Meet our cover star Jordan
When 23-year-old Jordan McCraw hit rock bottom
volunteering gave her a new perspective on life
'Four years ago I was diagnosed with depression. I knew if I was going to turn my life around I had to get away. So in March 2006, I volunteered to help with the relief effort after Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, with a group of students from my university. It was shocking to see the damage it had caused.
'Each day was physically demanding but the National Relief Network said our efforts would save families tens of thousands of dollars, which made the hard work really worth it. While I was there I met a man who had spent a week stranded on the roof of his house watching the devastation and waiting to be rescued.
Volunteering made me appreciate all
of the opportunities
I have
Humbling experience
'He was happy just to be alive, despite the fact he'd lost all his possessions. I was amazed and inspired by his ability to deal with the situation so well. He made me realise how lucky I am and that there are bigger and more important problems in the world than mine.
'I found helping others was extremely rewarding and, as it had always been my dream to go to Africa, that summer I flew to Ghana to teach English and drama to children. It was a humbling experience and again it made me truly grateful for all the opportunities I've been given.
'The family I stayed with were amazing. But they felt very guilty as they couldn't afford to send Cobbi, their nine-year-old nephew who lived with them, to school.
Getting educated
'It broke my heart to see such Cobbi not able to fulfil his potential. So I decided to put him through school myself. I was a student at the time but with my savings I could put aside the £600 per year needed for his education.
'I still speak to Cobbi on the phone every week. I'm hoping to go back and see him soon. He's grown up and confident and I feel privileged to have helped him. Cobbi's family are always thanking me
but I should be thanking them – since being in Ghana I don't take anything for granted.
'My time in Ghana was life changing in another way – I met my husband, Tom, who was also working as a teacher. I moved to Cirencester and we got married in May of this year. I couldn't believe he nominated me to be Tesco magazine's cover star. I hope my story inspires others to volunteer and maybe change someone else's life – or even their own.'
Top tips on making the most of volunteering
- Try to do a homestay with a family if possible. If you live inside a community for a while you really get to understand how it functions.
- Keep an open mind and go with a big heart. You may experience a very different way of life to the one that you are used to.
- Look after yourself. Being fit and healthy is important – you won't be able to help others if you're not feeling in tip-top condition yourself.
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