be_ixf;ym_202403 d_19; ct_50 YES! I want to make a difference TODAY!

If only you knew

This poem is a written reflection that Maraina wrote in the early transition from in-school service during these uncertain times. “As I got to know them this year, I found myself wondering who they’d become, what they’d like, what they’d wear once they were old enough to make those choices for themselves. I wrote this poem when faced with the reality that I might not see my students again, at least not as they were this year.”

To my first grade students:

I wonder how tall you’ll be
or what size shoe you’ll wear.
I wonder if you’ll wear a watch
or how you’ll style your hair.

I wonder whether trying your best
will bring a smile to your face.
Or if you’ll take the easy route
and settle for second place.

Will you still raise your hand in class
to make sure you’ve got things right?
Or will you copy someone’s work
when you know you’re out of sight?

Will you still like your applesauce
and chocolate milk at lunch?
Or do big kids only eat their sweets
And drink Capri Sun Fruit Punch?

Will teddy bears still be your friends,
the ones you bring to school?
Or will you hide them under your bed
because stuffed animals aren’t cool?

How about hugs, will you still want them
or is distance coming soon?
Either way I’ll soak them up
as I greet you outside my room.

If only you knew what you’ve done
to change my life this year.
Some of you would sob with me
some wouldn’t even shed a tear.

But from where I sit I’m lucky
for having known you when I did,
because I met the younger you,
the bright smiling kid.

Maraina Weyl, a City Year San José AmeriCorps member, in a yellow jacket being surrounded by students at her school who are hugging her.

Maraina Weyl currently serves as a City Year AmeriCorps member in San José/ Silicon Valley. She has served the amazing community of San Antonio Elementary School, where she worked with first grade during the school day and in the afterschool program.

Related stories

When I am asked to describe what ‘mentorship’ means to me, I think of City Year. I am reminded of...

Read more about The Value of a Mentor

City Year San José/Silicon Valley spoke with Dr. Robert Balfanz about the importance of social-emotional learning in order for students...

Read more about Social-emotional learning support with Dr. Robert Balfanz

City Year San José/Silicon Valley’s service year has been like no other in our 27 years of service to this...

Read more about A Year Like No Other - Letter from ED

On January 18, 2021, City Year San José/Silicon Valley celebrated the 35th national Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday by organizing...

Read more about A Racial Equity Summit to Commemorate Dr. King
National Strategic Partners
National Partners