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