Life Changing Experience

On September 8th, my City Year Team began its partnership with Jay Cooke Elementary School. At first we weren’t sure of what our journey would entail, however we all had something in common; we wanted to make a difference and that’s what I do in my class everyday. Even though there are some days when I get discouraged and even lose my hope, other days I see my students progressing. The children’s attendance has increased because they know that if they don’t come to school, I won’t stop calling them. Their behavior is much better because they know I respect them and they respect me. Their grades are improving because they know I won’t let them give up. Everyone on my team has had these moments and I feel as though our idealism has continued to fuel us. We’ve only been in these student’s lives for four months and we still have five more to go, but I know already that our passion and dedication will leave an everlasting impression. I look forward to knowing that not only did I change their lives, but also that they are changing mine too.

Abby Hartshorne, Jay Cooke Elementary, Corps Member