Many students are attracted to well-established opportunities to serve communities domestically or internationally, including the PeaceCorps, Americorps, Teach for America, Jesuit Volunteer Corps, teaching in Thailand, and others. These structured volunteer opportunities come with year or multiyear commitments and often have competitive application processes.
The Center for Community, Service, and Justice maintains a website about service opportunities after graduation, with links to organizations and answers to frequently asked questions—including what to tell your parents!
Your other key source is someone who has done it. You may find knowledgeable folks via:
Lives of Loyola English Majors