(vol-uh n-teer), a definition

Dictionary.com gives the following definition:

volunteer (vol-uh n-teer)

1. a person who performs a service willingly and without pay.

2. a plant that grows from a seed that has not been deliberately sown.


Eliza Stein gives the following definition:

volunteer (vol-uh n-teer)

1. a great excuse to give children trying to sell you bookmarks on the street. Sorry Salvador, I'm a volunteer. I can't afford to buy anything from you today.

2. a way to feel  productive throughout the most unproductive stages of life.

3. a job in which no one really tells you what to do. Ever.

4. a destination to travel to.

5. the person seen walking in the rain without an umbrella because a) you can't afford an umbrella or b) you can't afford to pay 65 cents for a taxi.

6. an excuse to leave work early. It's okay, I'm just a volunteer.

7. a reason to stay and work late. I should really get this done; after all, the reason I'm here is to volunteer.

8. a method of experimenting with possible career paths, for those looking for an epiphany. Usually results in minimal epiphanies and maximum financial distress.

9. a social circle that continually blows your mind by the experiences and motivations of your peers. And how hard they can go on a Tuesday night.

10. the one who sometimes goes by Alyssa or Elizabeth with donors whose memories are especially shot.

11. the reason why you can't afford to buy cheese.

12. carrying a moral baggage that is knee-bucklingly, back-breakingly heavy. You are here for the sole purpose to serve. You are here to contribute every last drop of sweat and every last tear that you have because that's one last drop that is sucked from someone else's body.

13. a plant that grows from a seed that has not been deliberately sown.