A young woman smiles warmly, standing in front of a blurred background that suggests an urban environment.
My journey into community service began in my early years, fueled by a desire to contribute and make a tangible difference. From packing food bags at Helping Hands during summer breaks to volunteering with the Red Cross, I consistently sought opportunities to give back. The shift to virtual volunteering in 2020, necessitated by the pandemic, presented a unique challenge. While I remained committed to serving, the virtual landscape felt detached from the direct community engagement I cherished. Yearning for a more hands-on approach to Serve City, I eagerly returned to in-person service as soon as circumstances allowed. Although I found myself employed and content, a sense of incompleteness lingered. I knew I was meant for something larger, something that resonated with my deep-seated desire to serve city and its people in a more profound way. Discovering a social media post about City Year Little Rock’s hiring, and already familiar with their impactful work within my own school district, I felt a strong pull. A swift application, supported by a family friend’s reference, led to a position offer within weeks, marking the beginning of my immersive experience to truly serve city.
Entering my service year with City Year was akin to stepping into an accelerated learning curve. While training provided a foundation, the true education unfolded on the ground, within the vibrant context of the city itself. Navigating diverse personalities among peers, connecting with sometimes challenging pre-teens, and extending grace – both to others and myself – became daily lessons in my commitment to serve city. The concept of grace, in particular, emerged as a pivotal understanding. Many of my students carried burdens far beyond what I could have imagined, especially at their age. Knowing that these students, initially seeming indifferent, genuinely missed my presence and sought me out in the school hallways became a powerful affirmation. This realization, that my presence mattered in their lives within the city, became a core motivation for my continued dedication to serve city.
The path of service, while deeply rewarding, has not been without its trials. Moments of self-doubt and the persistent feeling of imposter syndrome have cast shadows, questioning the effectiveness of my efforts to serve city. The desire for tangible results and reassurance that my work is truly making a difference has been a recurring theme throughout this journey.
City Year’s use of founding stories, particularly the Starfish Story, as a training tool for AmeriCorps Members deeply resonated with my experience of serve city. The story illustrates a young girl diligently throwing stranded starfish back into the ocean. Encountering an older man who dismisses her efforts as futile, she resolutely throws another starfish into the waves, declaring, “Well, I made a difference with that one.” This simple yet profound narrative encapsulates the essence of serve city. It underscores the power we each hold to effect change, even if seemingly small, in individual lives and within the broader urban community. Understanding that I can positively influence a life, a perspective, or a circumstance has become a driving force. This understanding propels me forward, shaping me into a more compassionate and impactful individual while actively contributing to the lives of young people within my city. The seemingly minor acts – a smile offered to a student’s downcast face in the hallway, a listening ear for someone seeking to be heard – are, in fact, the very reasons I choose to serve city. The demanding hours and challenging days pale in comparison to the rewarding smiles of students whose day brightens simply because I am there, present and dedicated to serve city.
