitude for the people I met. Through volunteering — through expecting nothing in return — I found myself receiving something far more meaningful: human connection, unique experiences, personal growth, and self-discovery. And that was worth everything, because the things I learned will stay with me forever.

After just six months of volunteering, I was amazed by how much time I had spent doing something meaningful. I wasn't measuring hours: I was measuring how deeply I was enjoying each moment. So I decided to take on another role, then another, joining new organizations, collaborating with new teams, learning about different cultures, connecting with new people.

Eventually, I became part of Purpose Circle — a space that resonated deeply with everything I had come to value through volunteering. I wholeheartedly appreciated the initiative founded by Juan and Stefan, and how the vision of the organization was so thoughtfully conveyed to me by our Community Lead, Maia. I felt the mission of Purpose Circle, and I decided to embark on this journey with a brilliant team.

So, dear reader, if you have ever wanted to begin your own volunteering journey, join us at Purpose Circle. As part of the Community team, I would be delighted to support you in finding meaningful ways to contribute and inspiring opportunities to seize.

I can assure you: you will not regret it. Live it fully!