be_ixf;ym_202403 d_28; ct_50 YES! I want to make a difference TODAY!

Excitement back in the classroom

Going out to the yard, playing with the kiddos, and connecting with students makes me feel closer to them and it puts a smile on my face. Whether it’s playing an intense round of tag or Simon Says with the younger students or playing four square or kickball with the older students, it’s always a blast to be out there connecting students. Now, whenever I and other AmeriCorps members are walking in the cafeteria or on the playground for supervision, most of the students shout out our names and bring up moments that we have shared in the classroom or on the playground. The older students even crack jokes and tell us about their favorite hobbies when during their playtime or snack time. It feels good to be connecting on a more interpersonal level.

At previous jobs in education, I got a few opportunities to interact with students, but none of those jobs compare to the opportunities afforded to me at City Year. City Year has given me a unique opportunity to actually be in the classroom and on the playground with students. It gives me a powerful feeling of inclusion in their lives when I’m interacting with them in this way. It’s also more than refreshing to be around so many other AmeriCorps members who share my passions and goals. Not only does it make my work easier, but also much more rewarding. I feel an overwhelming feeling of comfort knowing that I can depend on my school team and other AmeriCorps members to work in cohesion to support students to the very best of our ability.

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