Time is worth more than money

Most of them are much older than my 21 years. They have shorter hair, softer looking in shades of white and grey. Most are quick to smile and have more energy than I can muster on a daily basis, especially before I've had the chance to down a cup of coffee. And they help out, unselfishly on their own time and for a reward of simply the satisfaction of helping others. The volunteers at Literacy Volunteers of Collier County that I have met so far have been kind, welcoming and show a great enthusiasm for what they do.

Their students are most middle aged men and women, yet the tutors seem to think of them as their own children. Praising their accomplishments and pushing them to do better and try harder. One tutor, new to LVCC, came in on Saturday with a wide smile and much more energy than I. She introduced herself with a flash of a smile and set about looking for an unlocked room for her tutoring session. She talked animatedly saying that "her girl" should be in soon, and that she was always a little late but such a great student to have. I helped her find a unlocked room and the hidden light switch as she talked about how nice it was to see such a young person volunteering. Then her student showed up, she thanked me and they got to work.

The rest of the afternoon went by peacefully. I basically sit there and read and help out those in the lab if one of the computers acts up. They always thank me before they leave, usually in halting English and that's what makes you realize how valuable the tutoring actually is because it gives the students confidence. Without that they may know more English than they let on but also may be afraid of speaking it because they fear getting it wrong or looking ignorant. Confidence when learning a language is very important.

I actually don't know much about each volunteer, what their background is or where they are from, but many of them seem to be older residents, who are most likely retired but making the most of their time by helping others. They could live comfortable lives in the lush gated communities that pepper Naples. They may not have many worries, at least not the kind their students would have. But that's not what matters when you walk in the door, it's not who you are or where you from it's that you've taken time to help and to care. The volunteers there are more than just a few cans of food or an anonymous donation (not that those are bad things, really) but they are giving of themselves the one thing we never seem to have enough of these days and something that is more valuable than paper bills -- their time. In times of recession many people are watching their bank accounts carefully and it's understandable, but you can give back without even opening your wallet. Simply volunteering your time a few hours a week can make a difference in someone's life.