Many teenagers spend their time with friends, watching movies, at Tpumps, and out to dinner, however junior Caroline Ives does it all, but manages to save some of her time for the people and community around her.

Not only does Ives volunteer outside of school at various non-profits, she also participates in numerous organizations and clubs at school.

She is currently a member of the California Scholarship Federation (CSF) and Key Club, both organizations whose underlying emphasis is volunteer work and making a difference in the community.

Ives said, “In Key Club this year I’m the chair of the communications committee and our job is to assist the officers and remind members about meetings, fundraisers, and also recruitment. Along with some other responsibilities, the Key Club elected me to be president of the club for next year.”

Outside of school, Ives volunteers for the San Carlos Parks and Recreation Foundation, where she helps with special events and does a variety of different things including waitressing and helping to set and clean up.

Similar to the San Carlos Parks and Recreation Foundation, she helps at the Cancer Prevention Institute of California (CPIC), where her mother works, and assists where she thinks is necessary with acts like the ones mentioned above.

“The Next Door Solution is a nonprofit that helps women who have just come out of domestic abuse relationships and helps them adjust to life after they get out. I recently volunteered there for their Annual Christmas Gift Event,” said Ives.

In addition to all of the organizations listed above, Ives has participated in a countless number of committees to help her community.

She said, “I think what it comes down to for me is that we become wrapped up in balancing what we have going on in life, with school, extracurriculars, work, family, friends, etc., and it becomes easier and easier to take for granted and complain about the things that we do have.”

Ives expresses that having the opportunity to brighten someone else’s day or take a bit of a burden off of someone’s shoulders is beyond rewarding.

Ives said, “I think its important to be able to take a few steps back and be grateful for all the awesome opportunities we’ve been handed in life. I think making other people smile is the one of best things a person can do, and if I can do that by volunteering than I’m more than happy to.”

Many work at organizations like the ones that Ives participates in because they are desperate for a little money to be able to go out to Chipotle for dinner with friends. For Ives, her motives are different.

“I definitely want to keep volunteering after high school. My dream would be to start my own nonprofit someday, but if not, at least keep volunteering on a regular basis.  I’m sure there are many groups, whether they are at school or through another organization that would be happy to have additional help.  All you really have to do is reach out, and something will definitely come your way.”