During the month of May, City Year joins the Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in paying tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America’s history and are instrumental in its future success.
Corps members often demonstrate a level of cultural competency, lead in culturally sensitive ways, and develop authentic connections to the diverse group of students with whom they work in our most challenged U.S. public schools. City Year corps members – 7% of whom are Asian – are significant, but often overlooked leaders in the education arena. In this challenging social, political, and economic environment, we are called to continue our track record of ensuring a diverse corps.
We celebrate the work of two of our dynamic corps members, Jessica Mah and David Chang. We caught up with them to learn more about what led them to City Year and why they think other young Asian Americans should consider a year of service.
What made you decide to serve with City Year?
JM: Every child deserves to not only dream big, but also to be provided the foundation and skills necessary to achieve those dreams. I believe that a solid foundation begins with a quality education that occurs both inside and outside the academic classroom. Today’s youth are the future of our world and as an adult I believe it is my responsibility to set our children up for success.
DC: I decided to serve with City Year because I’m aligned with the mission to address the national dropout crisis through the power of developing relationships to propel students to success. City Year provides the opportunity to serve students beyond the classroom and is an organization that infuses energy and optimism across the city of Boston.
What was the most rewarding experience you’ve had as a City Year corps member?
JM: My most rewarding experience was towards the end of my corps year when my most challenging student, who didn’t want to even pick up a pencil in the beginning of the year, started to show improvements in his academic performance and classroom behavior. This was not only a testament to my hard work throughout the year but most importantly I learned the value of patience, perseverance and never losing the human aspect of our work. Seeing my students succeed was an incredibly rewarding feeling, but I will be forever grateful for the impact they had on my life.
DC: The most rewarding experience has been watching the 7th graders I served as a corps member mature into young adults as 8th graders as I serve as a Team Leader. It has been exciting seeing them prepare for high school and beyond and take ownership over their education by using the skills I helped them develop during my corps year.
Did your family have any reservations about you deciding to serve? If so, how did you address them?
JM: Before I started my corps year, my family did have reservations about my decision to serve. However, once they fully understood City Year’s mission and realized how established the organization is, they were extremely supportive. They saw how happy I was serving with City Year and were proud of me for pursuing what I believed in.
DC: My family has always been very supportive of my time at City Year. I would not have been able to serve without them!
What is are your post City Year plans and how does your City Year experience fit in with your future career plans?
JM: I would love to stay with City Year and continue contributing to its success! I firmly believe in City Year’s mission and thoroughly enjoy its culture and values. I also want to continue investing in City Year because I benefited a lot from this organization during my corps and senior corps year. My corps experience has provided me numerous opportunities to step out of my comfort zone, develop personally and professionally and gain transferrable skills that are vital to my leadership development.
DC: My plan is to continue to be able to serve youth and close the education gap. My City Year experience has been the perfect way for me to be able to complement my past experiences and develop skills to lead teams dedicated to making a difference.
Would you encourage other young Asian Americans to serve, if so, why?
JM: I would whole-heartedly encourage young Asian Americans to serve! If one possesses the ability to serve and discovers a cause they are passionate about, why not serve? The development and opportunities one experiences while serving others are innumerable; it’s a win-win situation: you’re contributing to the successes of the community as well as your own.
DC: I believe everyone should consider the opportunity to give back in some shape or form. The more people partner as a community, the stronger the impact we can make in high need areas need areas.
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