In a world where war, economic woes, crime, and other negative forces seem to be on the upswing, some choose to do good deeds, random acts of kindness, and general self-esteem building activities to go against the flow and make themselves feel better in the process. Maybe it’s a form of alternative therapy or just a human urge to make life better for others. Regardless, the bottom line is that people are happier when they assist the less fortunate. Plus, the recipients of good works end up in a slightly better position after they receive any kind of assistance. The question for so many busy adults is, “What can I do?” No matter where you live or what types of skills you have, consider the following suggestions for boosting society’s collective mental health.
Teach English to Non-Native Speakers
Hundreds of social service agencies in cities all over the US are in desperate need of volunteer instructors for ESL (English as a Second Language) classes. The training is free, and most organizations ask for an informal commitment that new teachers work one or two days per week for about six consecutive months. There are no legal obligations or pay, but the work is rewarding. Those who complete one or more terms as ESL instructors usually continue for several years. For new immigrants and long-time US residents who want to learn English, having a dedicated teacher is a great start on the road to a better job and lifestyle.
Help a Student Afford College
When you decide to become a student loan cosigner, you can change a young person’s life in a profound way. Remember that most teens who are ready to attend college don’t have a credit or financial history of any kind. They might qualify for some federally guaranteed financing, but those programs have caps that can stop a student short of getting enough money to cover a four-year degree program. When they apply for private loans to pick up the slack, financial institutions tend to turn them down for lack of credit. That’s…
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