Why I Serve – Maya Hirano

Meet City Year Seattle’s Maya Hirano

Student Success Coach

South Shore PK – 8th Grade

Why I Serve

I serve with City Year because I am committed to supporting the well-being of students. In spaces where children outnumber adults, such as at school, having enough adults present to give guidance and mediate conflict is crucial to support a healthy learning environment. Many public schools, especially those that lack funding and resources, are limited in staff who can support their students throughout the school day. Serving with City Year gives me the opportunity to lend a hand in filling these gaps.

As a Student Success Coach with City Year Seattle, I am constantly with my students. I greet them in the morning, play soccer with them at recess, and help them process emotions throughout the day. I also support their learning during class and play a small role in their academic life. Over the first few months of school, I’ve become a familiar adult that they can turn to when they are challenged or need support. Growing up, I didn’t have a trusted adult at school to turn to when I was having a difficult time. Now, as an adult myself, I am evolving into the person who I would’ve liked to have as a young student.

To me, children are joy. Their energy and contagious curiosity give me strength to get through the rough and gloomy Seattle days. I’ve been working part-time with students over the past few years, but City Year has given me the opportunity to get to know and grow with a class of students over the course of an entire school year. The students that I serve have diverse backgrounds, unique personalities, and rich stories — I learn just as much from them as they hopefully will learn from me.

Right now, winter break is just around the corner. While I’m looking forward to resting up before the new year, I’m excited for January to come around. City Year Seattle has chosen the school that I serve for this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. I feel very lucky that one of City Year’s biggest service projects will assist the school community that I’ve been grateful to get to know.

While my service year is far from over, I’ve definitely learned a lot so far. I have more confidence in guiding large groups of students, in building relationships with students and staff, and in making quick decisions throughout the day. I’ve learned more about what goes into facilitating a classroom and how to support a variety of student needs. I’ve also developed a quicker wit to keep up with my students. I hope to continue accumulating knowledge and skills that will propel me forward in my professional career as I plan to continue working with youth.