This is when a pocket protector would of come in handy!
Bryan Brown, Corps Member at 116th St. Elementary School
The collared shirt. The khakis. The exceptionally bright yellow bomber. All in all, the uniform isn’t one of the more exciting elements of beginning a year of service with City Year. It’s not what one would consider stylish or in line with the typical dress style of 17-24 year olds, but it is what identifies us instantly as City Year. After five months of wearing it five days a week, the team members of 116th have decided to share their updated thoughts on it.
“After so many washes, the pants have actually become pretty soft and comfortable,” shares Jaclyn Russo. “At the same time, all the washing has also turned my polo shirt into a crop top.” The rest of the team agrees about the surprising level of comfort in the uniform, though some shrinkage isn’t the only problem we’ve run into from all of the washing. “Some of these stains are just not coming out,” Nellie Sandoval explains while showing off her collection. “Agreed” I add, as the uniform really does come to reflect everything you’ve done in it, as most scuffs, spills, and stains really do seem to stick around for good. Though, each mark does serve as a testament to the work we’ve done, be it paint splatters from working a paint station on a service day or pen marks from being more engaged in tutoring a student than making sure the cap was on.
Sometimes service gets messy but paint stains are a small price to pay for beautifuying a campus of a local school.
As Nellie adds, “Kids just instantly light up every time they see the jacket, which conveniently can be seen from a mile away. “ All of us have countless experiences of just walking down the street to hear a voice from afar yell out “CITY YEAR!” Despite the hard times some of the students may occasionally give us, their happy faces and excited calls when they see us walking around always reveal how much City Year matters to them. It might not be the corps members from their school, but they know the yellow jacket means it’s someone who cares about them that they can trust. It’s always a nice feeling getting a shout of approval from a stranger. “Another joy,” Stephanie Orozco adds, “comes from simply not having to worry about what to wear each day.” When you’re waking up early and getting home tired, it really is convenient not having to figure that out, as the rare free-dress day has taught us all.
If your boots aren't scuffed, you ain't serving enough!
We at 116th Street School end up agreeing, that the uniform has grown (perhaps more accurately, shrunk) on all of us. So we make look a little silly, but it’s not as unpleasant to wear as it looks, and most importantly it truly does mean so much to the students and communities we’re all here for.
Check out more posts from 116th St. Elementary School here.
Find out more about serving with City Year on our website.
