How volunteering can help you find your purpose.
Born in Iran and having immigrated to Canada with his parents in 2012, Arad grew up with a love for soccer and dreams of playing professionally. However, his natural talent for science and desire to improve the lives of others — especially children — set him on a different path.
Today, as a fourth-year student pursuing an honours specialization in biology with a major in medical science, Arad balances his academic pursuits with volunteering for Kids Help Phone and UNICEF, while also contributing to cutting-edge research at SickKids Hospital.
Growing up in Iran, I saw other children who were less fortunate than me. My dad is a mechanical engineer and my mom is an agricultural engineer. I was fortunate enough to receive health care and have loving parents who provided me with everything a child needed.
But seeing the struggles of other children in Iran left a lasting impression on me, and when we immigrated to Canada, I noticed similar challenges affecting children here. I wanted to find a way to help.
My parents also always encouraged me to be a better version of myself and contribute to society. In high school, I volunteered as an assistant instructor at a pool and I really enjoyed it. They said, “Hey, if you really enjoy it, why not pursue it more? Why not do what you love and help society?” So I did.
When I came to university at Western, I found so many opportunities which provided a way to help children in need.
With UNICEF Western, I was the education director. My role was to educate Western students through informative newsletters and research articles about children’s rights around the world and how we can advocate for them.
Also, Kids Help Phone stood out to me because there were so many children out there who just need someone to talk to. I volunteered as a crisis responder and it was clear to me that even just one conversation can make such an impact and turn someone’s day around.
I took part in the SickKids Summer Research program. The research was on a benign tumour called craniopharyngioma, which can cause chronic health issues for children. Our goal was to build a Canadian database to inform better treatments and guidelines. I worked with over 30 patients and presented results at a symposium, discussing outcomes with doctors, surgeons and oncologists.
But in addition to the research itself, it was gratifying to directly interact with the children going through this treatment. They rely on us for support and to feel better about what they're experiencing, and I knew that I could help make their day better.
I'm still actively involved with SickKids, working to expand the patient database and improve treatment guidelines through collaboration with hospitals and universities across Canada.
There’s something incredibly fulfilling about knowing you're making a meaningful difference. Whether it was through Kids Help Phone or just speaking to children waiting in the cancer center, I found that even just a simple conversation was enough to show someone that they're not alone in what they're going through.
Volunteering also helped me figure out my career path. I knew I wanted to be in health care as a clinician scientist, and these positions have helped me realize I want my work to focus specifically on children.
No one should ever settle for an average version of themselves. It doesn't mean be better than everyone else. It means be the best version of yourself. Slow down and ask yourself, “How can I help?”
You don't need a certain degree or credentials to make an impact — you just have to be mindful of what others' needs are. And, if you do that, you will ultimately make the world a better place.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
