City Year Baton Rouge: Everyday Heroes

The most intriguing people in the world are the everyday heroes. They are the ones who rush in to save the day in small, yet overwhelmingly significant ways. 

Today I spent some time with some incredible leaders at City Year Baton Rouge. To me, these people are a perfect example of everyday heroes and I was especially impressed by their enthusiasm and willingness today.  They serve (not work) long hours to enrich the lives of school aged children by tutoring them in math and literacy, provide after school programming, and, most importantly, by being that positive, powerful influence in their lives.  These leaders plan, create, educate, nurture, critique, build, and empower with smiles on their faces and love in their hearts.  They make sure these children have all the tools they need to create bright futures ahead of them.

I can assure you this is no easy task.  As City Year New York alum, I can tell you that life as a corps member is challenging, tough and exhausting.  Most days, I’d wake up no later than 6 am and arrive home well after 6:30 pm.  While at the school, there would be inter-team conflicts, disagreements, failed lessons, and chaotic occurrences. Students facing heartbreaking challenges at home were the hardest piece of the service year to handle.  I just wanted to take their struggles away. 

Looking back, however, it’s funny that I rarely remember the long hours or challenging circumstances.  What I remember most are the faces of the angelic children I tutored, the hugs every morning, the cards and pictures drawn especially for “Ms. Amanda” and the laughter and smiles.  I remember the breakthroughs and when the struggling children found outlets of happiness. Those were the best, most genuine smiles I’v ever seen.

“The days are long, but the years are short.”

I’m looking forward to spending some more time with CYBR in just a couple of weeks. I will be facilitating a training on Conflict Resolution and I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences as a corps member and hopefully giving them some practical tips to navigate conflict that arises.  I’m hopeful that they can learn from my successes and mistakes and appreciate this unique experience from the very beginning. :)

Hats off to all of the City Year corps members, team leaders and staff (new and old).  The work you do is admirable.