Read the following excerpt from an essay discussing the impact of community service on individuals:
Engaging in community service not only benefits the recipients, but it also profoundly shapes the volunteers themselves. Research indicates that individuals who participate in service projects experience increased feelings of empathy, a stronger sense of community, and enhanced personal growth. For instance, when students volunteer at local shelters, they often develop a deeper understanding of societal issues such as poverty and inequality. This understanding can motivate them to become advocates for change. Thus, the relationship between volunteer work and personal development is reciprocal, with each aspect enhancing the other.