From Curiosity to Connection: The Detour I Never Planned

Looking back now, everything feels surreal. I remember stressing over everything—where I’d go, how I’d manage, what skills I’d need for my social internship, whether I’d be able to fulfil all the requirements they asked for. What if I ended up in the wrong place? Was I even making the right choice?

That’s when I came across and joined YFS.

And honestly, I kept questioning that decision too. Did I choose the right place?

Looking back now, I smile at how much I worried. It’s hard to believe I spent so much time overthinking something that ended up teaching me so much.

The Road That Led Me to YFS

I was almost done with my first year and preparing to step into my second when my professor introduced the requirement of completing a social internship during the summer break.

And that’s when the overthinking began.

With countless NGOs across Bengaluru, I kept wondering — which one should I choose? Would I fit in? Would I have the skills they expected? What if I ended up in the wrong place?

So, I started searching, researching, and trying to find where I belonged.

While randomly scrolling through Reddit, I came across a post from someone asking the exact same question I had in my mind: “Which NGO is the best to join?” Going through the comments, one name kept appearing — Youth for Seva

Curious, I explored their work, understood more about them, and decided to apply.

Even after that, the questions remained. What would this experience be like? What would I learn? Would I actually be able to contribute?

Coming here as a college student felt completely new. Until then, my world was mostly classes, assignments, and figuring myself out. Suddenly, I was stepping into a space where I wasn’t just a student anymore — I was a volunteer

With no clear idea of what to expect, I entered this unfamiliar space ready to learn. And that’s where my journey at YFS truly began — with curiosity and uncertainty.

The Real journey begins

I had a certain expectation when I joined YFS. I thought I would be assigned a role, complete my responsibilities, and slowly adapt.

What surprised me was how my mentor understood my interests and flexibility, guiding me towards a role where I could contribute meaningfully. I joined the Technology and Communications team as an intern, and it felt like the right space for me.

I expected a typical manager-intern experience, but instead, I found a supportive environment where I was guided, encouraged to learn, and given the freedom to bring my own ideas forward.

At YFS, it wasn’t just about getting tasks done. It was about learning, creating, connecting with people, and using my skills to contribute towards something meaningful.

The best part was the balance — I was able to grow, explore my creativity, and contribute in my own way while being part of a team that felt welcoming and comfortable.

The ‘Why’ Behind My Choice

Before joining YFS, I thought volunteering was simply about showing up, completing tasks, and contributing wherever possible. But being here made me understand that it is much more than that.

YFS is a platform that brings people together with a shared purpose — to contribute towards social development through meaningful volunteering opportunities.

With a vision of building a society where individuals actively participate in creating change, YFS focuses on connecting volunteers with initiatives where they can use their skills, time, and passion to make a difference.

Working across areas like education, community development, and other social initiatives, YFS gives volunteers the opportunity to be a part of real experiences, understand challenges closely, and contribute beyond just participation.

Because at the end of the day, volunteering is not only about the impact you create outside — it is also about the perspectives, skills, and connections you gain along the way.

My Experience as a Volunteer

To be honest, when I started this journey, I never imagined my internship experience would turn out this way.

The support, guidance, and openness I received made everything smoother and more meaningful than I expected. Every day, I come with a smile and leave with the satisfaction of knowing that I contributed something.

One thing I truly realized is that no contribution is ever too small. A creative idea, a skill you bring, or even a small effort from your side can create an impact for the organization and the people it serves. As my journey at YFS comes closer to an end, I know this will always remain a beautiful chapter of my life. I am grateful for the experiences, connections, and opportunities I received here. I may leave the organization, but the memories, learning, and connection I built will always stay with me.

Your Turn to Be Part of the Story

Every volunteer’s journey at YFS is different. It is a space where you not only contribute your time and skills but also get the opportunity to learn, explore, and grow along the way.

As a volunteer, you get to work on meaningful initiatives, collaborate with people, develop new skills, and understand the impact of your contribution. Beyond the work, you gain experiences, perspectives, and connections that stay with you.

If you are someone looking for a place to step out of your comfort zone, learn something new, and make a difference, YFS can be that starting point.

Come with curiosity, contribute with your strengths, and become a part of the story. Because your contribution matters — and here, you don’t just find a team, you find people who make the journey feel like a community.

Final Thoughts

From a confused college student who knew nothing about what this journey would bring, here I am today — writing this as an intern with a completely different perspective.

When I started, I came here with questions, doubts, and uncertainty. I was just trying to complete my social internship, wondering what this experience would be like and whether I would actually be able to contribute.

I never thought that something I started as a college obligation would become a journey I would genuinely cherish.

Today, as this chapter comes closer to an end, I know I am leaving with a smile, satisfaction, and a heart full of memories. I came here thinking I was just completing an internship, but I am leaving with an experience I would happily choose again.

And if you are reading this and standing where I once stood — confused, searching, and wondering if this is the right place — maybe this is your moment.

Come with your curiosity, bring your ideas, and create your own chapter. Find your own spotlight, your own journey, and your own story with Youth for Seva. This was my chapter. Maybe yours is waiting.

Kathyayini, Communications team,
Youth for Seva.