What is an hour of volunteering worth? In Texas, it’s valued at $31.94—a financial gain for organizations, but not for the volunteers themselves. Those who give their time do so for personal reasons, yet they all share a common goal: putting service over self to create a meaningful impact.
Ask any of the 48 John V. Roach Honors College students who volunteer with Roach Honors College Community Service why they give their time, the answer can be both simple and complex. The true value of volunteering isn’t found in dollars—it’s in the impact, the experience, and the difference made in the lives of others.
Philip Broski, a sophomore triple-majoring in accounting, finance, and political science, is not only a student in the John V. Roach Honors College but also the vice president of the Roach Honors College Community Service student organization. “I started volunteering in high school, and when I got to TCU and lived in Milton Daniel, I was surrounded by other students who shared my passion for service,” he said.
For Broski it’s not just the Roach Honors College students who share his motivation to volunteer their time, it’s the impact it has on the community. “Currently we’re at 220 volunteer hours this semester and 458 for the academic school year. That equates to $14,630 given back to the community. Our goal is to reach over $20,000, and we’re about 200 hours short.”
For others like Grant Cantrill, also a sophomore in the Roach Honors College double-majoring in criminal justice and political science, it’s about leaving a lasting impact on the community. “We’ve partnered with a lot of organizations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. I believe in the values they represent and the commitment they have on leaving a lasting impact on the community,” he said.
“We’ve partnered with the Ronald McDonald House, Tarrant Area Food Bank, various food drives, and animal shelters. Today, we’re helping with the Cowtown Marathon," said Cantrill. "I get to spend my day working alongside incredible people while giving back to the Fort Worth community. I can’t think of a better way to spend my time."
As the Roach Honors College students continue their work across Fort Worth, their contributions extend far beyond the $20,000 impact they aim to reach. The real value of their efforts lies in the relationships they build and the lasting change they create in their community. In the end, the true worth of an hour spent volunteering isn’t measured in dollars—it’s measured in the difference it makes within the community.