City Year is a non-profit organization that unites 17-24 year olds in a year of full time service, giving them the tools and opportunities to change the world. In Chicago, we serve as tutors and mentors for 6th-9th grade students in 13 schools around the city. City Year corps members also plan and execute large scale service events in the communities we serve.
Where do I serve?
I serve at Collins Academy High School in the North Lawndale Community in the west side of Chicago.Who do I serve?
I work primarily with 9th graders, but I am also in an 11th grade seminar, helping the juniors prepare for the ACT. While I primarily focus on the freshmen, I still interact with, tutor and mentor the upperclassmen.What do I do on a typical day at work?
7:30-8 AM: Facilitate "Morning Greeting" (open gym for the students that come to school early)
1st and 2nd periods: I lead the City Year Attendance Initiative at school, so I use this time to work with the Dean and office of Attendance. These are also my morning prep periods.
3rd period: In class with my juniors
Lunch: Meeting with freshmen and talk about their leadership development, grades, extracurriculars
4th period: Lunch for me, and prep period
5th period: In class (World Studies) with my freshmen
6th period: City Year work time, prep period
7th period: In class (World Studies) with my freshmen
To see a more detailed schedule, check out the "Daily Schedule" Page!3-5pm: After school homework help on most days, help out with the Dance Team on Mondays and Wednesdays
Why I serve?
I serve because I have a strong appreciation and love for education. I was born in the small fishing village of Bahia de Kino in Sonora, Mexico, and when I moved to the United States at the age of 6, I was introduced to new opportunities that challenged me and inspired me to spread the power of education. I proudly serve my students with the hope of instilling in them an appreciation for their own education and to help them work towards making the most out of their opportunities.
My City Year Member Profile
My name is Andrea Serrano and I am 23 years old. I currently serve at Collins Academy High School in the North Lawndale community. I was born in Bahia de Kino, Sonora, Mexico, and grew up in Mesa, Arizona. I moved to the United States when I was six years old and my life drastically changed. Moving to the states gave me a deep appreciation for opportunity, especially in education. In Mexico, I lived in a poor fishing village and my elementary school had little to no resources. I knew very little English, just a couple of words that I could pick up from the tourists, so when the move came, I found myself in a cultural shock. I had to learn a foreign language as well as learning to assimilate to a culture that I didn’t know could exist. The challenge was difficult but well worth it. I enjoyed learning and grew a passion for education. I did well in school and eventually went to college, the first of my family from Mexico. This past May, I graduated from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, with a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology. I decided to study Anthropology because of my personal experiences and the passion I developed for understanding the human condition. I wanted to learn how I could best devote my life to helping others.
I have felt very privileged in my life to have the opportunity of receiving my education in the states. Most of my family is still back in Mexico and unfortunately do not have the same opportunities as I do. Because of this, I am inspired to support those underserved in education. I proudly serve my students with the hope of inspiring them to appreciate their own education and work hard towards making the most out of their opportunities. I am working hard to help them understand the value of their education and its importance to their success in life.
While I am serving this year to help my students, I know there are many things that they will teach and show me during my City Year experience. I plan on taking that knowledge from the voices of the youth and constantly reference it as I continue my life after City Year. I realize the value of my City Year experience because my eyes will be open to new and creative ways to serve people. After City Year, I plan on applying to the Master’s International program, a partnership between the Peace Corps and a graduate school. I hope to study Medical Anthropology/Global Health while at the graduate school in the states and serve abroad for the second component of the partnership. I wish to conduct my own health related projects while working to understand the culture in which I serve in order to offer the most effective service.
