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