Physical limitations did not prevent Amber from discovering the joy of volunteering: "I learned to do what I believe in!"
Can volunteering change the world? Gintarė Bieliauskaitė, a fourth-year Sociology and Anthropology student at Vytautas Magnus University (VDU) believes that this is indeed the case! The girl was born with brittle bones syndrome, so she could not implement her plans more than once due to physical limitations. However, this did not stop her from active volunteering, because, as Gintarė herself states, every time she faces obstacles, new opportunities arise.
When and why did you start volunteering?
After finishing high school, I had to take a year off due to health problems, but I wanted to spend it meaningfully. Because I love animals very much, but at that time, while still living in Šilute, I had no way to volunteer directly at the animal shelter. I offered to help VšĮ "Pekta koja" from a distance, creating and distributing ads about homeless animals that are looking for a home.
After that, after moving to Kaunas in 2017, many new opportunities opened up. Since I was very timid in the first semester (life away from home, everything is new), I actively joined the organized activities only in the spring. First, I joined the student organization ESN VMU, then I was a mentor for foreign students for a year.
Last year, I learned about the annual event "VegfestLT" organized in Lithuania. My interest in plant-based nutrition, healthy lifestyle and love for animals led me to join the organization of this festival. This was followed by volunteering at the Zero Waste festival, which is only in its second year.
Also, several times we went with a group of students to the Vilijampole social care home, where we played and talked with the children.
What does volunteering do for you? What did you learn?
Volunteering is very rewarding. It would even be difficult to describe it in a few sentences. First of all, it is an invaluable experience that not only enriches your CV, but also broadens your horizons and helps you get to know yourself and others better. Volunteering is an integral part of my life. It makes sense and gives new colors to everyday life. What did you learn? Tolerance, empathy, courage, self-confidence, teamwork, creativity...
Has your disability ever stopped you from engaging in any activities, caused you fear?
It really is. More than once, I have been unable to carry out my plans due to physical limitations. However, every time we encountered obstacles, new opportunities appeared, which were often even better! Fears have always been there and still are, but I've learned to ignore them and keep going forward and doing what I believe in. Difficulties only harden and build resilience, so I see them as valuable lessons rather than punishment. As for the fears, they are all related not so much to physical disability as to lack of self-confidence. And in order to get rid of them, you need to constantly work on yourself. That's what I do.
Do you think volunteering changes the world?
Yes! Volunteering really does make the world a better place. There is a quote I really like, I think it perfectly explains the importance of volunteering: "Volunteers are not free because they are worthless, but because they are invaluable."
What would you wish for those who have not yet discovered volunteering?
I would like to wish everyone to discover the joy and fulfillment that volunteering brings. And for those of you who do not yet know the field in which you would like to realize yourself, I can say that in order to help others, it is not necessary to belong to any voluntary organization! Opportunities to do good deeds can be found every day, you just need to notice them and not be indifferent. After all, "We really don't need to do huge jobs, we can do small ones, but with great love."