<p>So basically, my counselor has volunteer opportunities and one of them is to tutor underprivileged middle school children once a week at this community center. Sort of like a big sister-little sister thing. I’d love to participate, but my mom basically refuses to let me… she thinks it’s too dangerous to volunteer in that area (think inner city, gang violence publicized on the news, etc). I already have travel accommodation already (the subway). So how would I convince my mom to let me volunteer at such a place?</p>
<p>Also, I’m also volunteering at the local public high school with special needs kids once a month, volunteering at the science museum during the weekends, tutoring fellow students algebra 1/algebra 2 during free periods, and also might volunteer at this colonial museum during the weekends as well. Will this be too much to put on my plate? (I’m also taking a rigorous schedule and doing lab research)</p>
<p>I would suggest you don’t go for it. As you say yourself, you already have many other activities and colleges prefer that you stick with one theme and play it out well. There is no need for an extra activity and putting yourself at risk, especially in a subway. Just excel in what you already have.</p>
<p>You could start the discussion by getting the data: What is the crime rate in the neighborhood, and in the neighborhood you pass through on your way in and out? Are there other students at your high school who are doing this? For how long? What is the safety record for this tutoring program so far? Will you be traveling alone or with others and at what time of the day? </p>
<p>Frankly, if the neighborhood is at all unsafe, then this isn’t worth it. You can find kids in almost every school who need a ‘big sister’ and some extra tutoring. Go to your nearest elementary school and find out how you can get involved.</p>