Looking for an opportunity to give back once you graduate? Check out City Year Milwaukee on Nov. 1

“Own your experience.” Those were the words of wisdom passed down to me by a City Year alumnus during my first few weeks of training. I wasn’t quite sure what that meant, but I felt compelled to do just that. So, I embraced the “squishy” moments, took on the leadership opportunities, jumped into the culture and perhaps the most important, devoted myself to my students.

Those ten months flew by with great speed. So much happened within that time span that has helped to shape my character. As a corps member, I wore many hats with my service to my students. I was a teacher, a tutor, a mentor, an older sister, a counselor, an event planner, and so much more. I thought that I was a patient person before I came to City Year, but my students taught me a whole new meaning to patient. Tutoring sessions could change into conflict mediation at the drop of a hat. However, I learned how to adapt to the ever-changing situations of the day.

While serving as a corps member, I realized that service is something that I want to be apart of for the rest of my life. That is why I am thrilled to be working as a Children’s Associate for the Sojourner Family Peace Center. I am able to combine my love for education and social service with this position. The skills that I developed during my service year continue to help me today. I still use the system of Q2Qs, which we used for detailing meetings and event planning, to keep me organized. Not to mention, my boss is amazed by my ability to ‘in-kind’ or get food donated for the programs that we host, another skill I obtained at City Year.

I am very grateful for my time with City Year Milwaukee. It provided me with a good opportunity for me to give back to my city. I served alongside a dynamic group of individuals who provided powerful service each and everyday. This was a life changing experience that has helped to shape me into the leader that I am today and continue to strive to be for tomorrow.

Written by Alimatu Sirleaf, Founding Corps Member of City Year Milwaukee.


Above Photo: Alimatu Sirleaf (center) with fellow City Year Milwaukee Corps Members on the day of Corps Graduation, including UW-Madison Alumnus, Sasha Moore (far left).

You have the chance to visit City Year Milwaukee Headquarters on
Tuesday, Nov. 1 (3-9pm).

• Meet current corps members, alumni, staff and potential corps members
• Learn about the application process and how to become a corps member
• Hear about the benefits of serving with City Year Milwaukee

RSVP required.
Please contact Greg Iaccarino at gjiaccar@wisc.edu by October 26

Transportation Provided by Letters and Science Career Services for the first 12 students.

Please visit CityYear.org for more information on how to become a volunteer.

Next application deadline: November 15th.