One of the things that trips people up (both in their getting to know the organization and understanding its leadership structure) is the vocabulary around the employees of City Year Greater Philadelphia. So here's a crib sheet:
Corps member: These are the ground troops. A corps member is a 17- to 25-year-old person devoting 10 months of his or her life to full-time community service with the youth of Philadelphia. Each corps member is assigned to a team-let of 8-10 fellow corps members, which is managed by a service leader. As a corps member, you are the one working with sutdents and getting them to reach their full potential.
Service leader: This is another young idealist serving for 10 months. This may be a person in his or her second year of volunteering with AmeriCorps through City Year, or it may be a first-year applicant who showed great leadership potential. This person manages the 8-10 corps members' day to day schedules, as well as the partnership with the school in which the team is placed, various community organizations, a corporate sponsor, the rest of the City Year organization, etc. As a service leader, you must understand that your service is often based around facilitating others' work with students.
Senior Corps: Like all oaks are trees, but not all trees are oaks, all service leaders are senior corps, but not all senior corps are service leaders. The senior corps umbrella encompasses second year corps members who serve in the Programs/Service, Visitor's Program and Recruitment Departments. These are people who've elected to do a second year of service, in a leadership capacity, but their focus is not on team-based service. They focus on outreach, corps members' (personal and professional) development, civic engagement and spreading the word of City Year. They work with the rest of the corps, but less frequently and in a less intense capacity than the day to day management of the service leaders.
Project Manager: Project managers are staff members who manage teams that consist of two team-lets. They coordinate efforts of 15-20 corps members, two or more service leaders, 1-2 corporate sponsors, community partners, 2 or more school administrations, and often take on personal projects as the staff point person for such initiatives as Peace Ambassadors, Project Safe Zone, Project P.E.A.C.E., the Literary Magazine, College Fairs, and others. A high proportion of our project managers are folks who've risen through the ranks of corps member and senior corps.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
My North Star
I made it to Philly by way of San Diego, California, joining City Year after I graduated from college last May. Even though I'm new to the city, City Year offers one of the best introductions to the city of Philadelphia. The city offers an exciting blend of history and modern day city life.
One of my very first and very vivid memories of Philadelphia was seeing the city skyline for the first time. About a year and a half ago, I was visiting the city with my family and we arrived late at night. I noticed a bright yellow circle in the skyline and it grabbed my attention immediately. I wanted to know what it was because the bright yellow color was so striking. I ended up learning that it was the clock dial to Philadelphia’s City Hall.
The sight of the building still gets me, daylight or night time. It’s a beautiful building with eye-catching architecture. It’s a sight that I am fortunate to see often since it's across the street from where we do our Physical Training (PT) on Tuesday and Friday mornings. I consider it my North Star because I’m always at peace whenever I see it and it always brings me back to the first time I saw it.
- Jackie Lopez, 23, service leader, Deloitte team at Kensington International Business High School
One of my very first and very vivid memories of Philadelphia was seeing the city skyline for the first time. About a year and a half ago, I was visiting the city with my family and we arrived late at night. I noticed a bright yellow circle in the skyline and it grabbed my attention immediately. I wanted to know what it was because the bright yellow color was so striking. I ended up learning that it was the clock dial to Philadelphia’s City Hall.
The sight of the building still gets me, daylight or night time. It’s a beautiful building with eye-catching architecture. It’s a sight that I am fortunate to see often since it's across the street from where we do our Physical Training (PT) on Tuesday and Friday mornings. I consider it my North Star because I’m always at peace whenever I see it and it always brings me back to the first time I saw it.
- Jackie Lopez, 23, service leader, Deloitte team at Kensington International Business High School
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Snow Day!
So, being in my mid-20s, I suppose I should be old enough and dedicated enough to my job that I shouldn't let something like the weather get my hopes up about a day off. On the other hand, I must quote my old roommate and say, "I hope I never get so old that I stop hoping for snow days."
Today, due to inclement weather in Philadelphia, the school district has closed schools and all corps and senior corps are not in service today. We were informed this morning by calling in to the CY Weather Line (a number that has a prerecorded message, updated by 6 a.m. on days that are expected to be crumby enough to merit school closings) that we had a reprieve from an early start and were free to bundle up, stay safe, and enjoy the mid-week day off. I'm planning on working on grad school applications and drinking a lot of hot chocolate.
Megan, 24, Recruitment Senior Corps Member
Today, due to inclement weather in Philadelphia, the school district has closed schools and all corps and senior corps are not in service today. We were informed this morning by calling in to the CY Weather Line (a number that has a prerecorded message, updated by 6 a.m. on days that are expected to be crumby enough to merit school closings) that we had a reprieve from an early start and were free to bundle up, stay safe, and enjoy the mid-week day off. I'm planning on working on grad school applications and drinking a lot of hot chocolate.
Megan, 24, Recruitment Senior Corps Member
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Make it happen: Corps members' ideas become students' realities
My mom has been trying to get rid of old dance trophies that my sister and I have collected over the years. I remember how much winning those trophies meant to us and how wasteful it was to just throw them out. Instead of getting rid of them, I decided to keep the trophies, clean them up and give them to our Starfish Corps participants at the end of the year. My sister asked me why I didn’t collect enough trophies for all of my team’s after school program kids, rather than just the Starfish Corps?
I thought, why not? I could ask other dance team families to donate their old trophies. I was sure we could find enough. When my dance teacher found out about my project, she suggested setting up a donation table at a local competition, which would enable me to reach out to a larger number of dancers.
So, this past Saturday, I attended the Broesler School Feis (pronounced “fesh” and is the Irish word for “competition”) in Whippany, New Jersey. I wore my City Year jacket and set up an info table that doubled as a trophy drop off area. I made a photo album to display pictures of the students that my team and I work with. This gave the people who donated a vision of who their trophies would go to. I was even introduced to a dancer who is joining another AmeriCorps program this summer. Dancers from dozens of different schools visited my table and by the end of the day, I had received well over 400 trophies!
My sister and I are now working on fixing up the trophies. We are also designing new labels for each set of trophies. I am excited to give as many as we can to the kids that we serve. I promised the families who so graciously donated their well-loved awards, that each one is going to bring a smile to a child’s face.
Laura C., 22, corps member, FirstTrust team at Shaw Middle School
Photos also by Laura C.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Short time for big change
ATTENTION: CAUTION: WARNING: RED ALERT: This is an advertising and recruiting strategy targeted to young idealists ages 17-24 who want to give a year of their lives to change the world. My name is Jeff. I’m a 24 year old native of Bethlehem, PA. Growing up, I attended the Bethlehem Area School District for 13 years (including Kindergarten) until I graduated from Freedom High School. At Freedom, I played four years of soccer and also participated in the student government. Other extra-curricular activities include, but are not limited to: dating a teacher’s daughter, skipping classes from time to time, and faking a seizure in Algebra II (though I absolutely DO NOT recommend or endorse this behavior). Six years later, I will have graduated from Penn State University at University Park, PA, moved to Philadelphia, and joined City Year, a non-profit organization funded by AmeriCorps to serve the community.
The reason for my complete high school disclosure only goes to show the diversity you can expect to experience while in City Year. Corps members are graduates of high school, college, and graduate school, idealists with GEDs, single parents, married, and even members from foreign countries. Through the guidance, instruction, and support of City Year staff, we go out into the community and transform lives by positively impacting the people with whom we work.
As a Corps Member, you can expect to serve your school and community as a role model, tutor, mentor, peacekeeper, and leader to young people that need you to be that extra resource they need to succeed. And the best part about it, City Year gets you in, and you create your own experience and job description however you feel most comfortable. What do you get in return? The list goes on: a weekly living stipend, uniforms provided by Timberland, a T-Mobile phone, first aid and CPR certification, character and leadership development, and an academic award issued by AmeriCorps for $4,725 upon completing your full year of service.
Even though I’ve only been working since the start of September, I’ve already witnessed the impact a group of young idealists can make. Collectively, City Year Greater Philadelphia has renovated five recreational centers in Philadelphia, begun recruiting for next year’s corps to be bigger and better than ever, and started the process of changing the lives of 1000s of students within the 25 schools we serve.
During my average day, I pull struggling students out of their classes to teach them the concepts they find difficult to understand in a more effective one-on-one or small group environment. This way my students receive the individual attention they need. I also spend half of my day helping older students with career and college preparations--assisting with applications, essay writing, and financial aid concerns. At the end of the school day, I spend an hour tutoring different students in different subjects, and continue to develop other after school programs. For example, we are organizing a hip hop club, starting an intramural indoor soccer league, and introducing Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). I do all of this at Overbrook High School in West Philly through our corporate sponsorship with Villa, a popular outfitter in Philadelphia, PA.
I will be rather forthcoming with the reality of this job. It is a true challenge and the degree of difficulty will vary from day to day, but the returns make this job worth it. This is one of the best opportunities you can find to improve the ailing educational system in the United States today. One in four high school students drop out before graduation, and they are the ones we will be counting on to propel our country into the 21st century. As an individual you grow and develop characteristics and abilities you never knew you had. In hard times like these, where jobs are few and far between, why not give a year to service? While the job market is weak now, there is always a market for AmeriCorps volunteers. During your service year, you will strengthen your resume and skill set to appeal to future employers, as well as having more experiences from which to draw. Sure, not all of us look great in bright red jackets and Timberland boots. But when you see us you know who we are. We are City Year and we want you to join us and the rest of the country in the national service movement.
Jeff R., 24, corps member, Villa Team at Overbrook High School
The reason for my complete high school disclosure only goes to show the diversity you can expect to experience while in City Year. Corps members are graduates of high school, college, and graduate school, idealists with GEDs, single parents, married, and even members from foreign countries. Through the guidance, instruction, and support of City Year staff, we go out into the community and transform lives by positively impacting the people with whom we work.
As a Corps Member, you can expect to serve your school and community as a role model, tutor, mentor, peacekeeper, and leader to young people that need you to be that extra resource they need to succeed. And the best part about it, City Year gets you in, and you create your own experience and job description however you feel most comfortable. What do you get in return? The list goes on: a weekly living stipend, uniforms provided by Timberland, a T-Mobile phone, first aid and CPR certification, character and leadership development, and an academic award issued by AmeriCorps for $4,725 upon completing your full year of service.
Even though I’ve only been working since the start of September, I’ve already witnessed the impact a group of young idealists can make. Collectively, City Year Greater Philadelphia has renovated five recreational centers in Philadelphia, begun recruiting for next year’s corps to be bigger and better than ever, and started the process of changing the lives of 1000s of students within the 25 schools we serve.
During my average day, I pull struggling students out of their classes to teach them the concepts they find difficult to understand in a more effective one-on-one or small group environment. This way my students receive the individual attention they need. I also spend half of my day helping older students with career and college preparations--assisting with applications, essay writing, and financial aid concerns. At the end of the school day, I spend an hour tutoring different students in different subjects, and continue to develop other after school programs. For example, we are organizing a hip hop club, starting an intramural indoor soccer league, and introducing Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). I do all of this at Overbrook High School in West Philly through our corporate sponsorship with Villa, a popular outfitter in Philadelphia, PA.
I will be rather forthcoming with the reality of this job. It is a true challenge and the degree of difficulty will vary from day to day, but the returns make this job worth it. This is one of the best opportunities you can find to improve the ailing educational system in the United States today. One in four high school students drop out before graduation, and they are the ones we will be counting on to propel our country into the 21st century. As an individual you grow and develop characteristics and abilities you never knew you had. In hard times like these, where jobs are few and far between, why not give a year to service? While the job market is weak now, there is always a market for AmeriCorps volunteers. During your service year, you will strengthen your resume and skill set to appeal to future employers, as well as having more experiences from which to draw. Sure, not all of us look great in bright red jackets and Timberland boots. But when you see us you know who we are. We are City Year and we want you to join us and the rest of the country in the national service movement.
Jeff R., 24, corps member, Villa Team at Overbrook High School
Friday, January 23, 2009
The National Constitution Center
My favorite museum in Philadelphia is the Constitution Center. Not only is this museum informative, but it is also TONS OF FUN! Their exhibits are very interactive and hands on, you can try on robes that the Supreme Court justices wear, take the presidential oath of office and push buttons to watch videos of historic moments in history. They also have a very heartfelt performance piece that they show in the theater called “Freedom Rising” and you can not leave this museum without stopping to view a showing… the first time I saw it, it brought a tear to my eye.
Additionally, they have really cool traveling exhibits that they host for limited amounts of time. Most recently, they had an exhibit that they brought in entitled “Baseball in America” with items from the Baseball Hall of Fame and another one called “The Road to the White House” with different historical items from past presidential elections. Unfortunately, this museum is a little bit expensive, but it is definitely well worth it!
Sam T., 22, corps member, Bank of America Young Heroes Center City Team
Additionally, they have really cool traveling exhibits that they host for limited amounts of time. Most recently, they had an exhibit that they brought in entitled “Baseball in America” with items from the Baseball Hall of Fame and another one called “The Road to the White House” with different historical items from past presidential elections. Unfortunately, this museum is a little bit expensive, but it is definitely well worth it!
Sam T., 22, corps member, Bank of America Young Heroes Center City Team
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
City Year Open House
So, you've been invited to join the corp for the '09-'10 year in City Year Greater Philadelphia. Do you know any other young idealists who would make excellent role models to Philadelphia youth? Have you been in to our office to see CYGP for yourself?
Come to our Open House!
Join Us!
23rd and Chestnut, 2nd floor of the Red Cross Building
Wednesday, February 4th, 2009
*30 minute Tours will be led at 12:00pm, 2:00pm, 4:00pm, & 6:00pm
Corps members receive a weekly living stipend, health benefits, a uniform, a T-mobile phone, and an education award.
Apply at www.cityyear.org/joincorps
Application Deadline: Sunday, February 15th, 2009
Questions? Contact the Philadelphia Recruitment Team at philadelphiarecruitment@cityyear.org or at 267-386-7035
Come to our Open House!
Join Us!
23rd and Chestnut, 2nd floor of the Red Cross Building
Wednesday, February 4th, 2009
*30 minute Tours will be led at 12:00pm, 2:00pm, 4:00pm, & 6:00pm
Corps members receive a weekly living stipend, health benefits, a uniform, a T-mobile phone, and an education award.
Apply at www.cityyear.org/joincorps
Application Deadline: Sunday, February 15th, 2009
Questions? Contact the Philadelphia Recruitment Team at philadelphiarecruitment@cityyear.org or at 267-386-7035
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Martin Luther King Day of Service
"MLK Day is City Year's largest day of physical service. Every year, City Year corps members lead volunteers in transforming Philadelphia schools in partnership with the United Way. Volunteers can be found painting colorful murals that will line the halls of an elementary school or perhaps revamping the look of an entire high school. Traditionally, City Year will lead volunteers in 3 or 4 schools in one neighborhood to maximize impact on a particular community. For City Year, MLK is not a day off, but a day on—one in which our organization and others can honor the legacy of Martin Luther King in a productive way."
-Dave, 23, Service Leader of the DVHS Volunteer Management Team
Yesterday, City Year Greater Philadelphia worked with the United Way to bring together over 700 volunteers at the Kensington High Schools, Edmunds Elementary, and Brown Elementary school. We painted murals, cleaned up class rooms, painted lockers, and generally brightened the schools' environments. We were joined by Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey, Jr. More than 300 middle and high school students showed up to serve with our Youth Corps in the Young Heroes and City Heroes programs. It was a great day of service and a testament to the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his idea that, "Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve."
-Dave, 23, Service Leader of the DVHS Volunteer Management Team
Yesterday, City Year Greater Philadelphia worked with the United Way to bring together over 700 volunteers at the Kensington High Schools, Edmunds Elementary, and Brown Elementary school. We painted murals, cleaned up class rooms, painted lockers, and generally brightened the schools' environments. We were joined by Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey, Jr. More than 300 middle and high school students showed up to serve with our Youth Corps in the Young Heroes and City Heroes programs. It was a great day of service and a testament to the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his idea that, "Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve."
Inauguration Day and a Call to Service
"As I stand here today, what gives me the greatest hope of all is not the stone and marble that surrounds us today, but what fills the spaces in between. It is you -- Americans of every race and region and station who came here because you believe in what this country can be and because you want to help us get there.”
—President Barack Obama, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, January 18, 2009
Our newly sworn in President believes that we, the people of the United States, can make the difference in where our country is and where it will be. I don’t believe that we can make the difference. I know we can.
For the last 17 months, I have served with City Year Greater Philadelphia. I worked in the classrooms of Olney High School in North Philadelphia, keeping underclassmen in school and helping seniors figure out how they would make post-graduation dreams realities. I helped the youngest students at Cooke Elementary School’s after school programs improve their reading and math skills, while hearing from them how they wanted to make a positive difference in their community. On Saturdays with our Young Heroes, I watched as a loud, disorganized group of middle school students became a team dedicated to community service. I’ve been able to take part in these transformations, as well as my own, through City Year.
As just one of the 225 young idealists participating in City Year Greater Philadelphia this year, I have gotten to know people from as far away as Siberia and from the heart of Philadelphia. I’ve worked alongside and learned from G.E.D. candidates and masters’ degree holders. I’ve discussed living on a stipend with someone who had a trust fund and someone who split her stipend with her mother so that they could keep the lights on in their apartment.
It has not been easy. This has been the most challenging thing I have done to date. That being said, it is also the most rewarding thing I have ever had the opportunity to do. City Year is not a program for everyone. It is for the idealistic. It is for those seeking to understand. It is for those looking to change the world. It is for those who want to be part of a nation where people from all different backgrounds can build a stronger community, nation and world for all of us.
To join us in changing the world, one student, one mind at a time, visit us at www.cityyear.org/joincorps
Megan, 24, recruitment senior corps member
—President Barack Obama, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, January 18, 2009
Our newly sworn in President believes that we, the people of the United States, can make the difference in where our country is and where it will be. I don’t believe that we can make the difference. I know we can.
For the last 17 months, I have served with City Year Greater Philadelphia. I worked in the classrooms of Olney High School in North Philadelphia, keeping underclassmen in school and helping seniors figure out how they would make post-graduation dreams realities. I helped the youngest students at Cooke Elementary School’s after school programs improve their reading and math skills, while hearing from them how they wanted to make a positive difference in their community. On Saturdays with our Young Heroes, I watched as a loud, disorganized group of middle school students became a team dedicated to community service. I’ve been able to take part in these transformations, as well as my own, through City Year.
As just one of the 225 young idealists participating in City Year Greater Philadelphia this year, I have gotten to know people from as far away as Siberia and from the heart of Philadelphia. I’ve worked alongside and learned from G.E.D. candidates and masters’ degree holders. I’ve discussed living on a stipend with someone who had a trust fund and someone who split her stipend with her mother so that they could keep the lights on in their apartment.
It has not been easy. This has been the most challenging thing I have done to date. That being said, it is also the most rewarding thing I have ever had the opportunity to do. City Year is not a program for everyone. It is for the idealistic. It is for those seeking to understand. It is for those looking to change the world. It is for those who want to be part of a nation where people from all different backgrounds can build a stronger community, nation and world for all of us.
To join us in changing the world, one student, one mind at a time, visit us at www.cityyear.org/joincorps
Megan, 24, recruitment senior corps member
Friday, January 16, 2009
CY 101: Joys
The service we do in City Year is hard. Students count on you, your service leader counts on you, family and friends count on you. People come to you with problems seeking advice. The hours are long and the pay is low.
In spite of this, every day is full of Joy. That is why City Year encourages our corps members to share their Joys. These are good things that have happened in service, around town and in your non-City Year life. We share Joys because we need to highlight the positives in our days. Too often, people get caught up in the negatives of the world. Taking a moment to really think about what is going well or what has been a simple gift puts things back into perspective.
Example: In my first City Year, I served on the Lincoln Financial Foundation team at Olney High School. We also served after school at Cooke Elementary. This year, I am office-based and don’t do direct service with students on the day to day basis that I did last year. I was able to go to this year’s Olney team’s first day of after school programming at Cooke to help introduce some of the old students to the new team. This was a huge Joy for me. I got to help introduce this year’s team and got to see all the kids I got to know and love last year. Seeing Gabby, who used to read out loud to me for practice, run up to me and hug me while saying, “I get to be in City Year this year!” was one of the most rewarding things I have seen or heard this year. Gabby’s enthusiasm for CY is just one of the Joys that I got to experience on my visiting day back to Cooke.
In spite of this, every day is full of Joy. That is why City Year encourages our corps members to share their Joys. These are good things that have happened in service, around town and in your non-City Year life. We share Joys because we need to highlight the positives in our days. Too often, people get caught up in the negatives of the world. Taking a moment to really think about what is going well or what has been a simple gift puts things back into perspective.
Example: In my first City Year, I served on the Lincoln Financial Foundation team at Olney High School. We also served after school at Cooke Elementary. This year, I am office-based and don’t do direct service with students on the day to day basis that I did last year. I was able to go to this year’s Olney team’s first day of after school programming at Cooke to help introduce some of the old students to the new team. This was a huge Joy for me. I got to help introduce this year’s team and got to see all the kids I got to know and love last year. Seeing Gabby, who used to read out loud to me for practice, run up to me and hug me while saying, “I get to be in City Year this year!” was one of the most rewarding things I have seen or heard this year. Gabby’s enthusiasm for CY is just one of the Joys that I got to experience on my visiting day back to Cooke.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Bachelor's of Social Work, City Year, Masters of Social Work
My name is Tracy; I am a 23 year old New York City native. While growing up, I have spent years living in New York City as well as Delaware. As a child I practiced dance, played wiffle ball, and ran track. While in high school, I participated in V.I.C.A (Vocational Industrial Clubs of America), TRIO programs, and became a C.N.A (Certified Nursing Assistant). After graduating high school in June of 2004, I attended Delaware State University. While attending Delaware State University, I participated in several different organizations such as Delaware State University Marching Band, Ronald McNair Post Baccalaureate Research Program, and I was president of the Social Work Club. During May of 2008, I graduated from Delaware State University with my bachelors’ of Social Work. I had an eventful yet challenging experience in college and my alma mater has molded me into a young professional dedicated to making a difference on the path to success.
I am now an AmeriCorps member serving with City Year Greater Philadelphia. All corps members work in teams to enhance the student’s academics skills through full time tutoring and mentoring. Along with tutoring and mentoring there are three main programs City Year focuses on throughout the school year which are Starfish, Young Heroes, and City Heroes. Starfish involves 3rd-5th graders, Young Heroes involve 6th-8th graders, and City Heroes involve 9th-12th graders.
I joined City Year due to my high interest in working with inner city youth. The majority of crime that is committed by youth happens between the hours of 3pm-7pm. There are entirely too many “latch key” children roaming the streets of Philadelphia as well as other major cities. Aside from street engagement many children are steadily failing in their academia. Rather than focusing on ways to rehabilitate youth, I wanted to look at ways I can prevent youth from failing academically as well as engaging in senseless violence.
South Philadelphia High School and SouthWark Elementary school are two inner city schools I currently serve. I am working on several projects for an African American History class and I am mentoring a senior in his senior research project. I also work with the school cheerleading squad and have incorporated my own drum line dance team. I enjoy working with the students at both schools and they are the very reason I continue to wake up in the morning.
Next year, I plan to attend Temple University Master’s of Social Work advanced standing program. I believe education forces people to become successful as well as enable people to break the barriers they are encountered with on a daily basis. I am extremely content with the choice I have made after undergraduate school and I believe my City Year experience will change my life and each of my student’s life.
Tracy M., 23, corps member, Sunoco Team at South Philadelphia HS
I am now an AmeriCorps member serving with City Year Greater Philadelphia. All corps members work in teams to enhance the student’s academics skills through full time tutoring and mentoring. Along with tutoring and mentoring there are three main programs City Year focuses on throughout the school year which are Starfish, Young Heroes, and City Heroes. Starfish involves 3rd-5th graders, Young Heroes involve 6th-8th graders, and City Heroes involve 9th-12th graders.
I joined City Year due to my high interest in working with inner city youth. The majority of crime that is committed by youth happens between the hours of 3pm-7pm. There are entirely too many “latch key” children roaming the streets of Philadelphia as well as other major cities. Aside from street engagement many children are steadily failing in their academia. Rather than focusing on ways to rehabilitate youth, I wanted to look at ways I can prevent youth from failing academically as well as engaging in senseless violence.
South Philadelphia High School and SouthWark Elementary school are two inner city schools I currently serve. I am working on several projects for an African American History class and I am mentoring a senior in his senior research project. I also work with the school cheerleading squad and have incorporated my own drum line dance team. I enjoy working with the students at both schools and they are the very reason I continue to wake up in the morning.
Next year, I plan to attend Temple University Master’s of Social Work advanced standing program. I believe education forces people to become successful as well as enable people to break the barriers they are encountered with on a daily basis. I am extremely content with the choice I have made after undergraduate school and I believe my City Year experience will change my life and each of my student’s life.
Tracy M., 23, corps member, Sunoco Team at South Philadelphia HS
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Where I choose to stay
I relocated to Philadelphia from the Midwest. I relied on fellow corps members who were moving into the city from the suburbs to find a place for us to live. I had no idea which neighborhoods were which, or what was a reasonable rent. I wound up staying in University City down at 46th and Chester. It was a great location, but my rent was way, way higher than it should have been for the quality of the building and the responsiveness/helpfulness of the landlord.
This year I moved further north and west, at roughly 50th and Spruce. I dig my neighborhood, but will likely move further south again if I stay in Philadelphia.
To compare the two areas:
• They both have parks. Clark Park is more hopping than Barkan Park, though. Point: University City
• Grocery: There are Fresh Grocers at 56th and Spruce, 54th and Chester, and 40th and Walnut. There’s a Shop’N’Bag at 43rd and Walnut. My recommendation is the Shop’N’Bag or the 40th and Walnut Fresh Grocer. The selection at 40th and Walnut is better than at 54th and Chester, and I’ve had trouble with expired food at the 54th and Chester Fresh Grocer. This location is also between my service site and my home, so it's easy to stop by on my way home. The Shop’N’Bag has pretty good produce. All are easily accessible via public transportation or walking from where I stayed last year as well as this year. My preferred store is easier to get to this year, though, so Point: West Philadelphia
• Laundry: The place I stayed last year had laundry machines in the basement, but sometimes it was faster or I wanted to be in an air conditioned place and went to the Ultra Clean Laundromat at 47th and Baltimore. Now I go to the Laundromat at 49th and Spruce. The one I go to now offers one more minute per quarter for dryer time, so Point: West Philadelphia.
• Public Transportation: Last year, I could take any one of 4 trolleys to get home. If I didn’t catch the 13, which rolls right down Chester, I could take the 34 and walk two blocks south from Baltimore. Or I could take the 11 or the 36 and walk two blocks north from Woodland. I got spoiled on it, because I could be to the office in 30 minutes. This year, I have the 42 or the 21 bus. If I take the 21, I just have to walk a block to catch it or to get home from it. The bus is much slower than the trolleys, and I miss having so many options to get to and from work and play. Point: University City
• Night life: I usually wind up going to Center City or South Street to hang out in the evening, getting food or drink. Yet there are a number of pretty good spots along Baltimore Avenue. Dahlak (www.dahlakrestaurant.com) is an Eritrean bar and restaurant at 47th and Baltimore that made me like beets. I hated beets, or so I thought, until I tried Dahlak. That’s how good this place is. At 50th and Baltimore, there’s a brewery/pizza place called Dock Street (www.dockstreetbeer.com), which is delicious, but the service is terrible. Whether it’s crowded or busy, it’s always slow. Point: Toss Up.
Megan, 24, recruitment senior corps member
This year I moved further north and west, at roughly 50th and Spruce. I dig my neighborhood, but will likely move further south again if I stay in Philadelphia.
To compare the two areas:
• They both have parks. Clark Park is more hopping than Barkan Park, though. Point: University City
• Grocery: There are Fresh Grocers at 56th and Spruce, 54th and Chester, and 40th and Walnut. There’s a Shop’N’Bag at 43rd and Walnut. My recommendation is the Shop’N’Bag or the 40th and Walnut Fresh Grocer. The selection at 40th and Walnut is better than at 54th and Chester, and I’ve had trouble with expired food at the 54th and Chester Fresh Grocer. This location is also between my service site and my home, so it's easy to stop by on my way home. The Shop’N’Bag has pretty good produce. All are easily accessible via public transportation or walking from where I stayed last year as well as this year. My preferred store is easier to get to this year, though, so Point: West Philadelphia
• Laundry: The place I stayed last year had laundry machines in the basement, but sometimes it was faster or I wanted to be in an air conditioned place and went to the Ultra Clean Laundromat at 47th and Baltimore. Now I go to the Laundromat at 49th and Spruce. The one I go to now offers one more minute per quarter for dryer time, so Point: West Philadelphia.
• Public Transportation: Last year, I could take any one of 4 trolleys to get home. If I didn’t catch the 13, which rolls right down Chester, I could take the 34 and walk two blocks south from Baltimore. Or I could take the 11 or the 36 and walk two blocks north from Woodland. I got spoiled on it, because I could be to the office in 30 minutes. This year, I have the 42 or the 21 bus. If I take the 21, I just have to walk a block to catch it or to get home from it. The bus is much slower than the trolleys, and I miss having so many options to get to and from work and play. Point: University City
• Night life: I usually wind up going to Center City or South Street to hang out in the evening, getting food or drink. Yet there are a number of pretty good spots along Baltimore Avenue. Dahlak (www.dahlakrestaurant.com) is an Eritrean bar and restaurant at 47th and Baltimore that made me like beets. I hated beets, or so I thought, until I tried Dahlak. That’s how good this place is. At 50th and Baltimore, there’s a brewery/pizza place called Dock Street (www.dockstreetbeer.com), which is delicious, but the service is terrible. Whether it’s crowded or busy, it’s always slow. Point: Toss Up.
Megan, 24, recruitment senior corps member
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
From Reading to West Philadelphia
To start off with, I went to a high school in the suburbs of Reading, Pennsylvania, while I serve at Overbrook High School in West Philadelphia. So the biggest difference is simply location. My high school was in a small town, and students from the surrounding three towns went there. There are about 1000 students at my high school (also known as Conrad Weiser) while Overbrook has almost 2000. The school building itself at Conrad Weiser was relatively new, as it was built around 2001. Overbrook High School’s building has been around since 1924, which is a very long time. But there are more differences than just a few statistics.
My high school was a predominately white high school, with about one hundred and fifty students of other ethnicities. At Overbrook, ninety-nine percent of the students are African-American. Also there were no uniforms at my high school, whereas Overbrook students must wear either a black or white polo or black or khaki pants. Also Conrad Weiser had three guidance counselors for 1,000 students, while Overbrook has three from 2,000. However, Overbrook also has a Success Center, which has five people who are there to help with college and career planning, which is really helpful for the students. Plus, the attitude at Overbrook is just different from my high school. It was a big shock when we first started serving in our schools, but now I am getting acclimated to it, which helps me be a better corps member.
Meg, 19, corps member, Villa Team at Overbrook High School
My high school was a predominately white high school, with about one hundred and fifty students of other ethnicities. At Overbrook, ninety-nine percent of the students are African-American. Also there were no uniforms at my high school, whereas Overbrook students must wear either a black or white polo or black or khaki pants. Also Conrad Weiser had three guidance counselors for 1,000 students, while Overbrook has three from 2,000. However, Overbrook also has a Success Center, which has five people who are there to help with college and career planning, which is really helpful for the students. Plus, the attitude at Overbrook is just different from my high school. It was a big shock when we first started serving in our schools, but now I am getting acclimated to it, which helps me be a better corps member.
Meg, 19, corps member, Villa Team at Overbrook High School
Monday, January 12, 2009
Finance and tutoring
My name is Frank, I am 21 years old, and I am from Philadelphia, PA. Growing up, I was involved in various activities, including Futures Business Leaders of America, Mock Trial team, and Assistant Manager of Transportation at the School District of Philadelphia.
I am currently serving as an AmeriCorps member with City Year Greater Philadelphia. City Year is an organization that unites a diverse group of 17-24 year olds to give a year, and change the world. Corps members work together on small teams to improve the lives of students and communities throughout Philadelphia by acting as full time tutors, mentors, and role models to children. City Year has changed my life by enhancing my experience as a leader and business manager.
I serve on the Villa team at Overbrook High School. Everyday my team and I tutor students in five different classes, and one or more after school programs. I know that I am making a difference, for I receive special requests to tutor individual students. Also, I am teaching students how to invest in the stock market, etc. This experience is meaningful to me, for I am able to interact with students in low income schools, and educate them in subjects that schools may not be able to afford to provide.
Next year, I plan to attend college at Community College of Philadelphia, and do an internship with Smith and Barney for one semester or more. This will widen my experience in the field I love the most, which is finance. However, at this time I am thinking of doing City Year for another year. I believe that it is good to do service, but to do it right, City Year is all I have to say!
Frank, 21, corps member, Villa Team at Overbrook High School
I am currently serving as an AmeriCorps member with City Year Greater Philadelphia. City Year is an organization that unites a diverse group of 17-24 year olds to give a year, and change the world. Corps members work together on small teams to improve the lives of students and communities throughout Philadelphia by acting as full time tutors, mentors, and role models to children. City Year has changed my life by enhancing my experience as a leader and business manager.
I serve on the Villa team at Overbrook High School. Everyday my team and I tutor students in five different classes, and one or more after school programs. I know that I am making a difference, for I receive special requests to tutor individual students. Also, I am teaching students how to invest in the stock market, etc. This experience is meaningful to me, for I am able to interact with students in low income schools, and educate them in subjects that schools may not be able to afford to provide.
Next year, I plan to attend college at Community College of Philadelphia, and do an internship with Smith and Barney for one semester or more. This will widen my experience in the field I love the most, which is finance. However, at this time I am thinking of doing City Year for another year. I believe that it is good to do service, but to do it right, City Year is all I have to say!
Frank, 21, corps member, Villa Team at Overbrook High School
Friday, January 9, 2009
Philadelphia Museum of Art
When I moved to Philadelphia just before my corps year started, I heard that I needed to go to the Museum of Art. I was encouraged to go on a Sunday, when admission was pay what you will. Somehow, between the Monday through Friday service and serving as a Team Leader in the Young Heroes program on Saturdays, I never made it over. Sundays were for recuperating from a busy week and doing laundry and grocery shopping.
This fall, in my second year with City Year Greater Philadelphia, I had a guest come to stay with me. She and my roommate decided to go to the Art Museum. I let them know I would meet them there.
Upon arrival, I wasn’t shocked or startled by anything. I made my way through galleries of standard looking still-life studies and portraits. I started to notice a difference between this and other art museums as I made my way up a staircase at the end of the building instead of the main entrance. The walls of this minor stairwell were lined with Dutch tiles.
When I reached the second floor, I was amazed less by the art on the walls and more with the installation method. At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, there are a number of rooms that have been relocated and redone in period fashion to illustrate what a medieval cloister, an 18th century French salon, or an Elizabethan English Hall resembled at the time of their use.
I kept walking, growing more in awe of the collections and their presentation. I didn’t care anymore that finding my friends had turned into more of an endeavor than I’d initially counted on. Then, instead of my friends, I found them.
The Constantine Tapestries. Looming, immense and looking down at the main staircase.
Looking at these billboard-sized panels of fabric, each telling a different scene from the life of the Roman emperor, my eyes started tearing up. I am no artist. My interests often lay more within the realm of history or science museums than art. Yet, seeing these immense, beautiful and toiled over works inspired me. My visceral reaction to these tapestries made me want to return to the museum again and again to appreciate the art and atmosphere that this particular museum had to offer. This is why the Philadelphia Museum of Art is my favorite in Philadelphia, and is well worth going to for full price or on pay what you will Sunday.
Megan, 24, recruitment senior corps member
This fall, in my second year with City Year Greater Philadelphia, I had a guest come to stay with me. She and my roommate decided to go to the Art Museum. I let them know I would meet them there.
Upon arrival, I wasn’t shocked or startled by anything. I made my way through galleries of standard looking still-life studies and portraits. I started to notice a difference between this and other art museums as I made my way up a staircase at the end of the building instead of the main entrance. The walls of this minor stairwell were lined with Dutch tiles.
When I reached the second floor, I was amazed less by the art on the walls and more with the installation method. At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, there are a number of rooms that have been relocated and redone in period fashion to illustrate what a medieval cloister, an 18th century French salon, or an Elizabethan English Hall resembled at the time of their use.
I kept walking, growing more in awe of the collections and their presentation. I didn’t care anymore that finding my friends had turned into more of an endeavor than I’d initially counted on. Then, instead of my friends, I found them.
The Constantine Tapestries. Looming, immense and looking down at the main staircase.
Looking at these billboard-sized panels of fabric, each telling a different scene from the life of the Roman emperor, my eyes started tearing up. I am no artist. My interests often lay more within the realm of history or science museums than art. Yet, seeing these immense, beautiful and toiled over works inspired me. My visceral reaction to these tapestries made me want to return to the museum again and again to appreciate the art and atmosphere that this particular museum had to offer. This is why the Philadelphia Museum of Art is my favorite in Philadelphia, and is well worth going to for full price or on pay what you will Sunday.
Megan, 24, recruitment senior corps member
Thursday, January 8, 2009
CY 101: Hands Up
City Year Greater Philadelphia rolls deep. With 300 corps members serving in 2009-2010, that is a lot of people-oriented people in one place. Many CY corps members are natural talkers, which leads to a lot of conversation and a lot of noise. One of the power tools that has developed over the last 20 years is Hands Up. It is a straight forward, simple way to get everyone in a large group to quiet down.
Hands Up is just what it sounds like: The person trying to quiet the room raises his or her hand, others notice, put up their hands and close their mouths. Simply put, as hands go up, mouths go quiet. This is effective because even in a large group where people may not all be facing the same way.
Hands Up works well with students and Heroes as well as it does with corps members.
Hands Up is just what it sounds like: The person trying to quiet the room raises his or her hand, others notice, put up their hands and close their mouths. Simply put, as hands go up, mouths go quiet. This is effective because even in a large group where people may not all be facing the same way.
Hands Up works well with students and Heroes as well as it does with corps members.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
In Class Discussion
We began to read “Fight the Power” by Public Enemy and I’m afraid of the song’s sensitivity. The teacher standing with a look that says “I hope they’re feeling me.” We get to the end and out of the mouth of Destiny comes. This song is about being free and having freedom, but we’re still not free even today. I’m stuck and not sure of what to say, and then, I notice Lawrence throwing up his fist and I’m wondering this…
Is there Passion here?
Does this mean they actually care?
9th graders so elated discussing our current state. This time has been long awaited and I would hate…for this moment to end for fear that another moment like this God may not send.
Tay, 19, service leader, Mastery Charter School
Is there Passion here?
Does this mean they actually care?
9th graders so elated discussing our current state. This time has been long awaited and I would hate…for this moment to end for fear that another moment like this God may not send.
Tay, 19, service leader, Mastery Charter School
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
West Philadelphia and the cusp of University City
One of the things I like about Philly is all the things to explore in the city. There are many museums, and historically relevant places so if your a history nut this is the town for you (Independence Hall and the Mutter Musuem come readily to mind)
I love the architecture throughout town, but especially in Center City. When one walks downtown, it appears as if you’re looking at a magnificent painted background. The buildings still display the workmanship of an era gone past, and this is especially salient to me because I bemoan the loss of beautiful architecture.
On a related note, one of my favorite things to do is to just to walk around. Philly is a fairly easy town to navigate ionce you realize that the zero point for north-south notation is Market Street, and for east-west notation is Broad Street. I frequently do not know where I am, but I am never lost. I can find my way home from anywhere in the city, and that is certainly a comforting thing to whether one is a homebody or a nomad.
I live in University City/West Philly, close to the Penn campus and it’s a really nice part of town for a number of reasons. The neighborhood is as charming as the day is long-a farmer's market comes to Clark Park every Thursday and Saturday. There are several pizza joints around, all of which are good. In fact, I have become fairly acquainted with the folks at Fiesta, which is a Bangladeshi-run, Mexican-named Italian pizza restaurant. How can you not love that? Also, there are plenty of Eithiopian restaurants, which combine the maximum of both health and taste. Delectably salubrious indeed!
The trolleys of West Philadelphia have a rather quaint attraction to them, until you realize four of the five trolley lines converge at 40th street. This often results in "trolley jams", which can make a morning commute across town a little more unreliable. If you do work east of 40th street and need to use the trolley, make sure to build in enough time in your commute to compensate for any delays.
Alex, 18, corps member, SAP Team at Elkin Elementary
I love the architecture throughout town, but especially in Center City. When one walks downtown, it appears as if you’re looking at a magnificent painted background. The buildings still display the workmanship of an era gone past, and this is especially salient to me because I bemoan the loss of beautiful architecture.
On a related note, one of my favorite things to do is to just to walk around. Philly is a fairly easy town to navigate ionce you realize that the zero point for north-south notation is Market Street, and for east-west notation is Broad Street. I frequently do not know where I am, but I am never lost. I can find my way home from anywhere in the city, and that is certainly a comforting thing to whether one is a homebody or a nomad.
I live in University City/West Philly, close to the Penn campus and it’s a really nice part of town for a number of reasons. The neighborhood is as charming as the day is long-a farmer's market comes to Clark Park every Thursday and Saturday. There are several pizza joints around, all of which are good. In fact, I have become fairly acquainted with the folks at Fiesta, which is a Bangladeshi-run, Mexican-named Italian pizza restaurant. How can you not love that? Also, there are plenty of Eithiopian restaurants, which combine the maximum of both health and taste. Delectably salubrious indeed!
The trolleys of West Philadelphia have a rather quaint attraction to them, until you realize four of the five trolley lines converge at 40th street. This often results in "trolley jams", which can make a morning commute across town a little more unreliable. If you do work east of 40th street and need to use the trolley, make sure to build in enough time in your commute to compensate for any delays.
Alex, 18, corps member, SAP Team at Elkin Elementary
Monday, January 5, 2009
City Year today, public policy next year
Every time I had a slumber party at my house, my mom would always come down and yell at me. Not because I was her daughter but because I was the loudest. She would say, “Susan I can’t hear anybody talking but you.” In high school, teachers would say, that they didn’t have to see me to know I was in class because my voice well made it known. In college I was given the award, “most likely to be heard from a 10 mile radius.” Because of all of this I was never proud of my voice. I was ashamed of it. But as time went on I started to realize that I could use my voice to my advantage.
Taking that idea and mixing it together with the desire to help people, I came to the conclusion that I wanted to be the voice for those who couldn’t be heard or speak for themselves. Working with City Year this past year has given me the chance to use my voice for the students that I serve in Philadelphia. I’m able to hear their stories. Stories that I am able to see first hand and see what must be done to change the system that is failing them.
After City Year I plan to continue to fight as an advocate for change in a flawed system. Not only am I being prepared by hearing the stories of my students but also by the leadership training that City Year provides for its corps members. The connections and networking I’ve been able to gain through City Year events and functions are priceless and will help me in the future. I hope to work in some form of public policy setting where I can use my voice for my students and their families, so they can be heard and not ignored anymore. City Year is preparing me on a daily basis for this.
City Year has provided me with not only the chance to put my words be put into action by being a voice for my students, but also by continuing to harvest the idealism that is inside of me. The idealism that I use on a daily basis to know that I can make a difference in this world through my voice. The voice that I once thought would plague all my future goals. But in reality is now the key to my future goals.
Everyday that I put on the red jacket I’m not only using my voice by standing up for the students I serve but also for something bigger, the idea that young people can change the world. Which is something that I love using my voice for.
Susan, 22, corps member, Comcast team at University City HS
Taking that idea and mixing it together with the desire to help people, I came to the conclusion that I wanted to be the voice for those who couldn’t be heard or speak for themselves. Working with City Year this past year has given me the chance to use my voice for the students that I serve in Philadelphia. I’m able to hear their stories. Stories that I am able to see first hand and see what must be done to change the system that is failing them.
After City Year I plan to continue to fight as an advocate for change in a flawed system. Not only am I being prepared by hearing the stories of my students but also by the leadership training that City Year provides for its corps members. The connections and networking I’ve been able to gain through City Year events and functions are priceless and will help me in the future. I hope to work in some form of public policy setting where I can use my voice for my students and their families, so they can be heard and not ignored anymore. City Year is preparing me on a daily basis for this.
City Year has provided me with not only the chance to put my words be put into action by being a voice for my students, but also by continuing to harvest the idealism that is inside of me. The idealism that I use on a daily basis to know that I can make a difference in this world through my voice. The voice that I once thought would plague all my future goals. But in reality is now the key to my future goals.
Everyday that I put on the red jacket I’m not only using my voice by standing up for the students I serve but also for something bigger, the idea that young people can change the world. Which is something that I love using my voice for.
Susan, 22, corps member, Comcast team at University City HS
Sunday, January 4, 2009
From Connecticut to Philly
I am 20 years old, and I am from Guilford, CT. While I was a student at Guilford High School I served with the Girl Scouts of America in a Senior Girl Scout troop that helped a local junior troop. I was also very active in my church, North Guilford Congregational Church, with community outreach missions, various music groups and as a Sunday school teacher. I have always felt that my hometown is very welcoming and understanding not because of the residents but because of the community we’ve built.
I am currently serving as an AmeriCorps member with City Year Greater Philadelphia. City Year is an organization that unites a diverse group of 17-24 year olds for a year of community service. Corps members work together on small teams to improve the lives of students and communities throughout Philadelphia by acting as full time tutors, mentors, and role models to children.
I serve on the Aramark Team at H.R. Edmunds K-8 school. Every day my team and I work with 4th-8th graders. I currently work with 6th to 8th graders in small math and reading groups, as well as offering in class support. We also run after-school programs and social events to help build school spirit. I joined City Year to give kids a chance at the same opportunities I had growing up in Guilford and help them get the best out of their educations. I enjoy knowing that we are working to make school a place where the students feel safe, want to come and learn so much while having fun. I know that I am making a difference because I can see the impact on my students on a day to day basis.
Since I began my service there have been a couple of students who have stood out to me. One student in particular, a 7th grader named KJ was a trouble maker and refused to do his work before I began working in his class. One day, I sat down next to KJ, waited until he opened his book and when he didn’t I asked him if he liked social studies. Much to my surprise, he replied that he loved social studies but thought that it was not cool to get his work done. I encouraged him to complete his assignments and told him how important it was to be prepared for the test he would have next week. Together we finished the assignments and when I walked into class the next day K.J. was doing his class work without anyone asking him to. After he finished KJ sat calmly without distracting other students in the class. I am so proud to be working at City Year and to have had the chance to have an impact on students like KJ.
With the next 8 months ahead I hope that I can continue to make a difference, and come home with a journal full of stories like KJ’s that will prove that it’s the simple things in life that matter the most.
Carol M., 20, corps member, Aramark team at Edmunds Elementary
I am currently serving as an AmeriCorps member with City Year Greater Philadelphia. City Year is an organization that unites a diverse group of 17-24 year olds for a year of community service. Corps members work together on small teams to improve the lives of students and communities throughout Philadelphia by acting as full time tutors, mentors, and role models to children.
I serve on the Aramark Team at H.R. Edmunds K-8 school. Every day my team and I work with 4th-8th graders. I currently work with 6th to 8th graders in small math and reading groups, as well as offering in class support. We also run after-school programs and social events to help build school spirit. I joined City Year to give kids a chance at the same opportunities I had growing up in Guilford and help them get the best out of their educations. I enjoy knowing that we are working to make school a place where the students feel safe, want to come and learn so much while having fun. I know that I am making a difference because I can see the impact on my students on a day to day basis.
Since I began my service there have been a couple of students who have stood out to me. One student in particular, a 7th grader named KJ was a trouble maker and refused to do his work before I began working in his class. One day, I sat down next to KJ, waited until he opened his book and when he didn’t I asked him if he liked social studies. Much to my surprise, he replied that he loved social studies but thought that it was not cool to get his work done. I encouraged him to complete his assignments and told him how important it was to be prepared for the test he would have next week. Together we finished the assignments and when I walked into class the next day K.J. was doing his class work without anyone asking him to. After he finished KJ sat calmly without distracting other students in the class. I am so proud to be working at City Year and to have had the chance to have an impact on students like KJ.
With the next 8 months ahead I hope that I can continue to make a difference, and come home with a journal full of stories like KJ’s that will prove that it’s the simple things in life that matter the most.
Carol M., 20, corps member, Aramark team at Edmunds Elementary
Saturday, January 3, 2009
CY 101: Front-Most, Center-Most
One of the hallmarks of City Year is Power Courtesy. Part of that is making sure that we are always respectful to one another and to guests. One of the ways we show respect is by being Front Most, Center Most. When we are together for a workshop or to hear a guest speaker, City Year corps members fill the seats from front and center.
Filling each row from the front shows the speaker that we are ready to listen and want to hear what they have to say. That is why, whether with one of our own or a guest, we always sit Front Most, Center Most.
Filling each row from the front shows the speaker that we are ready to listen and want to hear what they have to say. That is why, whether with one of our own or a guest, we always sit Front Most, Center Most.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Erawan Restaurant
I love Thai food and I love a good lunch special, so it was awesome when I discovered Erawan, , 123 S. 23rd Street. For $7.95, you get a salad, an appetizer or soup, and your main course. There are a couple of tricks about getting the lunch special, though. First off, you can’t take out. You must eat at the restaurant. The second thing is that the service is usually very quick for fewer than four people. If you go to lunch with your whole team, expect to sit for a little while.
One of the appeals of the restaurant for me is that it is a very intimate setting, with pretty orange walls and a low-key atmosphere. The restaurant generally has a fresh flower at every table, which is a nice touch, and I’m really fond of their flatware and dishes. It’s pretty to eat there.
The meal I recommend is getting the Erawan salad (it has a delicious peanut-based dressing). Try either the vegetable spring rolls or the vegetable dumplings (steamed are better than fried, I think). For the main dish, give the Massaman curry with tofu or chicken a try. It is a warm flavor, rich and served with peanuts. If you have enough to take home, don’t hesitate to ask for it to be wrapped. When chicken has a long while to sit and soak in the curry, it makes for excellent leftovers.
Even with taxes and tip, it’s a lot of food for cheap when you get the Erawan lunch special. Plus, it’s less than a full block away from the main office.
Megan, 24, recruitment senior corps member
One of the appeals of the restaurant for me is that it is a very intimate setting, with pretty orange walls and a low-key atmosphere. The restaurant generally has a fresh flower at every table, which is a nice touch, and I’m really fond of their flatware and dishes. It’s pretty to eat there.
The meal I recommend is getting the Erawan salad (it has a delicious peanut-based dressing). Try either the vegetable spring rolls or the vegetable dumplings (steamed are better than fried, I think). For the main dish, give the Massaman curry with tofu or chicken a try. It is a warm flavor, rich and served with peanuts. If you have enough to take home, don’t hesitate to ask for it to be wrapped. When chicken has a long while to sit and soak in the curry, it makes for excellent leftovers.
Even with taxes and tip, it’s a lot of food for cheap when you get the Erawan lunch special. Plus, it’s less than a full block away from the main office.
Megan, 24, recruitment senior corps member
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